Member Avatar for Cheeve

Hello,

I am curious about how to root an Android phone without using any one click methods. A Google search returns only how to use programs to do this for you. Obviously there is a security vulnerability that is exploited, but I'd like to know in detail how this is done.

Thanks,
Cheeve

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Quick summary and practical context for and : rooting normally follows two broad approaches — an official/unlock route (unlock the bootloader and flash a custom recovery or patched boot image) or an exploit route (use a firmware-specific vulnerability to gain temporary root and then install a su binary). Modern one-click tools either automate the unlock/flash steps where supported or try a catalogue of device-specific exploits; there is no single universal vulnerability that works across all Android models. (androidauthority.com)

Typical high-level workflow for the unlock/flash route (OEM allows this on many devices): enable “OEM unlocking” in Developer Options, reboot to the bootloader, run the fastboot unlock command (this usually triggers a factory reset), then flash a custom recovery and use it to install a root solution. Example commands (device/model specifics vary): 

adb reboot bootloader
fastboot flashing unlock

Details and warnings about the unlock flow are documented in Android’s bootloader guidance. (source.android.com)

Exploit-based rooting uses privilege-escalation bugs (kernel, system daemons, drivers) to get temporary root and then install a persistent su. Famous historical examples include the GingerBreak-style exploits; these are firmware-specific and get patched quickly, so their usefulness is short-lived. One-click apps that bundle exploits can be convenient but carry security and trust risks — community vetting is essential. (f-secure.com)

Current mainstream practice is “systemless” root (Magisk): modify or patch the boot image to grant su while leaving /system mostly intact, and provide hiding modules for integrity checks — an arms race with SafetyNet/Play Integrity. Rooting typically voids warranty, erases user data during unlock, and can break secure services; for device-specific, step-by-step methods, device threads (as suggested) remain the authoritative source. (github.com)

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Member Avatar for CimmerianX

Each device is different. There is no 1 solution that works for all phones makes/models.

If you are really curious, dive into the XDA forums... http://forum.xda-developers.com/

Member Avatar for Cheeve

Thanks for the link. I guess I'd like to know how a piece of software like One Click Root works. The developers claim that they can root any Android device with that program. So there must be some common vulnerabilities among many android phones, right?

Member Avatar for CimmerianX

Not really. More likely that the software can identify the phone you are rooting and has the proper process for that phone in it's code.

Even Samsung has different procedures for its phones. GS2, GS3, and GS4 all have different rooting procedures.

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