Rooting is the process of unlocking an Android device in order to access higher administrative privileged controls. You can think of rooting an Android device as promoting yourself from a system user to a system administrator. While users often do this simply to gain additional freedoms, the practice also introduces risks that come from greater control over the deeper, more intricate workings of the device.
It is important for security teams and developers to ensure that their apps can detect this security vulnerability. Hackers often root devices or take advantage of devices that have been rooted by the owner to gain access to sensitive user data and other secrets stored in an app’s source code. Insecure data storage is recognised as one of the most common vulnerabilities in the OWASP Mobile Top 10 vulnerabilities list. Detecting this vulnerability is essential to keeping apps safe because it is difficult to guarantee system security and various safeguards after the root.
Is Rooting Illegal?
The legal status of rooting varies significantly across different regions. In the United States, rooting smartphones falls under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act’s exemptions, making it perfectly legal. However, manufacturers may still void device warranties if rooting causes hardware damage.
Many European countries permit rooting when used for interoperability purposes rather than copyright infringement. For example, the UK’s Copyright and Related Rights Regulations 2003 specifically allows software modifications that enable device compatibility.
Businesses should note that while rooting itself may be legal, using rooted devices might violate specific terms of service or security policies. Banking apps, payment systems, and enterprise applications frequently block access on rooted devices to maintain compliance with data protection regulations and protect sensitive user data.
Possible Negative Outcomes of Not Implementing Root Detection
Attackers use rooting to better understand how an app executes (known as “dynamic analysis”) or to modify an app’s behavior while it is running (e.g., to cheat a game). Verimatrix’s data shows that globally, 36 out of every 1,000 Android devices are rooted, posing risks from exploits by attackers and malicious apps.
Rooting an Android device disables some of the crucial built-in security features of its operating system and makes it easier for a hacker to take the app out of its sandbox. Since the sandbox is what traditionally silos sensitive information and keeps it within the app, bypassing this security measure can lead to detrimental damage, including exposure of source code or the execution of unauthorized shell commands.
Potential Threats When Rooting a Device
Rooting a device introduces several potential threats by bypassing built-in security measures. It can expose sensitive user data to malicious apps or attackers who exploit the elevated root privileges. This includes the risk of unauthorized access to system files, insecure data storage, and the compromise of sandboxes that protect apps. Rooted devices are also vulnerable to malware, as attackers can execute exploits or modify app behavior through processes running at a deeper system level. Additionally, rooting often disables important system updates and security patches, leaving the device exposed to known vulnerabilities.
How Does Root Detection Work?
Since a rooted device is much more at risk of being compromised, it is important to implement tools that can detect this vulnerability. Detecting whether the device is rooted or not is essential to ensuring that your apps only execute where, when, and how you want them to.
Automated root detection can easily spot tell-tale signs of a rooted device, such as the existence of these files or unauthorized build tags, and shut down your application when it is running in an unsafe environment. Customizable, flexible tools will also offer the freedom to choose how and when your app responds to a rooted device.
You can use customizable security to block the use of certain features instead of shutting down your entire operation, which ensures that your business isn’t disrupted. Detecting whether an Android device is rooted or not is important for further security measures. On top of root detection, other important application protection methods include anti-tamper technology, runtime environment monitoring, and code obfuscation. Together, these security methods form a strong check network and layered protection that will help your app stand up against various techniques attackers use.
Can a Rooted Android Phone Be Unrooted?
Indeed it can. The process involves removing the root access to restore the device to its original, unmodified state. This can typically be done by using tools such as Magisk Manager, which include options to fully unroot the device. Alternatively, reinstalling the stock firmware specific to the phone model will remove all traces of rooting. It’s important to back up your data before unrooting, as some methods may result in data loss.
Once unrooted, the phone should function as it did before being rooted, including regaining compatibility with apps and services that restrict rooted devices. Additionally, unrooting helps to restore built-in protections like sandboxes and security measures, ensuring the device is less susceptible to exploits by hackers.
Stay Ahead of Cyber Threats with Expert Insights
Sign up for our newsletter to receive exclusive tips and stay one step ahead in the fight against app vulnerabilities.
Related articles: Root Detection iOs (Jailbreak Detection), Jailbreaking, Malicious Software
