MASTG-BEST-0030 Implementing Root Detection (Generic)

• Platform: Generic
• Knowledge: MASTG-KNOW-0027

Root detection is an environment risk signal that helps identify devices with elevated privilege or common rooting artifacts. It is a cost raising measure and it is bypassable, so it should be used only when rooted device risk materially impacts the app.

Apply the relevant root detection techniques described in MASTG-KNOW-0027 based on the app's threat model and risk tolerance.

Best Practices

1. Layer defenses: Pair root signals with integrity checks, anti debugging signals, and backend enforcement.
2. Distribute checks: Place checks near sensitive operations and session establishment, avoid a single centralized gate.
3. Use multiple methods: Combine filesystem artifacts, property checks, process checks, and native level checks.
4. Avoid well-known patterns only: Do not rely only on public signature lists or a single library default configuration.
5. Use proportional responses: Limit high risk operations first, add step up authentication, avoid full lockout when confidence is low.
6. Validate server-side: Use server policy to decide whether to allow transactions, based on risk and user context.
7. Rotate and randomize: Vary which checks run per session and per release, rotate indicators to reduce reusable bypass patches.

Caveats and Considerations

Root detection is inherently bypassable through hooking and patching, and by hiding root artifacts. See MASTG-TECH-0144.

Root detection can flag legitimate scenarios such as custom ROMs, enterprise test devices, and security research environments. Aggressive blocking can push users to modified app builds, and can increase support costs.

1. Overzicht

1.1 Referenties

1.2 Geïdentificeerde eisen

1.3 Gerelateerde regelingen

2. Geïdentificeerde eisen

3. Gerelateerde regelingen

Gekoppelde issues

• OWASP -

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  • OWASP Application Security Verification Standard (ASVS) 5.0.0, Mai 2025, aus OWASP/ASVS: © 2008-2025 The OWASP Foundation, lizenziert unter CC BY-SA 4.0. Änderungen: in Abschnitte aufgeteilt und in das GRCA-Format umgewandelt, der Wortlaut unverändert. Diese Bearbeitungen stehen ebenfalls unter CC BY-SA 4.0.
  • OWASP Mobile Application Security Verification Standard (MASVS) v2.1.0, Januar 2024, aus OWASP/masvs: © The OWASP Foundation, lizenziert unter CC BY-SA 4.0. Änderungen: in das GRCA-Format umgewandelt, der Wortlaut unverändert. Diese Bearbeitungen stehen ebenfalls unter CC BY-SA 4.0.
  • OWASP Mobile Application Security Weakness Enumeration (MASWE) v1.0.0, August 2026, aus OWASP/maswe: © The OWASP Foundation, lizenziert unter CC BY-SA 4.0. Änderungen: in das GRCA-Format umgewandelt, der Wortlaut unverändert, mit den MASVS-Controls verknüpft, denen sie zugeordnet sind. Diese Bearbeitungen stehen ebenfalls unter CC BY-SA 4.0.
  • OWASP Mobile Application Security Testing Guide (MASTG) v2.0.0, Juni 2026, aus OWASP/mastg: © The OWASP Foundation, lizenziert unter CC BY-SA 4.0. Nur die Tests und Best Practices, ohne Codebeispiele, Bilder, Werkzeuge und Apps. Änderungen: in das GRCA-Format umgewandelt, der Wortlaut unverändert; Verweise auf andere Seiten des MASTG als Links zu mas.owasp.org; die Schwachstelle jedes Tests in der Nummerierung der MASWE v1 und mit ihr verknüpft. Diese Bearbeitungen stehen ebenfalls unter CC BY-SA 4.0.
  • OWASP Software Assurance Maturity Model (SAMM) v2.2.0, Juli 2026, aus owaspsamm/core: © The OWASP Foundation, lizenziert unter CC BY-SA 4.0. Änderungen: in das GRCA-Format umgewandelt, der Wortlaut unverändert; Kürzel (G-SM-1-A) aus dem Modell gebildet, die Assessment-Fragen als Prüfverfahren ihrer Aktivitäten. Diese Bearbeitungen stehen ebenfalls unter CC BY-SA 4.0.
  • OWASP Top 10:2025, aus OWASP/Top10: © 2003-2025 The OWASP® Foundation, Inc., lizenziert unter CC BY-SA 4.0. Die zehn Kategorien, ohne die Symbole. Änderungen: in das GRCA-Format umgewandelt, der Wortlaut unverändert. Diese Bearbeitungen stehen ebenfalls unter CC BY-SA 4.0. Die Namen der zugeordneten CWEs (Common Weakness Enumeration): © 2006–2026 The MITRE Corporation. MITRE erlaubt die Nutzung für Forschung, Entwicklung und kommerzielle Zwecke, wenn jede Kopie den Urheberrechtsvermerk und die Lizenz enthält; maßgeblich ist der englische Wortlaut der Lizenz oben und die CWE Terms of Use. CWE™ ist eine Marke der MITRE Corporation.