kernelsu

KernelSU is a kernel-based root solution for Android devices. Unlike user-space root tools, it implements `su` and root access management inside the Linux kernel, which the project presents as a more integrated approach to granting and controlling root privileges. Key capabilities described in the README: - Kernel-based `su` and root access management. - A module system built on metamodules, described as pluggable infrastructure for systemless modifications. - App Profile, which the project describes as locking root power in a cage, i.e. scoping root access per app. Compatibility: KernelSU officially supports Android GKI 2.0 devices with kernel 5.10 or newer. Older kernels from 4.14 onward are also supported, but require manually building the kernel. The project states that WSA, ChromeOS, and container-based Android are supported, and that `arm64-v8a` and `x86_64` architectures are currently supported. A caution notes that recent kernel versions introduced a breaking change that can cause KernelSU to fail and potentially trigger a kernel panic on `x86_64`. Usage documentation covers installation and how to build, hosted on the project website. Translation is handled with LLMs rather than Weblate; new language support can be proposed via pull requests, while changes to existing English and Chinese translations are not accepted. Community discussion takes place on Telegram. Security reporting guidance is in SECURITY.md. Licensing: files under the `kernel` directory are GPL-2.0-only, and all other parts are GPL-3.0-or-later. The README credits Kernel-Assisted Superuser for the original idea, Magisk as a powerful root tool, genuine for APK v2 signature validation, and Diamorphine for rootkit techniques.