[Q] Root on 2.3.6. Why root depends on kernel?

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Can someone explain me why rooting a phone is not possible on all kernels? If I understand this correctly, rooting a phone basically means putting "su" program into firmware (and probably put something like SUID bit on it).

I know that on a new phone the original problem is that to install su you need to have write permissions for system partition which in turn requires root. This circle is normally broken by running an exploit or somehow else breaking into the system.

But once we have root on 2.3.4 and install CWM and 2.3.6, why isn't it possible to install "su" program there? What makes me feel completely stupid is the fact that it's possible to have root with custom kernel on the same firmware.

Dude, please update your information. It's possible, and it's getting the most popular method to root since we got CWM. Moreover there are at least 3 threads where it is written. So just go for it!

Ok, looks like my original vision was fully correct. Just got misleaded by some comments in the 2.3.6 thread. It IS really possible to just install superuser without changing the kernel or installing a custom kernel.

Oh yes it is just flash cam via odin, and then flash su via cwm and voila!

Originally Posted by m.kochan10

Oh yes it is just flash cam via odin, and then flash su via cwm and voila!

I wish we knew it is so easy 2 months ago.

Indeed, but as far as I can remember we didn't have cwm then, just some rooted kernels.

This method itself is easy and pretty common among plenty android devices. That's the way I rooted my old htc incredible s (after I unlocked bootloader). But because cwm was sorely lacking it was a "no go".