Softmod

A softmod (short for software modification) is a method of using software to modify the intended behavior of hardware, such as computer hardware, or video game consoles in a way that can overcome restrictions of the firmware, or install custom firmware.

==Function== Many softmods are exploits combined, known as exploit chains. The first requirement is being able to run unsigned code, known as userland exploits. Web browsers are very common vectors for this, most of which use the WebKit browser engine, which is notably open source and as a result, vulnerabilities are widely known. Another common vector of userland exploit are savegame exploits, which are specially crafted savegame files that exploit vulnerabilities in a game's code allowing for unsigned code. The second requirement is privilege escalation, typically compromising the kernel, unlocking secure parts of the system. Depending on the security architecture, additional privilege escalation may be required, such as defeating a hypervisor.