We have reached the fifth beta of  FreeMyXe , a payload developed by InvoxiPlaysGames to extend the capabilities of the Bad Update exploit on Xbox 360 consoles .

This payload introduces advanced features to the hypervisor and kernel, allowing the execution of unofficial software and the bypassing of some system protections on the Microsoft console.

The Bad Update exploit exploits a software vulnerability through the games Tony Hawk’s American Wasteland and Rock Band Blitz (demo or full game), using a USB stick to execute unsigned code, allowing the execution of Homebrew applications.

FreeMyXe further improves this vulnerability by offering the ability to unlock additional features such as removing verifications, such as XEX signing and Live protection.

It also allows you to extract the console’s CPU key, dump the NAND memory for backup and restore, and use alternative emulators, games, and dashboards like Aurora, XEX Menu, and Simple 360 ​​NAND Flasher.

This combo lets you temporarily transform an original Xbox 360 into a console capable of running custom software, without the need for physical modifications.

The update includes support for running more XEX homebrew files without having to patch them first, while also adding Swedish and Italian translations.

Characteristics

• Show CPU key in foreground (write it down somewhere and save it).
• Allows you to launch and load unsigned content (homebrew, like XeXMenu) directly from the dashboard.
• Allows homebrew to access the hypervisor and CPU key as if on a modified console, which is useful for applications like Simple 360 ​​NAND Flasher and XeLLLaunch .
• Improves homebrew compatibility, reducing errors that return to the dashboard.
• Fixes controller and light ring syncing bug after using BadUpdate.
• Removes <30ms ping check for System Link.
• Allows XeLL to be launched if it is present xell-1f.bin, xell-2f.binor xell-gggggg.binin the BadUpdatePayload.
• Disables USB controller authentication checking (similar to UsbdSecPatch ), allowing the use of some compatible controllers and adapters. This one’s for you, Mario.
• (Beta4 and later only) Disables Xbox Live connection. You still need to disconnect before starting the exploit!

Support for the original Xbox

FreeMyXe patches are not fully compatible with original Xbox games. Before launching an original title, you must run OGXboxPrep.xex, and once finished, you must launch it again. This file is included in FreeMyXe beta4 and later.

Requirements

To proceed, make sure you have the following available:

• Xbox 360 with dashboard 17559 (check in System Settings > System Information ).
• USB stick formatted in FAT32.
• Game “Tony Hawk’s American Wasteland” installed on internal hard drive.
• Required files to download:
  • Xbox 360 bad update retail USB.zip  (from Grim Doomer).
  • tools.zip  (contains XEX Tool for editing executables).
  • FreeMyXe.zip  (latest version of FreeMyXe payload).
• Homebrews like XEX Menu 1.1 Live and Simple 360 ​​NAND Flasher .
• Optional : 7-Zip to extract archives.

Preparing the USB Stick

Formatting the USB stick

• Connect the dongle to your Xbox 360 console.
• Go to System > Storage > USB > Format (to FAT32, erasing all data).

Copy the necessary files to the USB stick

• Download and extract the archive .zipcontaining the Bad Update exploit.
• Copy the Tony Hawk’s American Wasteland files to the root of your USB stick.

Replace the payload

• Download/extract the archive .zip, and copy the file into the “bad update payload”FreeMyXe.xex  folder on the USB stick.
• Rename FreeMyXe.xexto default.xex and delete the old file (if present).

Add XEX Menu to the USB stick :

• Extract “XEX Menu 1.1 Live” .
• Copy the folder code 9999 to the USB stick directory content/000…/(showing hidden items in Windows).

Homebrew Edit :

• Extract the archive tools.zipand use XEX Tool to patch the executables (e.g. default.xex Simple 360 ​​NAND Flasher ) with the command:xextool.exe -m r -r a default.xex
• Then create a folder called appson the USB stick and copy the modified Homebrews into it.

Executing the Exploit

Install “Tony Hawk’s American Wasteland” :

• Start the installation of the game Tony Hawk’s American Wasteland on your Xbox 360 hard drive.

Log in to your profile and prepare to save :

• Use a “player one” profile with a hacked save. The save must be on the USB stick.

Activating the exploit :

• Start the game Tony Hawk’s American Wasteland or 
• Go to High Score Free Skate > No > Annie Skater > Created Park > Load Park .
• Select the hacked save from the USB stick.
• Then click on Play Park . The system will freeze.

Wait for the exploit to complete :

• Set a timer for 20 minutes.
• If after 20 minutes the console is still locked, turn it off, turn it back on to repeat the process.
• Console LED :
  • 2 LEDs: Phase 2 of the exploit.
  • 3 LEDs: Phase 3 of the exploit.
  • Slow alternation: phase 3 in progress.
  • 4 LED: stage 4, exploit successful.

Verification and functionality

Once the exploit is successful, you will see the following changes:

• CPU Key : FreeMyXe will display the console’s CPU key.
• Dashboard : Return to the dashboard.
• XEX Menu : Now visible and functional, allows you to navigate and launch Homebrew.
• Simple 360 ​​NAND Flasher : From here you can dump the NAND and save the CPU key to the USB stick (remember to backup to PC).
• Aurora : An alternative dashboard from where you can launch games like GoldenEye XBLA .
• Emulators (e.g. SNES 360) : Emulators work fine, with achievements unlocked (use an offline profile for games).
• USBDEC : Allows you to use a non-standard controller, such as the DualSense via a Magic NS Light adapter in XInput mode.

Limitations and considerations

• Tethered Mod : The exploit is “tethered”, so every time the console is turned off, you will have to repeat the entire process.
• Boot Time : The exploit is slow to launch and may take multiple attempts (up to 53 minutes in some cases).
• Experimental : Not completely stable. Some applications may crash.
• Disconnecting from the network : It is recommended that you disconnect your console from the network to avoid online security risks.
• Dash Launch : Do not install, as it may brick your console.

Changelog

• Added support for running many more homebrew XEX files without needing to patch them first (signed/encrypted for Devkits, not game “dev builds”).
• Added Swedish and Italian translations.

Download: FreeMyXe beta5

Download: Source code FreeMyXe beta5

Source: github.com