diff --git a/filesystem/system_image.go b/filesystem/system_image.go
index 15cacfb..69d922d 100644
--- a/filesystem/system_image.go
+++ b/filesystem/system_image.go
@@ -94,9 +94,10 @@
 	return output
 }
 
-// Filter the result of GatherPackagingSpecs to discard items targeting outside "system" partition.
-// Note that "apex" module installs its contents to "apex"(fake partition) as well
+// Filter the result of GatherPackagingSpecs to discard items targeting outside "system" / "root"
+// partition.  Note that "apex" module installs its contents to "apex"(fake partition) as well
 // for symbol lookup by imitating "activated" paths.
 func (s *systemImage) filterPackagingSpec(ps android.PackagingSpec) bool {
-	return s.filesystem.filterInstallablePackagingSpec(ps) && ps.Partition() == "system"
+	return s.filesystem.filterInstallablePackagingSpec(ps) &&
+		(ps.Partition() == "system" || ps.Partition() == "root")
 }