The post details an exploit targeting the Xbox 360's hypervisor, specifically through a vulnerability in the console's update process. By manipulating the order of CB/CD images on a specially crafted USB drive during a system update, the exploit triggers a buffer overflow in the hypervisor's handling of image metadata. This overflow overwrites critical data, allowing the attacker to gain code execution within the hypervisor itself, effectively bypassing the console's security mechanisms and gaining full control of the system. The post specifically focuses on the practical implementation of the exploit, describing the meticulous process of crafting the malicious update package and the challenges encountered in triggering the vulnerability reliably.
Microsoft Edge users are reporting that the browser is disabling installed extensions, including popular ad blockers like uBlock Origin, without user permission. This appears to be related to a controlled rollout of a new mandatory extension called "Extensions Notifications" which seems to conflict with existing extensions, causing them to be automatically turned off. The issue is not affecting all users, suggesting it's an A/B test or staged rollout by Microsoft. While the exact purpose of the new extension is unclear, it might be intended to improve extension management or notify users about potentially malicious add-ons.
HN users largely express skepticism and concern over Microsoft disabling extensions in Edge. Several doubt the claim that it's unintentional, citing Microsoft's history of pushing its own products and services. Some suggest it's a bug related to sync or profile management, while others propose it's a deliberate attempt to steer users towards Microsoft's built-in tracking prevention or Edge's own ad platform. The potential for this behavior to erode user trust and push people towards other browsers is a recurring theme. Many commenters share personal anecdotes of Edge's aggressive defaults and unwanted behaviors, further fueling the suspicion around this incident. A few users provide technical insights, suggesting possible mechanisms behind the disabling, like manifest mismatches or corrupted profiles, and offering troubleshooting advice.
Mozilla has updated its Terms of Use and Privacy Notice for Firefox to improve clarity and transparency. The updated terms are written in simpler language, making them easier for users to understand their rights and Mozilla's responsibilities. The revised Privacy Notice clarifies data collection practices, emphasizing that Mozilla collects only necessary data for product improvement and personalized experiences, while respecting user privacy. These changes reflect Mozilla's ongoing commitment to user privacy and data protection.
HN commenters largely express skepticism and frustration with Mozilla's updated terms of service and privacy notice. Several point out the irony of a privacy-focused organization using broad language around data collection, especially concerning "legitimate interests" and unspecified "service providers." The lack of clarity regarding what data is collected and how it's used is a recurring concern. Some users question the necessity of these changes and express disappointment with Mozilla seemingly following the trend of other tech companies towards less transparent data practices. A few commenters offer more supportive perspectives, suggesting the changes might be necessary for legal compliance or to improve personalized services, but these views are in the minority. Several users also call for more specific examples of what constitutes "legitimate interests" and more details on the involved "service providers."
Amazon announced "Alexa+", a suite of new AI-powered features designed to make Alexa more conversational and proactive. Leveraging generative AI, Alexa can now create stories, generate summaries of lengthy information, and offer more natural and context-aware responses. This includes improved follow-up questions and the ability to adjust responses based on previous interactions. These advancements aim to provide a more intuitive and helpful user experience, making Alexa a more integrated part of daily life.
HN commenters are largely skeptical of Amazon's claims about the new Alexa. Several point out that past "improvements" haven't delivered and that Alexa still struggles with basic tasks and contextual understanding. Some express concerns about privacy implications with the increased data collection required for generative AI. Others see this as a desperate attempt by Amazon to catch up to competitors in the AI space, especially given the recent layoffs at Alexa's development team. A few are slightly more optimistic, suggesting that generative AI could potentially address some of Alexa's existing weaknesses, but overall the sentiment is one of cautious pessimism.
No Man's Sky's "Singularity" update dramatically expands the universe with billions of new stars, planets, and moons within newly generated galaxies. It introduces a new narrative focused on robotic consciousness and the mysteries of the Atlas, along with new robotic companions, enhanced visuals featuring improved lighting and shadows, revamped trading posts and settlements, and a streamlined inventory system. Players can now construct their own robotic bases and explore abandoned derelict freighters. The update also adds new starship technologies and expanded lore related to the game's overarching narrative.
Hacker News commenters generally expressed cautious optimism and some cynicism towards No Man's Sky's "Fractal" update. Several users highlighted the game's history of overpromising and underdelivering at launch, questioning whether this update would genuinely offer substantial new content or simply be another visually impressive but shallow addition. Some praised the developers' perseverance and ongoing support for the game, acknowledging its significant improvements since release. Others debated the technical feasibility and meaningfulness of generating "billions" of planets, with some suggesting it's primarily a marketing tactic. A few users expressed excitement about the prospect of exploring new, more varied planetary environments and the potential for enhanced gameplay. There was also discussion about procedural generation techniques and the limitations inherent in creating truly unique experiences within such a vast, procedurally generated universe.
Pixel 4a owners who haven't updated their phones are now stuck with a buggy December 2022 battery update as Google has removed older firmware versions from its servers. This means users can no longer downgrade to escape the battery drain and random shutdown issues introduced by the update. While Google has acknowledged the problem and promised a fix, there's no ETA, leaving affected users with no immediate solution. Essentially, Pixel 4a owners are forced to endure the battery problems until Google releases the corrected update.
HN commenters generally express frustration and disappointment with Google's handling of the Pixel 4a battery issue. Several users report experiencing the battery drain problem after the update, with some claiming significantly reduced battery life. Some criticize Google's lack of communication and the removal of older firmware, making it impossible to revert to a working version. Others discuss potential workarounds, including custom ROMs like LineageOS, but acknowledge the risks and technical knowledge required. A few commenters mention the declining quality control of Pixel phones and question Google's commitment to supporting older devices. The overall sentiment is negative, with many expressing regret over purchasing a Pixel phone and a loss of trust in Google's hardware division.
Threlte 8 introduces significant performance enhancements and new features to the Svelte Three.js wrapper. A key improvement is the move to a new, more efficient rendering loop using requestAnimationFrame within Svelte's tick function, eliminating unnecessary re-renders and boosting FPS. Version 8 also embraces a new component-based architecture, improving code organization and maintainability. New components like <TCanvas> and <TGroup> simplify scene setup and object management. Additionally, Threlte 8 boasts improved developer experience through streamlined event handling, simplified camera controls, and a revamped documentation site. These updates solidify Threlte's position as a powerful and user-friendly tool for building 3D experiences with Svelte.
Hacker News users generally expressed enthusiasm for Threlte 8, praising its improvements to developer experience in using Three.js with Svelte. Several commenters highlighted the elegance of the new component-based approach and its similarity to React Three Fiber, making it easier to learn and use. Some discussed the benefits of Svelte's reactivity and smaller bundle sizes, while others appreciated the improved documentation and examples. One user raised a question about server-side rendering support, which the Threlte author clarified is being actively worked on. Overall, the sentiment was positive, with many commenters eager to try Threlte 8 in their projects.
Summary of Comments ( 87 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43244739
HN commenters discuss the technical details of the Xbox 360 hypervisor exploit, praising the author's clear explanation of a complex topic. Several commenters dive into specific aspects like the chosen attack vector, the role of timing, and the intricacies of DMA manipulation. Some express nostalgia for the era of console hacking and the ingenuity involved. Others draw parallels to modern security challenges, highlighting the constant cat-and-mouse game between security researchers and exploit developers. A few commenters also touch upon the legal and ethical considerations of such exploits.
The Hacker News post "Hacking the Xbox 360 Hypervisor Part 2: The Bad Update Exploit" (https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43244739) has a moderate number of comments, discussing various aspects of the exploit detailed in the linked blog post.
Several commenters express admiration for the ingenuity and complexity of the exploit. One user describes the work as "absolutely brilliant" and highlights the cleverness of exploiting a race condition during the update process. Another commenter notes the depth of understanding of the system required to pull this off, emphasizing the impressive reverse engineering effort involved.
A significant thread discusses the legal and ethical implications of such exploits. One user raises concerns about the potential misuse of these vulnerabilities for piracy and cheating, while another argues that responsible disclosure allows manufacturers to patch vulnerabilities and improve security for everyone. The discussion around this topic touches on the DMCA and its impact on security research.
Several technical details are also discussed in the comments. Users discuss the specific nature of the race condition exploited, the challenges in triggering it reliably, and the methods used to gain control of the system once the vulnerability is successfully triggered. There's mention of the "CB" or "ColdBoot" exploit and its relationship to the described vulnerability. Some users delve into the specific hardware and software components of the Xbox 360 involved in the exploit.
A few commenters reminisce about the Xbox 360 modding scene, sharing their experiences and memories. One user mentions the excitement and community surrounding these kinds of exploits back in the day.
Finally, some comments focus on the blog post itself, praising the author's clear writing style and the detailed explanation of the exploit. One commenter appreciates the inclusion of diagrams and code snippets, making the complex technical details more accessible.
In summary, the comments on the Hacker News post offer a mix of technical analysis, ethical considerations, and nostalgic reflections on the Xbox 360 hacking scene. They highlight the cleverness of the exploit while also acknowledging the potential for its misuse. The discussion provides valuable context and insights for anyone interested in the technical details or the broader implications of this kind of security research.