Boost Your Android Security: KernelSU Lite Mode and Bypass Banking App Checks

Many banking apps use elaborate detection methods that flag inconsistencies in system mounts, often preventing users with root access from accessing these apps securely. Recognizing this challenge, root manager forks like MKSU and APatch have introduced 'litemode' features that offer selective disabling of mounting operations for enhanced security and flexibility. This article explores the benefits of a 'lite mode' in KernelSU and proposes specific features to empower users.

Popular modules like Zygisk-based ones (LSPosed, PlayIntegrity Fix, etc.) and Tricky Store function perfectly even without system mounts. This highlights the potential benefits of a streamlined KernelSU experience for most users.

We propose the following features for KernelSU to enhance its 'lite mode' functionality:

**1. Optional Mounting:**

- Introduce the option to bypass mounting the overlayfs ext4 image entirely.

**2. Skip Sparse Image:**

- Add a setting to disable the creation or usage of sparse images.

**3. Skip Tmpfs Mount:**

- Implement an option to avoid mounting the temporary filesystem

These features would collectively create a more tailored KernelSU experience, allowing users to:

**Benefits:**

**1. Bypass Annoying Banking App Detection:**

- Most banking apps rely on detecting mount inconsistencies to flag potential root access.

Skipping these operations would enable users to maintain root privileges while using these apps.

**2. User Flexibility:**

- Allows users to choose which KernelSU components are active.
- Enables a 'lite mode' for scenarios where full module functionality isn't required.

Implementation Suggestion:

Drawing inspiration from MKSU's implementation of `nomount` and `notmpfs` flags, or APatch's `litemode_enable`, KernelSU could integrate similar options. These modifications would merely involve conditional checks before mounting operations, ensuring a lightweight and efficient implementation.

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