How to root and unroot the Galaxy Note 2 N7100 using ExynosAbuse

A few weeks back, we heard about the system vulnerability that affected certain Exynos devices and how this vulnerability could make it easy for apps to gain root access without your permission. But, there’s a silver lining to every gray cloud because XDA Developers member Chainfire used this vulnerability to root the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 GT-N7100. Unlike some rooting methods that require you to flash files via Odin, this method only uses an APK.

The Exynos Abuse app, developed by Chainfire and based off the exploit that XDA Developers member alephzain found, allows users to easily root, and unroot, their Galaxy Note 2 devices. More importantly, however, it provides a workaround for this very dangerous vulnerability. The downside to this method, however, is that Samsung already knows about the vulnerability and is rolling out new firmware to fix this problem.

This guide shows you how to root and unroot the Galaxy Note 2 N7100 using ExynosAbuse.

Warning

• The instructions in this guide are intended for use with the Samsung Galaxy Note 2, model number GT-N7100. Applying these instructions on another device or model may produce undesired outcomes.
• The information in this guide is provided for instructional and educational purposes only. There is no guarantee that these instructions will work under your specific and unique circumstances.
• Use these instructions at your own risk. We shall not hold any responsibility or liability for whatever happens to you or your device arising from your use of the info in this guide.
• Read and understand the whole guide first before actually performing the instructions.

Requirements

• Samsung Galaxy Note 2 GT-N7100
• Install a file manager tool on your phone, such as ES File Explorer File Manager.
• Download the Exynos Abuse APK (ExynosAbuse-v1.40.apk, md5sum: be4a373ff2848a16bfb948d7e1d1f7d2) to your phone.
• Make sure your device’s battery still has at least 70% power. You don’t want the device to shut down in the middle of the procedure.
• Backup all personal data on your phone to make sure you have a copy of your personal data (e.g., contacts, SMS, MMS, Internet settings, Wi-Fi passwords, and the like) in case the procedure in this guide erases such data.
  • For backup tips, check our guides on how to sync your data to the cloud and how to create local backups of your mobile data.

Instructions

Rooting using Exynos Abuse

1. On your phone, open ES File Manager and locate the Exynos Abuse APK.
2. Install the Exynos Abuse app.
3. Launch it on your phone.
4. Select Root Device to install SuperSU.
5. If it asks for SuperSU permission, select Grant.
6. Your Galaxy Note 2 should now be rooted. You can select Disable Exploit and Disable Exploit on Boot for security purposes.
7. Open SuperSU and update your binary.

Unrooting using Exynos Abuse

1. Launch the Exynos Abuse app.
2. Uncheck Disable Exploit, Disable Exploit on Boot, and Unroot Device.
3. Restart your Galaxy Note 2 and wait 10 minutes.

Your Samsung Galaxy Note 2 GT-N7100 has now been rooted with the Exynos Abuse app. If you want to unroot your device, you can easily do it using the same app. Keep in mind that though the Exynos Abuse app has rooted your Note 2, this is not a solution to the system vulnerability. If the firmware update that fixes the vulnerability arrives for your device, upgrade to it so that you can protect yourself and your device.