While the kernel is in this crashed state, an app can ask for superuser permissions and be granted them, even though root isn't normally accessible to the current user. Geohot's Towelroot uses an exploit found by fellow hacker Pinkie Pie that causes the kernel to crash on Linux-based systems such as Android. Not only does Hotz's exploit root the G900A G900V S5 variants, it can root any Galaxy S5 and works on almost any Android device with a kernel build date of June 3rd, 2014 or older. So when he hacks a device, he does it in style. Hotz is not just your average developer, he's the guy who brought jailbreak to the original iPhone and unlocked the PlayStation 3. Legendary hacker George Hotz, aka Geohot, has won the race and can now step up to claim his prize. With a root bounty of over $18,000 up for the taking, developers were highly motivated to get the AT&T and Verizon Wireless variants of the Samsung Galaxy S5 rooted.