Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
What is rooting?
The default administrative account in Unix-like operating systems is called "root". So, in
Linux, the root user has the power to start/stop any system service, edit/delete any file,
change the privileges of other users, and so on. We have already learned that Android uses
the Linux kernel and hence most of the concepts present in Linux are applicable to Android
as well. However, when you buy an Android phone, it does not let you log in as a root user
by default. Rooting an Android phone is all about gaining access on the device to perform
actions that are not normally allowed on the device. Manufacturers want the devices to
function in a certain manner for normal users. Rooting a device may void a warranty since
root opens the system to vulnerabilities and provides the user with
superuser
capabilities.
Imagine a malicious application having access to an entire Android system with root ac-
cess. Remember that in Android, each application is treated as a separate user and issues a
UID. Thus, the applications have access to limited resources and the concept of application
isolation is enforced. Essentially, rooting an Android device allows superuser capabilities
and provides open access to the Android device.
