KPatch-Next-Module

Overview

Maintained by the KernelSU-Next development team, KPatch-Next is an advanced module that brings live Linux kernel patching to rooted Android smartphones.

Traditionally, any change to the Linux kernel (such as modifying filesystem behavior, disabling security checks, or altering hardware drivers) required modifying the kernel source code, recompiling a new boot.img on a PC, and flashing it via fastboot. KPatch-Next leverages Linux kernel live-patching infrastructure (kpatch / ftrace) to apply compiled binary patches to kernel functions in real-time on a live device.

Technical Architecture & How It Works

Ftrace-Based Function Redirection

1. Kernel Symbol Resolution: KPatch-Next inspects /proc/kallsyms to identify the memory addresses of target kernel functions.
2. Trampoline Injection: Utilizing the kernel’s built-in ftrace (Function Tracer) subsystem, KPatch-Next replaces the entry instructions of the target function with an unconditional jump to the replacement code.
3. Safe Execution: When any thread in the Android kernel enters the original function, execution jumps instantly to the patched code block, bypassing the original logic entirely.
4. Clean Unload: Patches can be dynamically deactivated at runtime, restoring original kernel instructions without leaving lingering artifacts.

Installation & CLI Usage

1. Flash kpatch-next-module-vX.zip in KernelSU-Next or APatch.
2. Reboot your device.
3. From a root terminal (Termux):

   # List currently active kernel patches:
   su -c "kpatch list"
   
   # Load a compiled kernel patch module:
   su -c "kpatch load /data/adb/kpatch/my_patch.ko"
   
   # Unload a patch:
   su -c "kpatch unload my_patch"