Capture listener locally in accept loops to avoid nil deref on Stop

* [management] Add metrics for peer status updates and ephemeral cleanup

The session-fenced MarkPeerConnected / MarkPeerDisconnected path and
the ephemeral peer cleanup loop both run silently today: when fencing
rejects a stale stream, when a cleanup tick deletes peers, or when a
batch delete fails, we have no operational signal beyond log lines.

Add OpenTelemetry counters and a histogram so the same SLO-style
dashboards that already exist for the network-map controller can cover
peer connect/disconnect and ephemeral cleanup too.

All new attributes are bounded enums: operation in {connect,disconnect}
and outcome in {applied,stale,error,peer_not_found}. No account, peer,
or user ID is ever written as a metric label — total cardinality is
fixed at compile time (8 counter series, 2 histogram series, 4 unlabeled
ephemeral series).

Metric methods are nil-receiver safe so test composition that doesn't
wire telemetry (the bulk of the existing tests) works unchanged. The
ephemeral manager exposes a SetMetrics setter rather than taking the
collector through its constructor, keeping the constructor signature
stable across all test call sites.

* [management] Add OpenTelemetry metrics for ephemeral peer cleanup

Introduce counters for tracking ephemeral peer cleanup, including peers pending deletion, cleanup runs, successful deletions, and failed batches. Metrics are nil-receiver safe to ensure compatibility with test setups without telemetry.

.github/dependabot.yml

@@ -1,45 +0,0 @@
-version: 2
-updates:
-  - package-ecosystem: "github-actions"
-    directory: "/"
-    schedule:
-      interval: "daily"
-    open-pull-requests-limit: 15
-    groups:
-      actions:
-        patterns:
-          - "*"
-    ignore:
-      # git-town/action v1.3.x crashes on cyclic PR graphs (self-loop main->main
-      # fork PRs) via its topological-sort visualization. Pinned to v1.2.1 in
-      # git-town.yml; block v1.3.x until upstream tolerates cyclic edges.
-      - dependency-name: "git-town/action"
-        update-types:
-          - "version-update:semver-minor"
-          - "version-update:semver-major"
-
-  - package-ecosystem: "gomod"
-    directories:
-      - "/"
-    schedule:
-      interval: "daily"
-    open-pull-requests-limit: 15
-    groups:
-      aws-sdk:
-        patterns:
-          - "github.com/aws/aws-sdk-go-v2/*"
-      pion:
-        patterns:
-          - "github.com/pion/*"
-      gorm:
-        patterns:
-          - "gorm.io/*"
-      otel:
-        patterns:
-          - "go.opentelemetry.io/*"
-      testcontainers:
-        patterns:
-          - "github.com/testcontainers/testcontainers-go/*"
-      wireguard:
-        patterns:
-          - "golang.zx2c4.com/wireguard*"

.github/workflows/check-license-dependencies.yml

@@ -2,16 +2,16 @@ name: Check License Dependencies
 
 on:
   push:
-    branches: [main]
+    branches: [ main ]
     paths:
-      - "go.mod"
-      - "go.sum"
-      - ".github/workflows/check-license-dependencies.yml"
+      - 'go.mod'
+      - 'go.sum'
+      - '.github/workflows/check-license-dependencies.yml'
   pull_request:
     paths:
-      - "go.mod"
-      - "go.sum"
-      - ".github/workflows/check-license-dependencies.yml"
+      - 'go.mod'
+      - 'go.sum'
+      - '.github/workflows/check-license-dependencies.yml'
 
 jobs:
   check-internal-dependencies:
@@ -19,10 +19,7 @@ jobs:
     runs-on: ubuntu-latest
 
     steps:
-      - name: Checkout code
-        uses: actions/checkout@de0fac2e4500dabe0009e67214ff5f5447ce83dd # v6.0.2
-        with:
-          persist-credentials: false
+      - uses: actions/checkout@v4
 
       - name: Check for problematic license dependencies
         run: |
@@ -59,57 +56,55 @@ jobs:
     runs-on: ubuntu-latest
 
     steps:
-      - uses: actions/checkout@de0fac2e4500dabe0009e67214ff5f5447ce83dd # v6.0.2
-        with:
-          persist-credentials: false
+    - uses: actions/checkout@v4
 
-      - name: Set up Go
-        uses: actions/setup-go@4b73464bb391d4059bd26b0524d20df3927bd417 # v6.3.0
-        with:
-          go-version-file: "go.mod"
-          cache: true
+    - name: Set up Go
+      uses: actions/setup-go@v5
+      with:
+        go-version-file: 'go.mod'
+        cache: true
 
-      - name: Install go-licenses
-        run: go install github.com/google/go-licenses@v1.6.0
+    - name: Install go-licenses
+      run: go install github.com/google/go-licenses@v1.6.0
 
-      - name: Check for GPL/AGPL licensed dependencies
-        run: |
-          echo "Checking for GPL/AGPL/LGPL licensed dependencies..."
+    - name: Check for GPL/AGPL licensed dependencies
+      run: |
+        echo "Checking for GPL/AGPL/LGPL licensed dependencies..."
+        echo ""
+
+        # Check all Go packages for copyleft licenses, excluding internal netbird packages
+        COPYLEFT_DEPS=$(go-licenses report ./... 2>/dev/null | grep -E 'GPL|AGPL|LGPL' | grep -v 'github.com/netbirdio/netbird/' || true)
+
+        if [ -n "$COPYLEFT_DEPS" ]; then
+          echo "Found copyleft licensed dependencies:"
+          echo "$COPYLEFT_DEPS"
           echo ""
 
-          # Check all Go packages for copyleft licenses, excluding internal netbird packages
-          COPYLEFT_DEPS=$(go-licenses report ./... 2>/dev/null | grep -E 'GPL|AGPL|LGPL' | grep -v 'github.com/netbirdio/netbird/' || true)
+          # Filter out dependencies that are only pulled in by internal AGPL packages
+          INCOMPATIBLE=""
+          while IFS=',' read -r package url license; do
+            if echo "$license" | grep -qE 'GPL-[0-9]|AGPL-[0-9]|LGPL-[0-9]'; then
+              # Find ALL packages that import this GPL package using go list
+              IMPORTERS=$(go list -json -deps ./... 2>/dev/null | jq -r "select(.Imports[]? == \"$package\") | .ImportPath")
 
-          if [ -n "$COPYLEFT_DEPS" ]; then
-            echo "Found copyleft licensed dependencies:"
-            echo "$COPYLEFT_DEPS"
-            echo ""
+              # Check if any importer is NOT in management/signal/relay
+              BSD_IMPORTER=$(echo "$IMPORTERS" | grep -v "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/\(management\|signal\|relay\|proxy\|combined\|tools/idp-migrate\)" | head -1)
 
-            # Filter out dependencies that are only pulled in by internal AGPL packages
-            INCOMPATIBLE=""
-            while IFS=',' read -r package url license; do
-              if echo "$license" | grep -qE 'GPL-[0-9]|AGPL-[0-9]|LGPL-[0-9]'; then
-                # Find ALL packages that import this GPL package using go list
-                IMPORTERS=$(go list -json -deps ./... 2>/dev/null | jq -r "select(.Imports[]? == \"$package\") | .ImportPath")
-
-                # Check if any importer is NOT in management/signal/relay
-                BSD_IMPORTER=$(echo "$IMPORTERS" | grep -v "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/\(management\|signal\|relay\|proxy\|combined\|tools/idp-migrate\)" | head -1)
-
-                if [ -n "$BSD_IMPORTER" ]; then
-                  echo "❌ $package ($license) is imported by BSD-licensed code: $BSD_IMPORTER"
-                  INCOMPATIBLE="${INCOMPATIBLE}${package},${url},${license}\n"
-                else
-                  echo "✓ $package ($license) is only used by internal AGPL packages - OK"
-                fi
+              if [ -n "$BSD_IMPORTER" ]; then
+                echo "❌ $package ($license) is imported by BSD-licensed code: $BSD_IMPORTER"
+                INCOMPATIBLE="${INCOMPATIBLE}${package},${url},${license}\n"
+              else
+                echo "✓ $package ($license) is only used by internal AGPL packages - OK"
               fi
-            done <<< "$COPYLEFT_DEPS"
-
-            if [ -n "$INCOMPATIBLE" ]; then
-              echo ""
-              echo "❌ INCOMPATIBLE licenses found that are used by BSD-licensed code:"
-              echo -e "$INCOMPATIBLE"
-              exit 1
             fi
-          fi
+          done <<< "$COPYLEFT_DEPS"
 
-          echo "✅ All external license dependencies are compatible with BSD-3-Clause"
+          if [ -n "$INCOMPATIBLE" ]; then
+            echo ""
+            echo "❌ INCOMPATIBLE licenses found that are used by BSD-licensed code:"
+            echo -e "$INCOMPATIBLE"
+            exit 1
+          fi
+        fi
+
+        echo "✅ All external license dependencies are compatible with BSD-3-Clause"

.github/workflows/docs-ack.yml

@@ -83,7 +83,7 @@ jobs:
 
       - name: Verify docs PR exists (and is open or merged)
         if: steps.validate.outputs.mode == 'added'
-        uses: actions/github-script@3a2844b7e9c422d3c10d287c895573f7108da1b3 # v9.0.0
+        uses: actions/github-script@v7
         id: verify
         with:
           pr_number: ${{ steps.extract.outputs.pr_number }}

.github/workflows/forum.yml

@@ -8,10 +8,11 @@ jobs:
   post:
     runs-on: ubuntu-latest
     steps:
-      - uses: roots/discourse-topic-github-release-action@557d74ea05b6cc0c47f555c1d5d28a89d904005b # v1.1.0
+      - uses: roots/discourse-topic-github-release-action@main
         with:
           discourse-api-key: ${{ secrets.DISCOURSE_RELEASES_API_KEY }}
           discourse-base-url: https://forum.netbird.io
           discourse-author-username: NetBird
           discourse-category: 17
-          discourse-tags: releases
+          discourse-tags:
+            releases

.github/workflows/git-town.yml

@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ name: Git Town
 on:
   pull_request:
     branches:
-      - "**"
+      - '**'
 
 jobs:
   git-town:
@@ -15,9 +15,7 @@ jobs:
       pull-requests: write
 
     steps:
-      - uses: actions/checkout@de0fac2e4500dabe0009e67214ff5f5447ce83dd # v6.0.2
-        with:
-          persist-credentials: false
-      - uses: git-town/action@3d8b878379abb1ee393fb49865a28b4a6c2cd3b0 # v1.2.1
+      - uses: actions/checkout@v4
+      - uses: git-town/action@v1.2.1
         with:
           skip-single-stacks: true

.github/workflows/golang-test-darwin.yml

@@ -16,18 +16,16 @@ jobs:
     runs-on: macos-latest
     steps:
       - name: Checkout code
-        uses: actions/checkout@de0fac2e4500dabe0009e67214ff5f5447ce83dd # v6.0.2
-        with:
-          persist-credentials: false
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
 
       - name: Install Go
-        uses: actions/setup-go@4b73464bb391d4059bd26b0524d20df3927bd417 # v6.3.0
+        uses: actions/setup-go@v5
         with:
           go-version-file: "go.mod"
           cache: false
 
       - name: Cache Go modules
-        uses: actions/cache@27d5ce7f107fe9357f9df03efb73ab90386fccae # v5.0.5
+        uses: actions/cache@v4
         with:
           path: ~/go/pkg/mod
           key: macos-gotest-${{ hashFiles('**/go.sum') }}
@@ -46,3 +44,4 @@ jobs:
 
       - name: Test
         run: NETBIRD_STORE_ENGINE=${{ matrix.store }} CI=true go test -tags=devcert -exec 'sudo --preserve-env=CI,NETBIRD_STORE_ENGINE' -timeout 5m -p 1 $(go list ./... | grep -v -e /management -e /signal -e /relay -e /proxy -e /combined)
+

.github/workflows/golang-test-freebsd.yml

@@ -15,31 +15,20 @@ jobs:
     name: "Client / Unit"
     runs-on: ubuntu-22.04
     steps:
-      - name: Checkout code
-        uses: actions/checkout@de0fac2e4500dabe0009e67214ff5f5447ce83dd # v6.0.2
-        with:
-          persist-credentials: false
-
-      - name: Read Go version from go.mod
-        id: goversion
-        run: echo "version=$(awk '/^go / {print $2}' go.mod)" >> "$GITHUB_OUTPUT"
-
+      - uses: actions/checkout@v4
       - name: Test in FreeBSD
         id: test
-        env:
-          GO_VERSION: ${{ steps.goversion.outputs.version }}
-        uses: vmactions/freebsd-vm@d1e65811565151536c0c894fff74f06351ed26e6 # v1.4.5
+        uses: vmactions/freebsd-vm@v1
         with:
           usesh: true
           copyback: false
-          release: "15.0"
-          envs: "GO_VERSION"
+          release: "14.2"
           prepare: |
             pkg install -y curl pkgconf xorg
-            GO_TARBALL="go${GO_VERSION}.freebsd-amd64.tar.gz"
+            GO_TARBALL="go1.25.3.freebsd-amd64.tar.gz"
             GO_URL="https://go.dev/dl/$GO_TARBALL"
             curl -vLO "$GO_URL"
-            tar -C /usr/local -vxzf "$GO_TARBALL"
+            tar -C /usr/local -vxzf "$GO_TARBALL"            
 
           # -x - to print all executed commands
           # -e - to faile on first error

.github/workflows/golang-test-linux.yml

@@ -18,11 +18,9 @@ jobs:
       management: ${{ steps.filter.outputs.management }}
     steps:
       - name: Checkout code
-        uses: actions/checkout@de0fac2e4500dabe0009e67214ff5f5447ce83dd # v6.0.2
-        with:
-          persist-credentials: false
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
 
-      - uses: dorny/paths-filter@fbd0ab8f3e69293af611ebaee6363fc25e6d187d # v4.0.1
+      - uses: dorny/paths-filter@v3
         id: filter
         with:
           filters: |
@@ -30,7 +28,7 @@ jobs:
               - 'management/**'
 
       - name: Install Go
-        uses: actions/setup-go@4b73464bb391d4059bd26b0524d20df3927bd417 # v6.3.0
+        uses: actions/setup-go@v5
         with:
           go-version-file: "go.mod"
           cache: false
@@ -38,10 +36,10 @@ jobs:
       - name: Get Go environment
         run: |
           echo "cache=$(go env GOCACHE)" >> $GITHUB_ENV
-          echo "modcache=$(go env GOMODCACHE)" >> $GITHUB_ENV
+          echo "modcache=$(go env GOMODCACHE)" >> $GITHUB_ENV     
 
       - name: Cache Go modules
-        uses: actions/cache@27d5ce7f107fe9357f9df03efb73ab90386fccae # v5.0.5
+        uses: actions/cache@v4
         id: cache
         with:
           path: |
@@ -115,16 +113,14 @@ jobs:
     strategy:
       fail-fast: false
       matrix:
-        arch: ["386", "amd64"]
+        arch: [ '386','amd64' ]
     runs-on: ubuntu-22.04
     steps:
       - name: Checkout code
-        uses: actions/checkout@de0fac2e4500dabe0009e67214ff5f5447ce83dd # v6.0.2
-        with:
-          persist-credentials: false
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
 
       - name: Install Go
-        uses: actions/setup-go@4b73464bb391d4059bd26b0524d20df3927bd417 # v6.3.0
+        uses: actions/setup-go@v5
         with:
           go-version-file: "go.mod"
           cache: false
@@ -132,10 +128,10 @@ jobs:
       - name: Get Go environment
         run: |
           echo "cache=$(go env GOCACHE)" >> $GITHUB_ENV
-          echo "modcache=$(go env GOMODCACHE)" >> $GITHUB_ENV
+          echo "modcache=$(go env GOMODCACHE)" >> $GITHUB_ENV     
 
       - name: Cache Go modules
-        uses: actions/cache/restore@27d5ce7f107fe9357f9df03efb73ab90386fccae # v5.0.5
+        uses: actions/cache/restore@v4
         with:
           path: |
             ${{ env.cache }}
@@ -162,16 +158,14 @@ jobs:
 
   test_client_on_docker:
     name: "Client (Docker) / Unit"
-    needs: [build-cache]
+    needs: [ build-cache ]
     runs-on: ubuntu-22.04
     steps:
       - name: Checkout code
-        uses: actions/checkout@de0fac2e4500dabe0009e67214ff5f5447ce83dd # v6.0.2
-        with:
-          persist-credentials: false
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
 
       - name: Install Go
-        uses: actions/setup-go@4b73464bb391d4059bd26b0524d20df3927bd417 # v6.3.0
+        uses: actions/setup-go@v5
         with:
           go-version-file: "go.mod"
           cache: false
@@ -183,7 +177,7 @@ jobs:
           echo "modcache_dir=$(go env GOMODCACHE)" >> $GITHUB_OUTPUT
 
       - name: Cache Go modules
-        uses: actions/cache/restore@27d5ce7f107fe9357f9df03efb73ab90386fccae # v5.0.5
+        uses: actions/cache/restore@v4
         id: cache-restore
         with:
           path: |
@@ -237,12 +231,10 @@ jobs:
     runs-on: ubuntu-22.04
     steps:
       - name: Checkout code
-        uses: actions/checkout@de0fac2e4500dabe0009e67214ff5f5447ce83dd # v6.0.2
-        with:
-          persist-credentials: false
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
 
       - name: Install Go
-        uses: actions/setup-go@4b73464bb391d4059bd26b0524d20df3927bd417 # v6.3.0
+        uses: actions/setup-go@v5
         with:
           go-version-file: "go.mod"
           cache: false
@@ -254,10 +246,10 @@ jobs:
       - name: Get Go environment
         run: |
           echo "cache=$(go env GOCACHE)" >> $GITHUB_ENV
-          echo "modcache=$(go env GOMODCACHE)" >> $GITHUB_ENV
+          echo "modcache=$(go env GOMODCACHE)" >> $GITHUB_ENV     
 
       - name: Cache Go modules
-        uses: actions/cache/restore@27d5ce7f107fe9357f9df03efb73ab90386fccae # v5.0.5
+        uses: actions/cache/restore@v4
         with:
           path: |
             ${{ env.cache }}
@@ -285,16 +277,14 @@ jobs:
     strategy:
       fail-fast: false
       matrix:
-        arch: ["386", "amd64"]
+        arch: [ '386','amd64' ]
     runs-on: ubuntu-22.04
     steps:
       - name: Checkout code
-        uses: actions/checkout@de0fac2e4500dabe0009e67214ff5f5447ce83dd # v6.0.2
-        with:
-          persist-credentials: false
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
 
       - name: Install Go
-        uses: actions/setup-go@4b73464bb391d4059bd26b0524d20df3927bd417 # v6.3.0
+        uses: actions/setup-go@v5
         with:
           go-version-file: "go.mod"
           cache: false
@@ -308,7 +298,7 @@ jobs:
           echo "modcache=$(go env GOMODCACHE)" >> $GITHUB_ENV
 
       - name: Cache Go modules
-        uses: actions/cache/restore@27d5ce7f107fe9357f9df03efb73ab90386fccae # v5.0.5
+        uses: actions/cache/restore@v4
         with:
           path: |
             ${{ env.cache }}
@@ -334,16 +324,14 @@ jobs:
     strategy:
       fail-fast: false
       matrix:
-        arch: ["386", "amd64"]
+        arch: [ '386','amd64' ]
     runs-on: ubuntu-22.04
     steps:
       - name: Checkout code
-        uses: actions/checkout@de0fac2e4500dabe0009e67214ff5f5447ce83dd # v6.0.2
-        with:
-          persist-credentials: false
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
 
       - name: Install Go
-        uses: actions/setup-go@4b73464bb391d4059bd26b0524d20df3927bd417 # v6.3.0
+        uses: actions/setup-go@v5
         with:
           go-version-file: "go.mod"
           cache: false
@@ -355,10 +343,10 @@ jobs:
       - name: Get Go environment
         run: |
           echo "cache=$(go env GOCACHE)" >> $GITHUB_ENV
-          echo "modcache=$(go env GOMODCACHE)" >> $GITHUB_ENV
+          echo "modcache=$(go env GOMODCACHE)" >> $GITHUB_ENV     
 
       - name: Cache Go modules
-        uses: actions/cache/restore@27d5ce7f107fe9357f9df03efb73ab90386fccae # v5.0.5
+        uses: actions/cache/restore@v4
         with:
           path: |
             ${{ env.cache }}
@@ -382,21 +370,19 @@ jobs:
 
   test_management:
     name: "Management / Unit"
-    needs: [build-cache]
+    needs: [ build-cache ]
     strategy:
       fail-fast: false
       matrix:
-        arch: ["amd64"]
-        store: ["sqlite", "postgres", "mysql"]
+        arch: [ 'amd64' ]
+        store: [ 'sqlite', 'postgres', 'mysql' ]
     runs-on: ubuntu-22.04
     steps:
       - name: Checkout code
-        uses: actions/checkout@de0fac2e4500dabe0009e67214ff5f5447ce83dd # v6.0.2
-        with:
-          persist-credentials: false
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
 
       - name: Install Go
-        uses: actions/setup-go@4b73464bb391d4059bd26b0524d20df3927bd417 # v6.3.0
+        uses: actions/setup-go@v5
         with:
           go-version-file: "go.mod"
           cache: false
@@ -404,10 +390,10 @@ jobs:
       - name: Get Go environment
         run: |
           echo "cache=$(go env GOCACHE)" >> $GITHUB_ENV
-          echo "modcache=$(go env GOMODCACHE)" >> $GITHUB_ENV
+          echo "modcache=$(go env GOMODCACHE)" >> $GITHUB_ENV     
 
       - name: Cache Go modules
-        uses: actions/cache/restore@27d5ce7f107fe9357f9df03efb73ab90386fccae # v5.0.5
+        uses: actions/cache/restore@v4
         with:
           path: |
             ${{ env.cache }}
@@ -424,7 +410,7 @@ jobs:
 
       - name: Login to Docker hub
         if: github.event.pull_request && github.event.pull_request.head.repo && github.event.pull_request.head.repo.full_name == '' || github.repository == github.event.pull_request.head.repo.full_name || !github.head_ref
-        uses: docker/login-action@650006c6eb7dba73a995cc03b0b2d7f5ca915bee # v4.2.0
+        uses: docker/login-action@v3
         with:
           username: ${{ secrets.DOCKER_USER }}
           password: ${{ secrets.DOCKER_TOKEN }}
@@ -441,7 +427,7 @@ jobs:
         run: docker pull mlsmaycon/warmed-mysql:8
 
       - name: Test
-        run: |
+        run: |          
           CGO_ENABLED=1 GOARCH=${{ matrix.arch }} \
           NETBIRD_STORE_ENGINE=${{ matrix.store }} \
             CI=true \
@@ -451,13 +437,13 @@ jobs:
 
   benchmark:
     name: "Management / Benchmark"
-    needs: [build-cache]
+    needs: [ build-cache ]
     if: ${{ needs.build-cache.outputs.management == 'true' || github.event_name != 'pull_request' }}
     strategy:
       fail-fast: false
       matrix:
-        arch: ["amd64"]
-        store: ["sqlite", "postgres"]
+        arch: [ 'amd64' ]
+        store: [ 'sqlite', 'postgres' ]
     runs-on: ubuntu-22.04
     steps:
       - name: Create Docker network
@@ -488,12 +474,10 @@ jobs:
             prom/prometheus
 
       - name: Checkout code
-        uses: actions/checkout@de0fac2e4500dabe0009e67214ff5f5447ce83dd # v6.0.2
-        with:
-          persist-credentials: false
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
 
       - name: Install Go
-        uses: actions/setup-go@4b73464bb391d4059bd26b0524d20df3927bd417 # v6.3.0
+        uses: actions/setup-go@v5
         with:
           go-version-file: "go.mod"
           cache: false
@@ -501,10 +485,10 @@ jobs:
       - name: Get Go environment
         run: |
           echo "cache=$(go env GOCACHE)" >> $GITHUB_ENV
-          echo "modcache=$(go env GOMODCACHE)" >> $GITHUB_ENV
+          echo "modcache=$(go env GOMODCACHE)" >> $GITHUB_ENV     
 
       - name: Cache Go modules
-        uses: actions/cache/restore@27d5ce7f107fe9357f9df03efb73ab90386fccae # v5.0.5
+        uses: actions/cache/restore@v4
         with:
           path: |
             ${{ env.cache }}
@@ -521,7 +505,7 @@ jobs:
 
       - name: Login to Docker hub
         if: github.event.pull_request && github.event.pull_request.head.repo && github.event.pull_request.head.repo.full_name == '' || github.repository == github.event.pull_request.head.repo.full_name || !github.head_ref
-        uses: docker/login-action@650006c6eb7dba73a995cc03b0b2d7f5ca915bee # v4.2.0
+        uses: docker/login-action@v3
         with:
           username: ${{ secrets.DOCKER_USER }}
           password: ${{ secrets.DOCKER_TOKEN }}
@@ -545,13 +529,13 @@ jobs:
 
   api_benchmark:
     name: "Management / Benchmark (API)"
-    needs: [build-cache]
+    needs: [ build-cache ]
     if: ${{ needs.build-cache.outputs.management == 'true' || github.event_name != 'pull_request' }}
     strategy:
       fail-fast: false
       matrix:
-        arch: ["amd64"]
-        store: ["sqlite", "postgres"]
+        arch: [ 'amd64' ]
+        store: [ 'sqlite', 'postgres' ]
     runs-on: ubuntu-22.04
     steps:
       - name: Create Docker network
@@ -582,12 +566,10 @@ jobs:
             prom/prometheus
 
       - name: Checkout code
-        uses: actions/checkout@de0fac2e4500dabe0009e67214ff5f5447ce83dd # v6.0.2
-        with:
-          persist-credentials: false
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
 
       - name: Install Go
-        uses: actions/setup-go@4b73464bb391d4059bd26b0524d20df3927bd417 # v6.3.0
+        uses: actions/setup-go@v5
         with:
           go-version-file: "go.mod"
           cache: false
@@ -595,10 +577,10 @@ jobs:
       - name: Get Go environment
         run: |
           echo "cache=$(go env GOCACHE)" >> $GITHUB_ENV
-          echo "modcache=$(go env GOMODCACHE)" >> $GITHUB_ENV
+          echo "modcache=$(go env GOMODCACHE)" >> $GITHUB_ENV     
 
       - name: Cache Go modules
-        uses: actions/cache/restore@27d5ce7f107fe9357f9df03efb73ab90386fccae # v5.0.5
+        uses: actions/cache/restore@v4
         with:
           path: |
             ${{ env.cache }}
@@ -615,7 +597,7 @@ jobs:
 
       - name: Login to Docker hub
         if: github.event.pull_request && github.event.pull_request.head.repo && github.event.pull_request.head.repo.full_name == '' || github.repository == github.event.pull_request.head.repo.full_name || !github.head_ref
-        uses: docker/login-action@650006c6eb7dba73a995cc03b0b2d7f5ca915bee # v4.2.0
+        uses: docker/login-action@v3
         with:
           username: ${{ secrets.DOCKER_USER }}
           password: ${{ secrets.DOCKER_TOKEN }}
@@ -641,22 +623,20 @@ jobs:
 
   api_integration_test:
     name: "Management / Integration"
-    needs: [build-cache]
+    needs: [ build-cache ]
     if: ${{ needs.build-cache.outputs.management == 'true' || github.event_name != 'pull_request' }}
     strategy:
       fail-fast: false
       matrix:
-        arch: ["amd64"]
-        store: ["sqlite", "postgres"]
+        arch: [ 'amd64' ]
+        store: [ 'sqlite', 'postgres']
     runs-on: ubuntu-22.04
     steps:
       - name: Checkout code
-        uses: actions/checkout@de0fac2e4500dabe0009e67214ff5f5447ce83dd # v6.0.2
-        with:
-          persist-credentials: false
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
 
       - name: Install Go
-        uses: actions/setup-go@4b73464bb391d4059bd26b0524d20df3927bd417 # v6.3.0
+        uses: actions/setup-go@v5
         with:
           go-version-file: "go.mod"
           cache: false
@@ -664,10 +644,10 @@ jobs:
       - name: Get Go environment
         run: |
           echo "cache=$(go env GOCACHE)" >> $GITHUB_ENV
-          echo "modcache=$(go env GOMODCACHE)" >> $GITHUB_ENV
+          echo "modcache=$(go env GOMODCACHE)" >> $GITHUB_ENV     
 
       - name: Cache Go modules
-        uses: actions/cache/restore@27d5ce7f107fe9357f9df03efb73ab90386fccae # v5.0.5
+        uses: actions/cache/restore@v4
         with:
           path: |
             ${{ env.cache }}

.github/workflows/golang-test-windows.yml

@@ -18,12 +18,10 @@ jobs:
     runs-on: windows-latest
     steps:
       - name: Checkout code
-        uses: actions/checkout@de0fac2e4500dabe0009e67214ff5f5447ce83dd # v6.0.2
-        with:
-          persist-credentials: false
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
 
       - name: Install Go
-        uses: actions/setup-go@4b73464bb391d4059bd26b0524d20df3927bd417 # v6.3.0
+        uses: actions/setup-go@v5
         id: go
         with:
           go-version-file: "go.mod"
@@ -35,7 +33,7 @@ jobs:
           echo "modcache=$(go env GOMODCACHE)" >> $env:GITHUB_ENV
 
       - name: Cache Go modules
-        uses: actions/cache@27d5ce7f107fe9357f9df03efb73ab90386fccae # v5.0.5
+        uses: actions/cache@v4
         with:
           path: |
             ${{ env.cache }}
@@ -46,15 +44,16 @@ jobs:
             ${{ runner.os }}-go-
 
       - name: Download wintun
+        uses: carlosperate/download-file-action@v2
         id: download-wintun
-        uses: netbirdio/shared-actions/actions/win-download-and-verify@be5df6047383da2236e02243cceb857d8567c27e # v0.0.2
         with:
-          url: https://pkgs.netbird.io/wintun/wintun-0.14.1.zip
-          destination: ${{ env.downloadPath }}\wintun.zip
-          sha256: 07c256185d6ee3652e09fa55c0b673e2624b565e02c4b9091c79ca7d2f24ef51
+          file-url: https://pkgs.netbird.io/wintun/wintun-0.14.1.zip
+          file-name: wintun.zip
+          location: ${{ env.downloadPath }}
+          sha256: '07c256185d6ee3652e09fa55c0b673e2624b565e02c4b9091c79ca7d2f24ef51'
 
       - name: Decompressing wintun files
-        run: tar -xvf "${{ steps.download-wintun.outputs.file-path }}" -C ${{ env.downloadPath }}
+        run: tar -zvxf "${{ steps.download-wintun.outputs.file-path }}" -C ${{ env.downloadPath }}
 
       - run: mv ${{ env.downloadPath }}/wintun/bin/amd64/wintun.dll 'C:\Windows\System32\'
 

.github/workflows/golangci-lint.yml

@@ -15,11 +15,9 @@ jobs:
     runs-on: ubuntu-latest
     steps:
       - name: Checkout code
-        uses: actions/checkout@de0fac2e4500dabe0009e67214ff5f5447ce83dd # v6.0.2
-        with:
-          persist-credentials: false
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
       - name: codespell
-        uses: codespell-project/actions-codespell@8f01853be192eb0f849a5c7d721450e7a467c579 # v2.2
+        uses: codespell-project/actions-codespell@v2
         with:
           ignore_words_list: erro,clienta,hastable,iif,groupd,testin,groupe,cros,ans,deriver,te,userA,ede,additionals
           skip: go.mod,go.sum,**/proxy/web/**
@@ -40,15 +38,13 @@ jobs:
     timeout-minutes: 15
     steps:
       - name: Checkout code
-        uses: actions/checkout@de0fac2e4500dabe0009e67214ff5f5447ce83dd # v6.0.2
-        with:
-          persist-credentials: false
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
       - name: Check for duplicate constants
         if: matrix.os == 'ubuntu-latest'
         run: |
           ! awk '/const \(/,/)/{print $0}' management/server/activity/codes.go | grep -o '= [0-9]*' | sort | uniq -d | grep .
       - name: Install Go
-        uses: actions/setup-go@4b73464bb391d4059bd26b0524d20df3927bd417 # v6.3.0
+        uses: actions/setup-go@v5
         with:
           go-version-file: "go.mod"
           cache: false
@@ -56,7 +52,7 @@ jobs:
         if: matrix.os == 'ubuntu-latest'
         run: sudo apt update && sudo apt install -y -q libgtk-3-dev libayatana-appindicator3-dev libgl1-mesa-dev xorg-dev libpcap-dev
       - name: golangci-lint
-        uses: golangci/golangci-lint-action@82606bf257cbaff209d206a39f5134f0cfbfd2ee #v9.2.1
+        uses: golangci/golangci-lint-action@4afd733a84b1f43292c63897423277bb7f4313a9 # v8.0.0
         with:
           version: latest
           skip-cache: true

.github/workflows/install-script-test.yml

@@ -22,9 +22,7 @@ jobs:
     runs-on: ${{ matrix.os }}
     steps:
       - name: Checkout code
-        uses: actions/checkout@de0fac2e4500dabe0009e67214ff5f5447ce83dd # v6.0.2
-        with:
-          persist-credentials: false
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
 
       - name: run install script
         env:

.github/workflows/mobile-build-validation.yml

@@ -16,25 +16,23 @@ jobs:
     runs-on: ubuntu-latest
     steps:
       - name: Checkout repository
-        uses: actions/checkout@de0fac2e4500dabe0009e67214ff5f5447ce83dd # v6.0.2
-        with:
-          persist-credentials: false
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
       - name: Install Go
-        uses: actions/setup-go@4b73464bb391d4059bd26b0524d20df3927bd417 # v6.3.0
+        uses: actions/setup-go@v5
         with:
           go-version-file: "go.mod"
       - name: Setup Android SDK
-        uses: android-actions/setup-android@40fd30fb8d7440372e1316f5d1809ec01dcd3699 # v4.0.1
+        uses: android-actions/setup-android@v3
         with:
           cmdline-tools-version: 8512546
       - name: Setup Java
-        uses: actions/setup-java@be666c2fcd27ec809703dec50e508c2fdc7f6654
+        uses: actions/setup-java@v4
         with:
           java-version: "11"
           distribution: "adopt"
       - name: NDK Cache
         id: ndk-cache
-        uses: actions/cache@27d5ce7f107fe9357f9df03efb73ab90386fccae # v5.0.5
+        uses: actions/cache@v4
         with:
           path: /usr/local/lib/android/sdk/ndk
           key: ndk-cache-23.1.7779620
@@ -54,11 +52,9 @@ jobs:
     runs-on: macos-latest
     steps:
       - name: Checkout repository
-        uses: actions/checkout@de0fac2e4500dabe0009e67214ff5f5447ce83dd # v6.0.2
-        with:
-          persist-credentials: false
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
       - name: Install Go
-        uses: actions/setup-go@4b73464bb391d4059bd26b0524d20df3927bd417 # v6.3.0
+        uses: actions/setup-go@v5
         with:
           go-version-file: "go.mod"
       - name: install gomobile

.github/workflows/pr-title-check.yml

@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ jobs:
     runs-on: ubuntu-latest
     steps:
       - name: Validate PR title prefix
-        uses: actions/github-script@3a2844b7e9c422d3c10d287c895573f7108da1b3 # v9.0.0
+        uses: actions/github-script@v7
         with:
           script: |
             const title = context.payload.pull_request.title;

.github/workflows/proto-version-check.yml

@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ jobs:
     runs-on: ubuntu-latest
     steps:
       - name: Check for proto tool version changes
-        uses: actions/github-script@3a2844b7e9c422d3c10d287c895573f7108da1b3 # v9.0.0
+        uses: actions/github-script@v7
         with:
           script: |
             const files = await github.paginate(github.rest.pulls.listFiles, {
@@ -20,66 +20,34 @@ jobs:
               per_page: 100,
             });
 
-            const modifiedPbFiles = files.filter(
-              f => f.filename.endsWith('.pb.go') && f.status === 'modified'
-            );
-            if (modifiedPbFiles.length === 0) {
-              console.log('No modified .pb.go files to check');
+            const pbFiles = files.filter(f => f.filename.endsWith('.pb.go'));
+            const missingPatch = pbFiles.filter(f => !f.patch).map(f => f.filename);
+            if (missingPatch.length > 0) {
+              core.setFailed(
+                `Cannot inspect patch data for:\n` +
+                missingPatch.map(f => `- ${f}`).join('\n') +
+                `\nThis can happen with very large PRs. Verify proto versions manually.`
+              );
               return;
             }
-
-            const versionPattern = /^\s*\/\/\s+protoc(?:-gen-go)?\s+v[\d.]+/;
-            const baseSha = context.payload.pull_request.base.sha;
-            const headSha = context.payload.pull_request.head.sha;
-
-            async function getVersionHeader(path, ref) {
-              try {
-                const res = await github.rest.repos.getContent({
-                  owner: context.repo.owner,
-                  repo: context.repo.repo,
-                  path,
-                  ref,
-                });
-                if (!res.data.content) {
-                  return { ok: false, reason: 'no inline content (file too large)' };
-                }
-                const content = Buffer.from(res.data.content, 'base64').toString('utf8');
-                const lines = content
-                  .split('\n')
-                  .slice(0, 20)
-                  .filter(line => versionPattern.test(line));
-                return { ok: true, lines };
-              } catch (e) {
-                return { ok: false, reason: e.message };
-              }
-            }
-
+            const versionPattern = /^[+-]\s*\/\/\s+protoc(?:-gen-go)?\s+v[\d.]+/;
             const violations = [];
-            for (const file of modifiedPbFiles) {
-              const [base, head] = await Promise.all([
-                getVersionHeader(file.filename, baseSha),
-                getVersionHeader(file.filename, headSha),
-              ]);
-              if (!base.ok || !head.ok) {
-                core.warning(
-                  `Skipping ${file.filename}: base=${base.ok ? 'ok' : base.reason}, head=${head.ok ? 'ok' : head.reason}`
-                );
-                continue;
-              }
-              if (base.lines.join('\n') !== head.lines.join('\n')) {
+
+            for (const file of pbFiles) {
+              const changed = file.patch
+                .split('\n')
+                .filter(line => versionPattern.test(line));
+              if (changed.length > 0) {
                 violations.push({
                   file: file.filename,
-                  base: base.lines,
-                  head: head.lines,
+                  lines: changed,
                 });
               }
             }
 
             if (violations.length > 0) {
               const details = violations.map(v =>
-                `${v.file}:\n` +
-                `  base:\n${v.base.map(l => '    ' + l).join('\n') || '    (none)'}\n` +
-                `  head:\n${v.head.map(l => '    ' + l).join('\n') || '    (none)'}`
+                `${v.file}:\n${v.lines.map(l => '  ' + l).join('\n')}`
               ).join('\n\n');
 
               core.setFailed(

.github/workflows/release.yml

@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ on:
   pull_request:
 
 env:
-  SIGN_PIPE_VER: "v0.1.5"
+  SIGN_PIPE_VER: "v0.1.4"
   GORELEASER_VER: "v2.14.3"
   PRODUCT_NAME: "NetBird"
   COPYRIGHT: "NetBird GmbH"
@@ -24,9 +24,7 @@ jobs:
     runs-on: ubuntu-22.04
     steps:
       - name: Checkout
-        uses: actions/checkout@de0fac2e4500dabe0009e67214ff5f5447ce83dd # v6.0.2
-        with:
-          persist-credentials: false
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
 
       - name: Generate FreeBSD port diff
         run: bash release_files/freebsd-port-diff.sh
@@ -53,26 +51,19 @@ jobs:
           echo "Generated files for version: $VERSION"
           cat netbird-*.diff
 
-      - name: Read Go version from go.mod
-        id: goversion
-        run: echo "version=$(awk '/^go / {print $2}' go.mod)" >> "$GITHUB_OUTPUT"
-
       - name: Test FreeBSD port
         if: steps.check_diff.outputs.diff_exists == 'true'
-        env:
-          GO_VERSION: ${{ steps.goversion.outputs.version }}
-        uses: vmactions/freebsd-vm@d1e65811565151536c0c894fff74f06351ed26e6 # v1.4.5
+        uses: vmactions/freebsd-vm@v1
         with:
           usesh: true
           copyback: false
           release: "15.0"
-          envs: "GO_VERSION"
           prepare: |
             # Install required packages
-            pkg install -y git curl portlint
+            pkg install -y git curl portlint go
 
             # Install Go for building
-            GO_TARBALL="go${GO_VERSION}.freebsd-amd64.tar.gz"
+            GO_TARBALL="go1.25.5.freebsd-amd64.tar.gz"
             GO_URL="https://go.dev/dl/$GO_TARBALL"
             curl -LO "$GO_URL"
             tar -C /usr/local -xzf "$GO_TARBALL"
@@ -102,19 +93,19 @@ jobs:
 
             # Show patched Makefile
             version=$(cat security/netbird/Makefile | grep -E '^DISTVERSION=' | awk '{print $NF}')
-
+            
             cd /usr/ports/security/netbird
             export BATCH=yes
             make package
             pkg add ./work/pkg/netbird-*.pkg
-
+            
             netbird version | grep "$version"
 
             echo "FreeBSD port test completed successfully!"
 
       - name: Upload FreeBSD port files
         if: steps.check_diff.outputs.diff_exists == 'true'
-        uses: actions/upload-artifact@043fb46d1a93c77aae656e7c1c64a875d1fc6a0a #v7.0.1
+        uses: actions/upload-artifact@v4
         with:
           name: freebsd-port-files
           path: |
@@ -133,25 +124,26 @@ jobs:
     env:
       flags: ""
     steps:
-      - name: Checkout
-        uses: actions/checkout@de0fac2e4500dabe0009e67214ff5f5447ce83dd # v6.0.2
-        with:
-          fetch-depth: 0 # It is required for GoReleaser to work properly
-          persist-credentials: false
-
       - name: Parse semver string
         id: semver_parser
-        uses: netbirdio/shared-actions/actions/parse-semver@be5df6047383da2236e02243cceb857d8567c27e # v0.0.2
+        uses: booxmedialtd/ws-action-parse-semver@v1
+        with:
+          input_string: ${{ (startsWith(github.ref, 'refs/tags/v') && github.ref) || 'refs/tags/v0.0.0' }}
+          version_extractor_regex: '\/v(.*)$'
 
       - if: ${{ !startsWith(github.ref, 'refs/tags/v') }}
         run: echo "flags=--snapshot" >> $GITHUB_ENV
+      - name: Checkout
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
+        with:
+          fetch-depth: 0 # It is required for GoReleaser to work properly
       - name: Set up Go
-        uses: actions/setup-go@4b73464bb391d4059bd26b0524d20df3927bd417 # v6.3.0
+        uses: actions/setup-go@v5
         with:
           go-version-file: "go.mod"
           cache: false
       - name: Cache Go modules
-        uses: actions/cache/restore@27d5ce7f107fe9357f9df03efb73ab90386fccae # v5.0.5
+        uses: actions/cache@v4
         with:
           path: |
             ~/go/pkg/mod
@@ -164,18 +156,18 @@ jobs:
       - name: check git status
         run: git --no-pager diff --exit-code
       - name: Set up QEMU
-        uses: docker/setup-qemu-action@ce360397dd3f832beb865e1373c09c0e9f86d70a #v4.0.0
+        uses: docker/setup-qemu-action@v2
       - name: Set up Docker Buildx
-        uses: docker/setup-buildx-action@4d04d5d9486b7bd6fa91e7baf45bbb4f8b9deedd #v4.0.0
+        uses: docker/setup-buildx-action@v2
       - name: Login to Docker hub
         if: github.event_name != 'pull_request'
-        uses: docker/login-action@650006c6eb7dba73a995cc03b0b2d7f5ca915bee # v4.2.0
+        uses: docker/login-action@v1
         with:
           username: ${{ secrets.DOCKER_USER }}
           password: ${{ secrets.DOCKER_TOKEN }}
       - name: Log in to the GitHub container registry
         if: github.event_name != 'pull_request' || github.event.pull_request.head.repo.full_name == github.repository
-        uses: docker/login-action@650006c6eb7dba73a995cc03b0b2d7f5ca915bee # v4.2.0
+        uses: docker/login-action@v3
         with:
           registry: ghcr.io
           username: ${{ github.actor }}
@@ -199,7 +191,7 @@ jobs:
         run: goversioninfo -arm -64 -icon client/ui/assets/netbird.ico -manifest client/manifest.xml -product-name ${{ env.PRODUCT_NAME }} -copyright "${{ env.COPYRIGHT }}" -ver-major ${{ steps.semver_parser.outputs.major }} -ver-minor ${{ steps.semver_parser.outputs.minor }} -ver-patch ${{ steps.semver_parser.outputs.patch }} -ver-build 0 -file-version ${{ steps.semver_parser.outputs.fullversion }}.0 -product-version ${{ steps.semver_parser.outputs.fullversion }}.0 -o client/resources_windows_arm64.syso
       - name: Run GoReleaser
         id: goreleaser
-        uses: goreleaser/goreleaser-action@4c6ab561adb47e50c45ef534e2155934e91c40c1 # v7.2.0
+        uses: goreleaser/goreleaser-action@v4
         with:
           version: ${{ env.GORELEASER_VER }}
           args: release --clean ${{ env.flags }}
@@ -290,28 +282,28 @@ jobs:
           } >> "$GITHUB_OUTPUT"
       - name: upload non tags for debug purposes
         id: upload_release
-        uses: actions/upload-artifact@043fb46d1a93c77aae656e7c1c64a875d1fc6a0a #v7.0.1
+        uses: actions/upload-artifact@v4
         with:
           name: release
           path: dist/
           retention-days: 7
       - name: upload linux packages
         id: upload_linux_packages
-        uses: actions/upload-artifact@043fb46d1a93c77aae656e7c1c64a875d1fc6a0a #v7.0.1
+        uses: actions/upload-artifact@v4
         with:
           name: linux-packages
           path: dist/netbird_linux**
           retention-days: 7
       - name: upload windows packages
         id: upload_windows_packages
-        uses: actions/upload-artifact@043fb46d1a93c77aae656e7c1c64a875d1fc6a0a #v7.0.1
+        uses: actions/upload-artifact@v4
         with:
           name: windows-packages
           path: dist/netbird_windows**
           retention-days: 7
       - name: upload macos packages
         id: upload_macos_packages
-        uses: actions/upload-artifact@043fb46d1a93c77aae656e7c1c64a875d1fc6a0a #v7.0.1
+        uses: actions/upload-artifact@v4
         with:
           name: macos-packages
           path: dist/netbird_darwin**
@@ -322,26 +314,27 @@ jobs:
     outputs:
       release_ui_artifact_url: ${{ steps.upload_release_ui.outputs.artifact-url }}
     steps:
-      - name: Checkout
-        uses: actions/checkout@de0fac2e4500dabe0009e67214ff5f5447ce83dd # v6.0.2
-        with:
-          fetch-depth: 0 # It is required for GoReleaser to work properly
-          persist-credentials: false
-
       - name: Parse semver string
         id: semver_parser
-        uses: netbirdio/shared-actions/actions/parse-semver@be5df6047383da2236e02243cceb857d8567c27e # v0.0.2
+        uses: booxmedialtd/ws-action-parse-semver@v1
+        with:
+          input_string: ${{ (startsWith(github.ref, 'refs/tags/v') && github.ref) || 'refs/tags/v0.0.0' }}
+          version_extractor_regex: '\/v(.*)$'
 
       - if: ${{ !startsWith(github.ref, 'refs/tags/v') }}
         run: echo "flags=--snapshot" >> $GITHUB_ENV
+      - name: Checkout
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
+        with:
+          fetch-depth: 0 # It is required for GoReleaser to work properly
 
       - name: Set up Go
-        uses: actions/setup-go@4b73464bb391d4059bd26b0524d20df3927bd417 # v6.3.0
+        uses: actions/setup-go@v5
         with:
           go-version-file: "go.mod"
           cache: false
       - name: Cache Go modules
-        uses: actions/cache@27d5ce7f107fe9357f9df03efb73ab90386fccae # v5.0.5
+        uses: actions/cache@v4
         with:
           path: |
             ~/go/pkg/mod
@@ -382,7 +375,7 @@ jobs:
         run: goversioninfo -arm -64 -icon client/ui/assets/netbird.ico -manifest client/ui/manifest.xml -product-name ${{ env.PRODUCT_NAME }}-"UI" -copyright "${{ env.COPYRIGHT }}" -ver-major ${{ steps.semver_parser.outputs.major }} -ver-minor ${{ steps.semver_parser.outputs.minor }} -ver-patch ${{ steps.semver_parser.outputs.patch }} -ver-build 0 -file-version ${{ steps.semver_parser.outputs.fullversion }}.0 -product-version ${{ steps.semver_parser.outputs.fullversion }}.0 -o client/ui/resources_windows_arm64.syso
 
       - name: Run GoReleaser
-        uses: goreleaser/goreleaser-action@4c6ab561adb47e50c45ef534e2155934e91c40c1 # v7.2.0
+        uses: goreleaser/goreleaser-action@v4
         with:
           version: ${{ env.GORELEASER_VER }}
           args: release --config .goreleaser_ui.yaml --clean ${{ env.flags }}
@@ -411,7 +404,7 @@ jobs:
         run: rm -f /tmp/gpg-rpm-signing-key.asc
       - name: upload non tags for debug purposes
         id: upload_release_ui
-        uses: actions/upload-artifact@043fb46d1a93c77aae656e7c1c64a875d1fc6a0a #v7.0.1
+        uses: actions/upload-artifact@v4
         with:
           name: release-ui
           path: dist/
@@ -425,17 +418,16 @@ jobs:
       - if: ${{ !startsWith(github.ref, 'refs/tags/v') }}
         run: echo "flags=--snapshot" >> $GITHUB_ENV
       - name: Checkout
-        uses: actions/checkout@de0fac2e4500dabe0009e67214ff5f5447ce83dd # v6.0.2
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
         with:
           fetch-depth: 0 # It is required for GoReleaser to work properly
-          persist-credentials: false
       - name: Set up Go
-        uses: actions/setup-go@4b73464bb391d4059bd26b0524d20df3927bd417 # v6.3.0
+        uses: actions/setup-go@v5
         with:
           go-version-file: "go.mod"
           cache: false
       - name: Cache Go modules
-        uses: actions/cache@27d5ce7f107fe9357f9df03efb73ab90386fccae # v5.0.5
+        uses: actions/cache@v4
         with:
           path: |
             ~/go/pkg/mod
@@ -449,7 +441,7 @@ jobs:
         run: git --no-pager diff --exit-code
       - name: Run GoReleaser
         id: goreleaser
-        uses: goreleaser/goreleaser-action@4c6ab561adb47e50c45ef534e2155934e91c40c1 # v7.2.0
+        uses: goreleaser/goreleaser-action@v4
         with:
           version: ${{ env.GORELEASER_VER }}
           args: release --config .goreleaser_ui_darwin.yaml --clean ${{ env.flags }}
@@ -457,7 +449,7 @@ jobs:
           GITHUB_TOKEN: ${{ secrets.GITHUB_TOKEN }}
       - name: upload non tags for debug purposes
         id: upload_release_ui_darwin
-        uses: actions/upload-artifact@043fb46d1a93c77aae656e7c1c64a875d1fc6a0a #v7.0.1
+        uses: actions/upload-artifact@v4
         with:
           name: release-ui-darwin
           path: dist/
@@ -482,26 +474,27 @@ jobs:
       PackageWorkdir: netbird_windows_${{ matrix.arch }}
       downloadPath: '${{ github.workspace }}\temp'
     steps:
-      - name: Checkout
-        uses: actions/checkout@de0fac2e4500dabe0009e67214ff5f5447ce83dd # v6.0.2
-        with:
-          persist-credentials: false
-
       - name: Parse semver string
         id: semver_parser
-        uses: netbirdio/shared-actions/actions/parse-semver@be5df6047383da2236e02243cceb857d8567c27e # v0.0.2
+        uses: booxmedialtd/ws-action-parse-semver@v1
+        with:
+          input_string: ${{ (startsWith(github.ref, 'refs/tags/v') && github.ref) || 'refs/tags/v0.0.0' }}
+          version_extractor_regex: '\/v(.*)$'
+
+      - name: Checkout
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
 
       - name: Add 7-Zip to PATH
         run: echo "C:\Program Files\7-Zip" | Out-File -FilePath $env:GITHUB_PATH -Encoding utf8 -Append
 
       - name: Download release artifacts
-        uses: actions/download-artifact@70fc10c6e5e1ce46ad2ea6f2b72d43f7d47b13c3 # v8.0.1
+        uses: actions/download-artifact@v4
         with:
           name: release
           path: release
 
       - name: Download UI release artifacts
-        uses: actions/download-artifact@70fc10c6e5e1ce46ad2ea6f2b72d43f7d47b13c3 # v8.0.1
+        uses: actions/download-artifact@v4
         with:
           name: release-ui
           path: release-ui
@@ -521,27 +514,29 @@ jobs:
           Get-ChildItem $workdir
 
       - name: Download wintun
+        uses: carlosperate/download-file-action@v2
         id: download-wintun
-        uses: netbirdio/shared-actions/actions/win-download-and-verify@be5df6047383da2236e02243cceb857d8567c27e # v0.0.2
         with:
-          url: https://pkgs.netbird.io/wintun/wintun-0.14.1.zip
-          destination: ${{ env.downloadPath }}\wintun.zip
-          sha256: 07c256185d6ee3652e09fa55c0b673e2624b565e02c4b9091c79ca7d2f24ef51
+          file-url: https://pkgs.netbird.io/wintun/wintun-0.14.1.zip
+          file-name: wintun.zip
+          location: ${{ env.downloadPath }}
+          sha256: '07c256185d6ee3652e09fa55c0b673e2624b565e02c4b9091c79ca7d2f24ef51'
 
       - name: Decompress wintun files
-        run: tar -xvf "${{ env.downloadPath }}\wintun.zip" -C ${{ env.downloadPath }}
+        run: tar -zvxf "${{ steps.download-wintun.outputs.file-path }}" -C ${{ env.downloadPath }}
 
       - name: Move wintun.dll into dist
         run: mv ${{ env.downloadPath }}\wintun\bin\${{ matrix.wintun_arch }}\wintun.dll ${{ github.workspace }}\dist\${{ env.PackageWorkdir }}\
 
       - name: Download Mesa3D (amd64 only)
+        uses: carlosperate/download-file-action@v2
         id: download-mesa3d
         if: matrix.arch == 'amd64'
-        uses: netbirdio/shared-actions/actions/win-download-and-verify@be5df6047383da2236e02243cceb857d8567c27e # v0.0.2
         with:
-          url: https://pkgs.netbird.io/mesa3d/MesaForWindows-x64-20.1.8.7z
-          destination: ${{ env.downloadPath }}\mesa3d.7z
-          sha256: 71c7cb64ec229a1d6b8d62fa08e1889ed2bd17c0eeede8689daf0f25cb31d6b9
+          file-url: https://downloads.fdossena.com/Projects/Mesa3D/Builds/MesaForWindows-x64-20.1.8.7z
+          file-name: mesa3d.7z
+          location: ${{ env.downloadPath }}
+          sha256: '71c7cb64ec229a1d6b8d62fa08e1889ed2bd17c0eeede8689daf0f25cb31d6b9'
 
       - name: Extract Mesa3D driver (amd64 only)
         if: matrix.arch == 'amd64'
@@ -552,38 +547,35 @@ jobs:
         run: mv ${{ env.downloadPath }}\opengl32.dll ${{ github.workspace }}\dist\${{ env.PackageWorkdir }}\
 
       - name: Download EnVar plugin for NSIS
-        uses: netbirdio/shared-actions/actions/win-download-and-verify@be5df6047383da2236e02243cceb857d8567c27e # v0.0.2
+        uses: carlosperate/download-file-action@v2
         with:
-          url: https://pkgs.netbird.io/nsis/EnVar_plugin.zip
-          destination: ${{ github.workspace }}\envar_plugin.zip
-          sha256: e9aa92de351345ed82795251d838f1ae9041ba35af9d381a5780c7843b01f56a
+          file-url: https://nsis.sourceforge.io/mediawiki/images/7/7f/EnVar_plugin.zip
+          file-name: envar_plugin.zip
+          location: ${{ github.workspace }}
 
       - name: Extract EnVar plugin
         run: 7z x -o"${{ github.workspace }}/NSIS_Plugins" "${{ github.workspace }}/envar_plugin.zip"
 
       - name: Download ShellExecAsUser plugin for NSIS (amd64 only)
+        uses: carlosperate/download-file-action@v2
         if: matrix.arch == 'amd64'
-        uses: netbirdio/shared-actions/actions/win-download-and-verify@be5df6047383da2236e02243cceb857d8567c27e # v0.0.2
         with:
-          url: https://pkgs.netbird.io/nsis/ShellExecAsUser_amd64-Unicode.7z
-          destination: ${{ github.workspace }}\ShellExecAsUser_amd64-Unicode.7z
-          sha256: 0a55ea25c7330a92cec028eda8afcaf1b1a7092e0dfb77c21c8f654564b4ff9d
+          file-url: https://nsis.sourceforge.io/mediawiki/images/6/68/ShellExecAsUser_amd64-Unicode.7z
+          file-name: ShellExecAsUser_amd64-Unicode.7z
+          location: ${{ github.workspace }}
 
       - name: Extract ShellExecAsUser plugin (amd64 only)
         if: matrix.arch == 'amd64'
         run: 7z x -o"${{ github.workspace }}/NSIS_Plugins" "${{ github.workspace }}/ShellExecAsUser_amd64-Unicode.7z"
 
       - name: Build NSIS installer
-        shell: pwsh
+        uses: joncloud/makensis-action@v3.3
+        with:
+          additional-plugin-paths: ${{ github.workspace }}/NSIS_Plugins/Plugins
+          script-file: client/installer.nsis
+          arguments: "/V4 /DARCH=${{ matrix.arch }}"
         env:
           APPVER: ${{ steps.semver_parser.outputs.major }}.${{ steps.semver_parser.outputs.minor }}.${{ steps.semver_parser.outputs.patch }}.${{ github.run_id }}
-        run: |
-          $nsisPluginDir = "C:\Program Files (x86)\NSIS\Plugins\x86-unicode"
-          $srcPlugins    = "${{ github.workspace }}\NSIS_Plugins\Plugins"
-          Get-ChildItem -Path $srcPlugins -Recurse -Filter *.dll |
-            Copy-Item -Destination $nsisPluginDir -Force
-          & "C:\Program Files (x86)\NSIS\makensis.exe" /V4 "/DARCH=${{ matrix.arch }}" client\installer.nsis
-          if ($LASTEXITCODE -ne 0) { throw "makensis failed with exit code $LASTEXITCODE" }
 
       - name: Rename NSIS installer
         run: mv netbird-installer.exe netbird_installer_test_windows_${{ matrix.arch }}.exe
@@ -600,7 +592,7 @@ jobs:
 
       - name: Upload installer artifacts
         if: always()
-        uses: actions/upload-artifact@043fb46d1a93c77aae656e7c1c64a875d1fc6a0a #v7.0.1
+        uses: actions/upload-artifact@v4
         with:
           name: windows-installer-test-${{ matrix.arch }}
           path: |
@@ -619,7 +611,7 @@ jobs:
       pull-requests: write
     steps:
       - name: Create or update PR comment
-        uses: actions/github-script@3a2844b7e9c422d3c10d287c895573f7108da1b3 # v9.0.0
+        uses: actions/github-script@v7
         env:
           RELEASE_RESULT: ${{ needs.release.result }}
           RELEASE_UI_RESULT: ${{ needs.release_ui.result }}
@@ -711,7 +703,7 @@ jobs:
     if: startsWith(github.ref, 'refs/tags/')
     steps:
       - name: Trigger binaries sign pipelines
-        uses: benc-uk/workflow-dispatch@31e2b3319479a63f0ab15bf800eff9e913504e26 # v1.3.2
+        uses: benc-uk/workflow-dispatch@v1
         with:
           workflow: Sign bin and installer
           repo: netbirdio/sign-pipelines

.github/workflows/sync-main.yml

@@ -14,9 +14,9 @@ jobs:
     runs-on: ubuntu-latest
     steps:
       - name: Trigger main branch sync
-        uses: benc-uk/workflow-dispatch@31e2b3319479a63f0ab15bf800eff9e913504e26 # v1.3.2
+        uses: benc-uk/workflow-dispatch@v1
         with:
           workflow: sync-main.yml
           repo: ${{ secrets.UPSTREAM_REPO }}
           token: ${{ secrets.NC_GITHUB_TOKEN }}
-          inputs: '{ "sha": "${{ github.sha }}" }'
+          inputs: '{ "sha": "${{ github.sha }}" }'

.github/workflows/sync-tag.yml

@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ name: sync tag
 on:
   push:
     tags:
-      - "v*"
+      - 'v*'
 
 concurrency:
   group: ${{ github.workflow }}-${{ github.ref }}-${{ github.head_ref || github.actor_id }}
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@ jobs:
     runs-on: ubuntu-latest
     steps:
       - name: Trigger release tag sync
-        uses: benc-uk/workflow-dispatch@31e2b3319479a63f0ab15bf800eff9e913504e26 # v1.3.2
+        uses: benc-uk/workflow-dispatch@v1
         with:
           workflow: sync-tag.yml
           ref: main
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@ jobs:
     if: github.event.created && !github.event.deleted && startsWith(github.ref, 'refs/tags/v') && !contains(github.ref_name, '-')
     steps:
       - name: Trigger android-client submodule bump
-        uses: benc-uk/workflow-dispatch@31e2b3319479a63f0ab15bf800eff9e913504e26 # v1.3.2
+        uses: benc-uk/workflow-dispatch@7a027648b88c2413826b6ddd6c76114894dc5ec4 # v1.3.1
         with:
           workflow: bump-netbird.yml
           ref: main
@@ -42,10 +42,10 @@ jobs:
     if: github.event.created && !github.event.deleted && startsWith(github.ref, 'refs/tags/v') && !contains(github.ref_name, '-')
     steps:
       - name: Trigger ios-client submodule bump
-        uses: benc-uk/workflow-dispatch@31e2b3319479a63f0ab15bf800eff9e913504e26 # v1.3.2
+        uses: benc-uk/workflow-dispatch@7a027648b88c2413826b6ddd6c76114894dc5ec4 # v1.3.1
         with:
           workflow: bump-netbird.yml
           ref: main
           repo: netbirdio/ios-client
           token: ${{ secrets.NC_GITHUB_TOKEN }}
-          inputs: '{ "tag": "${{ github.ref_name }}" }'
+          inputs: '{ "tag": "${{ github.ref_name }}" }'

.github/workflows/test-infrastructure-files.yml

@@ -6,10 +6,10 @@ on:
       - main
   pull_request:
     paths:
-      - "infrastructure_files/**"
-      - ".github/workflows/test-infrastructure-files.yml"
-      - "management/cmd/**"
-      - "signal/cmd/**"
+      - 'infrastructure_files/**'
+      - '.github/workflows/test-infrastructure-files.yml'
+      - 'management/cmd/**'
+      - 'signal/cmd/**'
 
 concurrency:
   group: ${{ github.workflow }}-${{ github.ref }}-${{ github.head_ref || github.actor_id }}
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@ jobs:
     runs-on: ubuntu-latest
     strategy:
       matrix:
-        store: ["sqlite", "postgres", "mysql"]
+        store: [ 'sqlite', 'postgres', 'mysql' ]
     services:
       postgres:
         image: ${{ (matrix.store == 'postgres') && 'postgres' || '' }}
@@ -68,17 +68,15 @@ jobs:
         run: sudo apt-get install -y curl
 
       - name: Checkout code
-        uses: actions/checkout@de0fac2e4500dabe0009e67214ff5f5447ce83dd # v6.0.2
-        with:
-          persist-credentials: false
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
 
       - name: Install Go
-        uses: actions/setup-go@4b73464bb391d4059bd26b0524d20df3927bd417 # v6.3.0
+        uses: actions/setup-go@v5
         with:
           go-version-file: "go.mod"
 
       - name: Cache Go modules
-        uses: actions/cache@27d5ce7f107fe9357f9df03efb73ab90386fccae # v5.0.5
+        uses: actions/cache@v4
         with:
           path: ~/go/pkg/mod
           key: ${{ runner.os }}-go-${{ hashFiles('**/go.sum') }}
@@ -141,8 +139,8 @@ jobs:
           CI_NETBIRD_IDP_MGMT_CLIENT_SECRET: testing.client.secret
           CI_NETBIRD_SIGNAL_PORT: 12345
           CI_NETBIRD_STORE_CONFIG_ENGINE: ${{ matrix.store }}
-          NETBIRD_STORE_ENGINE_POSTGRES_DSN: "${{ env.NETBIRD_STORE_ENGINE_POSTGRES_DSN }}$"
-          NETBIRD_STORE_ENGINE_MYSQL_DSN: "${{ env.NETBIRD_STORE_ENGINE_MYSQL_DSN }}$"
+          NETBIRD_STORE_ENGINE_POSTGRES_DSN: '${{ env.NETBIRD_STORE_ENGINE_POSTGRES_DSN }}$'
+          NETBIRD_STORE_ENGINE_MYSQL_DSN: '${{ env.NETBIRD_STORE_ENGINE_MYSQL_DSN }}$'
           CI_NETBIRD_MGMT_IDP_SIGNKEY_REFRESH: false
           CI_NETBIRD_TURN_EXTERNAL_IP: "1.2.3.4"
           CI_NETBIRD_MGMT_DISABLE_DEFAULT_POLICY: false
@@ -256,9 +254,7 @@ jobs:
         run: sudo apt-get install -y jq
 
       - name: Checkout code
-        uses: actions/checkout@de0fac2e4500dabe0009e67214ff5f5447ce83dd # v6.0.2
-        with:
-          persist-credentials: false
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
 
       - name: run script with Zitadel PostgreSQL
         run: NETBIRD_DOMAIN=use-ip bash -x infrastructure_files/getting-started-with-zitadel.sh

.github/workflows/update-docs.yml

@@ -3,9 +3,9 @@ name: update docs
 on:
   push:
     tags:
-      - "v*"
+      - 'v*'
     paths:
-      - "shared/management/http/api/openapi.yml"
+      - 'shared/management/http/api/openapi.yml'
 
 jobs:
   trigger_docs_api_update:
@@ -13,10 +13,10 @@ jobs:
     if: startsWith(github.ref, 'refs/tags/')
     steps:
       - name: Trigger API pages generation
-        uses: benc-uk/workflow-dispatch@31e2b3319479a63f0ab15bf800eff9e913504e26 # v1.3.2
+        uses: benc-uk/workflow-dispatch@v1
         with:
           workflow: generate api pages
           repo: netbirdio/docs
           ref: "refs/heads/main"
           token: ${{ secrets.SIGN_GITHUB_TOKEN }}
-          inputs: '{ "tag": "${{ github.ref }}" }'
+          inputs: '{ "tag": "${{ github.ref }}" }'

.github/workflows/wasm-build-validation.yml

@@ -19,17 +19,15 @@ jobs:
       GOARCH: wasm
     steps:
       - name: Checkout repository
-        uses: actions/checkout@de0fac2e4500dabe0009e67214ff5f5447ce83dd # v6.0.2
-        with:
-          persist-credentials: false
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
       - name: Install Go
-        uses: actions/setup-go@4b73464bb391d4059bd26b0524d20df3927bd417 # v6.3.0
+        uses: actions/setup-go@v5
         with:
           go-version-file: "go.mod"
       - name: Install dependencies
         run: sudo apt update && sudo apt install -y -q libgtk-3-dev libayatana-appindicator3-dev libgl1-mesa-dev xorg-dev libpcap-dev
       - name: Install golangci-lint
-        uses: golangci/golangci-lint-action@82606bf257cbaff209d206a39f5134f0cfbfd2ee #v9.2.1
+        uses: golangci/golangci-lint-action@4afd733a84b1f43292c63897423277bb7f4313a9 # v8.0.0
         with:
           version: latest
           install-mode: binary
@@ -44,11 +42,9 @@ jobs:
     runs-on: ubuntu-latest
     steps:
       - name: Checkout repository
-        uses: actions/checkout@de0fac2e4500dabe0009e67214ff5f5447ce83dd # v6.0.2
-        with:
-          persist-credentials: false
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
       - name: Install Go
-        uses: actions/setup-go@4b73464bb391d4059bd26b0524d20df3927bd417 # v6.3.0
+        uses: actions/setup-go@v5
         with:
           go-version-file: "go.mod"
       - name: Build Wasm client
@@ -65,7 +61,8 @@ jobs:
 
           echo "Size: ${SIZE} bytes (${SIZE_MB} MB)"
 
-          if [ ${SIZE} -gt 58720256 ]; then
-            echo "Wasm binary size (${SIZE_MB}MB) exceeds 56MB limit!"
+          if [ ${SIZE} -gt 62914560 ]; then
+            echo "Wasm binary size (${SIZE_MB}MB) exceeds 60MB limit!"
             exit 1
           fi
+

README.md

@@ -1,134 +1,147 @@
 
 <div align="center">
-  <p align="center">
-    <img width="234" src="docs/media/logo-full.png" alt="NetBird logo"/>
-  </p>
-  <p align="center">
-    <a href="https://sonarcloud.io/dashboard?id=netbirdio_netbird">
-      <img src="https://sonarcloud.io/api/project_badges/measure?project=netbirdio_netbird&metric=alert_status" alt="SonarCloud alert status"/>
-    </a>
-    <a href="https://github.com/netbirdio/netbird/blob/main/LICENSE">
-      <img src="https://img.shields.io/badge/license-BSD--3-blue" alt="BSD-3 License"/>
-    </a>
+<br/>
+  <br/>
+<p align="center">
+  <img width="234" src="docs/media/logo-full.png"/>
+</p>
+  <p>
+   <a href="https://img.shields.io/badge/license-BSD--3-blue)">
+       <img src="https://sonarcloud.io/api/project_badges/measure?project=netbirdio_netbird&metric=alert_status" />
+     </a> 
+     <a href="https://github.com/netbirdio/netbird/blob/main/LICENSE">
+       <img src="https://img.shields.io/badge/license-BSD--3-blue" />
+     </a> 
+    <br>
     <a href="https://docs.netbird.io/slack-url">
-      <img src="https://img.shields.io/badge/slack-@netbird-red.svg?logo=slack" alt="NetBird Slack"/>
-    </a>
+        <img src="https://img.shields.io/badge/slack-@netbird-red.svg?logo=slack"/>
+     </a>
     <a href="https://forum.netbird.io">
-      <img src="https://img.shields.io/badge/community%20forum-@netbird-red.svg?logo=discourse" alt="Community forum"/>
-    </a>
+        <img src="https://img.shields.io/badge/community forum-@netbird-red.svg?logo=discourse"/>
+     </a>  
+     <br>
     <a href="https://gurubase.io/g/netbird">
-      <img src="https://img.shields.io/badge/Gurubase-Ask%20NetBird%20Guru-006BFF" alt="Gurubase: Ask NetBird Guru"/>
-    </a>
+        <img src="https://img.shields.io/badge/Gurubase-Ask%20NetBird%20Guru-006BFF"/>
+     </a>    
   </p>
 </div>
 
+
 <p align="center">
-  <strong>
-    Start using NetBird at <a href="https://netbird.io/pricing">netbird.io</a>
-    <br/>
-    See <a href="https://netbird.io/docs/">Documentation</a>
-    <br/>
-    Join our <a href="https://docs.netbird.io/slack-url">Slack channel</a> or our <a href="https://forum.netbird.io">Community forum</a>
-  </strong>
+<strong>
+  Start using NetBird at <a href="https://netbird.io/pricing">netbird.io</a>
   <br/>
+  See <a href="https://netbird.io/docs/">Documentation</a>
   <br/>
-  <strong>
-    🚀 <a href="https://careers.netbird.io">We are hiring! Join us at careers.netbird.io</a>
-  </strong>
+   Join our <a href="https://docs.netbird.io/slack-url">Slack channel</a> or our <a href="https://forum.netbird.io">Community forum</a>
+  <br/>
+ 
+</strong>
+<br>
+<strong>
+  🚀 <a href="https://careers.netbird.io">We are hiring! Join us at careers.netbird.io</a>
+</strong>
+<br>
+<br>
+<a href="https://registry.terraform.io/providers/netbirdio/netbird/latest">
+    New: NetBird terraform provider
+  </a> 
 </p>
 
+<br>
+
 **NetBird combines a configuration-free peer-to-peer private network and a centralized access control system in a single platform, making it easy to create secure private networks for your organization or home.**
 
 **Connect.** NetBird creates a WireGuard-based overlay network that automatically connects your machines over an encrypted tunnel, leaving behind the hassle of opening ports, complex firewall rules, VPN gateways, and so forth.
 
 **Secure.** NetBird enables secure remote access by applying granular access policies while allowing you to manage them intuitively from a single place. Works universally on any infrastructure.
 
+### Open Source Network Security in a Single Platform
+
 https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/10cec749-bb56-4ab3-97af-4e38850108d2
 
-### Self-host NetBird (video)
-
+### Self-Host NetBird (Video)
 [![Watch the video](https://img.youtube.com/vi/bZAgpT6nzaQ/0.jpg)](https://youtu.be/bZAgpT6nzaQ)
 
 ### Key features
 
-| Connectivity | Management | Security | Automation | Platforms |
-|---|---|---|---|---|
-| ✓ [Kernel WireGuard](https://docs.netbird.io/about-netbird/why-wireguard-with-netbird) | ✓ [Admin Web UI](https://github.com/netbirdio/dashboard) | ✓ [SSO & MFA support](https://docs.netbird.io/how-to/installation#running-net-bird-with-sso-login) | ✓ [Public API](https://docs.netbird.io/api) | ✓ [Linux](https://docs.netbird.io/get-started/install/linux) |
-| ✓ [Peer-to-peer connections](https://docs.netbird.io/about-netbird/how-netbird-works) | ✓ Auto peer discovery and configuration | ✓ [Access control: groups & rules](https://docs.netbird.io/how-to/manage-network-access) | ✓ [Setup keys for bulk provisioning](https://docs.netbird.io/how-to/register-machines-using-setup-keys) | ✓ [macOS](https://docs.netbird.io/get-started/install/macos) |
-| ✓ Connection relay fallback | ✓ [IdP integrations](https://docs.netbird.io/selfhosted/identity-providers) | ✓ [Activity logging](https://docs.netbird.io/how-to/audit-events-logging) | ✓ [Self-hosting quickstart script](https://docs.netbird.io/selfhosted/selfhosted-quickstart) | ✓ [Windows](https://docs.netbird.io/get-started/install/windows) |
-| ✓ [Routes to external networks](https://docs.netbird.io/how-to/routing-traffic-to-private-networks) | ✓ [Private DNS](https://docs.netbird.io/how-to/manage-dns-in-your-network) | ✓ [Traffic events](https://docs.netbird.io/manage/activity/traffic-events-logging) | ✓ [IdP groups sync with JWT](https://docs.netbird.io/manage/team/idp-sync) | ✓ [Android](https://docs.netbird.io/get-started/install/android) |
-| ✓ [Domain-based DNS routes](https://docs.netbird.io/manage/dns/dns-aliases-for-routed-networks) | ✓ [Custom DNS zones](https://docs.netbird.io/manage/dns/custom-zones) | ✓ [Device posture checks](https://docs.netbird.io/how-to/manage-posture-checks) | ✓ [Terraform provider](https://registry.terraform.io/providers/netbirdio/netbird/latest) | ✓ [Android TV](https://docs.netbird.io/get-started/install/android-tv) |
-| ✓ [Exit nodes](https://docs.netbird.io/manage/network-routes/use-cases/exit-nodes) | ✓ [Multiuser support](https://docs.netbird.io/how-to/add-users-to-your-network) | ✓ Peer-to-peer encryption | ✓ [Ansible collection](https://github.com/netbirdio/ansible-netbird) | ✓ [iOS](https://docs.netbird.io/get-started/install/ios) |
-| ✓ [IPv6 dual-stack overlay](https://docs.netbird.io/manage/settings/ipv6) | ✓ [Multi-account profile switching](https://docs.netbird.io/client/profiles) | ✓ [SSH with central access policies](https://docs.netbird.io/manage/peers/ssh) | | ✓ [Apple TV](https://docs.netbird.io/get-started/install/tvos) |
-| ✓ [Browser SSH & RDP](https://docs.netbird.io/manage/peers/browser-client) | | ✓ [Quantum-resistance with Rosenpass](https://netbird.io/knowledge-hub/the-first-quantum-resistant-mesh-vpn) | | ✓ FreeBSD |
-| ✓ [Reverse proxy with auto-TLS](https://docs.netbird.io/manage/reverse-proxy) | | ✓ [Periodic re-authentication](https://docs.netbird.io/how-to/enforce-periodic-user-authentication) | | ✓ [pfSense](https://docs.netbird.io/get-started/install/pfsense) |
-| | | | | ✓ [OPNsense](https://docs.netbird.io/get-started/install/opnsense) |
-| | | | | ✓ [MikroTik RouterOS](https://docs.netbird.io/use-cases/homelab/client-on-mikrotik-router) |
-| | | | | ✓ OpenWRT |
-| | | | | ✓ [Synology](https://docs.netbird.io/get-started/install/synology) |
-| | | | | ✓ [TrueNAS](https://docs.netbird.io/get-started/install/truenas) |
-| | | | | ✓ [Proxmox](https://docs.netbird.io/get-started/install/proxmox-ve) |
-| | | | | ✓ [Raspberry Pi](https://docs.netbird.io/get-started/install/raspberrypi) |
-| | | | | ✓ [Serverless](https://docs.netbird.io/how-to/netbird-on-faas) |
-| | | | | ✓ [Container](https://docs.netbird.io/get-started/install/docker) |
+| Connectivity | Management | Security | Automation| Platforms |
+|----|----|----|----|----|
+| <ul><li>- \[x] Kernel WireGuard</ul></li> | <ul><li>- \[x] [Admin Web UI](https://github.com/netbirdio/dashboard)</ul></li> | <ul><li>- \[x] [SSO & MFA support](https://docs.netbird.io/how-to/installation#running-net-bird-with-sso-login)</ul></li> | <ul><li>- \[x] [Public API](https://docs.netbird.io/api)</ul></li> | <ul><li>- \[x] Linux</ul></li> |
+| <ul><li>- \[x] Peer-to-peer connections</ul></li> | <ul><li>- \[x] Auto peer discovery and configuration</ui></li> | <ul><li>- \[x] [Access control - groups & rules](https://docs.netbird.io/how-to/manage-network-access)</ui></li> | <ul><li>- \[x] [Setup keys for bulk network provisioning](https://docs.netbird.io/how-to/register-machines-using-setup-keys)</ui></li> | <ul><li>- \[x] Mac</ui></li> |
+| <ul><li>- \[x] Connection relay fallback</ui></li> | <ul><li>- \[x] [IdP integrations](https://docs.netbird.io/selfhosted/identity-providers)</ui></li> | <ul><li>- \[x] [Activity logging](https://docs.netbird.io/how-to/audit-events-logging)</ui></li> | <ul><li>- \[x] [Self-hosting quickstart script](https://docs.netbird.io/selfhosted/selfhosted-quickstart)</ui></li> | <ul><li>- \[x] Windows</ui></li> |
+| <ul><li>- \[x] [Routes to external networks](https://docs.netbird.io/how-to/routing-traffic-to-private-networks)</ui></li> | <ul><li>- \[x] [Private DNS](https://docs.netbird.io/how-to/manage-dns-in-your-network)</ui></li> | <ul><li>- \[x] [Device posture checks](https://docs.netbird.io/how-to/manage-posture-checks)</ui></li> | <ul><li>- \[x] IdP groups sync with JWT</ui></li> | <ul><li>- \[x] Android</ui></li> |
+| <ul><li>- \[x] NAT traversal with BPF</ui></li> | <ul><li>- \[x] [Multiuser support](https://docs.netbird.io/how-to/add-users-to-your-network)</ui></li> | <ul><li>- \[x] Peer-to-peer encryption</ui></li> || <ul><li>- \[x] iOS</ui></li> |
+||| <ul><li>- \[x] [Quantum-resistance with Rosenpass](https://netbird.io/knowledge-hub/the-first-quantum-resistant-mesh-vpn)</ui></li> || <ul><li>- \[x] OpenWRT</ui></li> |
+||| <ul><li>- \[x] [Periodic re-authentication](https://docs.netbird.io/how-to/enforce-periodic-user-authentication)</ui></li> || <ul><li>- \[x] [Serverless](https://docs.netbird.io/how-to/netbird-on-faas)</ui></li> |
+||||| <ul><li>- \[x] Docker</ui></li> |
 
 ### Quickstart with NetBird Cloud
 
-- Download and install NetBird at [https://app.netbird.io/install](https://app.netbird.io/install).
-- Follow the steps to sign up with Google, Microsoft, GitHub or your email address.
-- Check the NetBird [admin UI](https://app.netbird.io/).
+- Download and install NetBird at [https://app.netbird.io/install](https://app.netbird.io/install)
+- Follow the steps to sign-up with Google, Microsoft, GitHub or your email address.
+- Check NetBird [admin UI](https://app.netbird.io/).
+- Add more machines.
 
 ### Quickstart with self-hosted NetBird
 
-This is the quickest way to try self-hosted NetBird. It should take around 5 minutes to get started if you already have a public domain and a VM. Follow the [Advanced guide with a custom identity provider](https://docs.netbird.io/selfhosted/selfhosted-guide#advanced-guide-with-a-custom-identity-provider) for installations with different IdPs.
+> This is the quickest way to try self-hosted NetBird. It should take around 5 minutes to get started if you already have a public domain and a VM.
+Follow the [Advanced guide with a custom identity provider](https://docs.netbird.io/selfhosted/selfhosted-guide#advanced-guide-with-a-custom-identity-provider) for installations with different IDPs.
 
 **Infrastructure requirements:**
-- A Linux VM with at least **1 CPU** and **2 GB** of memory.
-- The VM should be publicly accessible on TCP ports **80** and **443** and UDP port **3478**.
-- A **public domain** name pointing to the VM.
+- A Linux VM with at least **1CPU** and **2GB** of memory.
+- The VM should be publicly accessible on TCP ports **80** and **443** and UDP port: **3478**.
+- **Public domain** name pointing to the VM.
 
 **Software requirements:**
-- Docker with the Compose plugin (Compose v2 or higher). See the [Docker installation guide](https://docs.docker.com/engine/install/).
+- Docker installed on the VM with the docker-compose plugin ([Docker installation guide](https://docs.docker.com/engine/install/)) or docker with docker-compose in version 2 or higher.
+- [jq](https://jqlang.github.io/jq/) installed. In most distributions
+  Usually available in the official repositories and can be installed with `sudo apt install jq` or `sudo yum install jq`
+- [curl](https://curl.se/) installed.
+  Usually available in the official repositories and can be installed with `sudo apt install curl` or `sudo yum install curl`
 
 **Steps**
 - Download and run the installation script:
 ```bash
 export NETBIRD_DOMAIN=netbird.example.com; curl -fsSL https://github.com/netbirdio/netbird/releases/latest/download/getting-started.sh | bash
 ```
+- Once finished, you can manage the resources via `docker-compose`
 
 ### A bit on NetBird internals
-- Every machine in the network runs the [NetBird agent](client/), which manages WireGuard.
-- Every agent connects to the [Management Service](management/), which holds network state, manages peer IPs, and distributes updates to agents.
-- Agents use ICE (via [pion/ice](https://github.com/pion/ice)) to discover connection candidates for peer-to-peer connections.
-- Candidates are discovered with the help of [STUN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/STUN) servers.
-- Agents negotiate a connection through the [Signal Service](signal/), exchanging end-to-end encrypted messages with candidates.
-- When NAT traversal fails (e.g. mobile carrier-grade NAT) and a direct p2p connection isn't possible, the system falls back to a [Relay Service](relay/) and a secure WireGuard tunnel is established through it.
+-  Every machine in the network runs [NetBird Agent (or Client)](client/) that manages WireGuard.
+-  Every agent connects to [Management Service](management/) that holds network state, manages peer IPs, and distributes network updates to agents (peers).
+-  NetBird agent uses WebRTC ICE implemented in [pion/ice library](https://github.com/pion/ice) to discover connection candidates when establishing a peer-to-peer connection between machines.
+-  Connection candidates are discovered with the help of [STUN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/STUN) servers.
+-  Agents negotiate a connection through [Signal Service](signal/) passing p2p encrypted messages with candidates.
+-  Sometimes the NAT traversal is unsuccessful due to strict NATs (e.g. mobile carrier-grade NAT) and a p2p connection isn't possible. When this occurs the system falls back to a relay server called [TURN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traversal_Using_Relays_around_NAT), and a secure WireGuard tunnel is established via the TURN server. 
+ 
+[Coturn](https://github.com/coturn/coturn) is the one that has been successfully used for STUN and TURN in NetBird setups.
 
 <p float="left" align="middle">
-  <img src="https://docs.netbird.io/docs-static/img/about-netbird/high-level-dia.png" width="700" alt="NetBird high-level architecture diagram"/>
+  <img src="https://docs.netbird.io/docs-static/img/about-netbird/high-level-dia.png" width="700"/>
 </p>
 
 See a complete [architecture overview](https://docs.netbird.io/about-netbird/how-netbird-works#architecture) for details.
 
 ### Community projects
-- [NetBird installer script](https://github.com/physk/netbird-installer)
-- [netbird-tui](https://github.com/n0pashkov/netbird-tui) - terminal UI for managing NetBird peers, routes, and settings
-- [caddy-netbird](https://github.com/lixmal/caddy-netbird) - Caddy plugin that embeds a NetBird client for proxying HTTP and TCP/UDP traffic through NetBird networks
+-  [NetBird installer script](https://github.com/physk/netbird-installer)
+-  [NetBird ansible collection by Dominion Solutions](https://galaxy.ansible.com/ui/repo/published/dominion_solutions/netbird/)
+-  [netbird-tui](https://github.com/n0pashkov/netbird-tui) — terminal UI for managing NetBird peers, routes, and settings
 
 **Note**: The `main` branch may be in an *unstable or even broken state* during development.
 For stable versions, see [releases](https://github.com/netbirdio/netbird/releases).
 
 ### Support acknowledgement
 
-In November 2022, NetBird joined the [StartUpSecure program](https://www.forschung-it-sicherheit-kommunikationssysteme.de/foerderung/bekanntmachungen/startup-secure) sponsored by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research of the Federal Republic of Germany. Together with the [CISPA Helmholtz Center for Information Security](https://cispa.de/en), NetBird brings security best practices and simplicity to private networking.
+In November 2022, NetBird joined the [StartUpSecure program](https://www.forschung-it-sicherheit-kommunikationssysteme.de/foerderung/bekanntmachungen/startup-secure) sponsored by The Federal Ministry of Education and Research of The Federal Republic of Germany. Together with [CISPA Helmholtz Center for Information Security](https://cispa.de/en) NetBird brings the security best practices and simplicity to private networking.
 
 ![CISPA_Logo_BLACK_EN_RZ_RGB (1)](https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/700848/203091324-c6d311a0-22b5-4b05-a288-91cbc6cdcc46.png)
 
-### Acknowledgements
-We build on open-source technologies like [WireGuard®](https://www.wireguard.com/), [Pion ICE](https://github.com/pion/ice), and [Rosenpass](https://rosenpass.eu). We greatly appreciate the work these projects are doing, and we'd love it if you could support them too (e.g., by starring or contributing).
+### Testimonials
+We use open-source technologies like [WireGuard®](https://www.wireguard.com/), [Pion ICE (WebRTC)](https://github.com/pion/ice), [Coturn](https://github.com/coturn/coturn), and [Rosenpass](https://rosenpass.eu). We very much appreciate the work these guys are doing and we'd greatly appreciate if you could support them in any way (e.g., by giving a star or a contribution).
 
 ### Legal
-This repository is licensed under the BSD-3-Clause license, which applies to all parts of the repository except for the directories management/, signal/ and relay/.
+This repository is licensed under BSD-3-Clause license that applies to all parts of the repository except for the directories management/, signal/ and relay/.
 Those directories are licensed under the GNU Affero General Public License version 3.0 (AGPLv3). See the respective LICENSE files inside each directory.
 
 _WireGuard_ and the _WireGuard_ logo are [registered trademarks](https://www.wireguard.com/trademark-policy/) of Jason A. Donenfeld.

client/cmd/testutil_test.go

@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ import (
 	"go.opentelemetry.io/otel"
 	"google.golang.org/grpc"
 
-	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/management/server/integrations/integrated_validator/validator"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/management-integrations/integrations"
 
 	nbcache "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/management/server/cache"
 
@@ -109,7 +109,7 @@ func startManagement(t *testing.T, config *config.Config, testFile string) (*grp
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
 
-	iv, _ := validator.NewIntegratedValidator(ctx, peersmanager, settingsManagerMock, eventStore, cacheStore)
+	iv, _ := integrations.NewIntegratedValidator(ctx, peersmanager, settingsManagerMock, eventStore, cacheStore)
 
 	metrics, err := telemetry.NewDefaultAppMetrics(ctx)
 	require.NoError(t, err)

client/cmd/up.go

@@ -361,6 +361,12 @@ func setupSetConfigReq(customDNSAddressConverted []byte, cmd *cobra.Command, pro
 	if cmd.Flag(serverSSHAllowedFlag).Changed {
 		req.ServerSSHAllowed = &serverSSHAllowed
 	}
+	if cmd.Flag(serverVNCAllowedFlag).Changed {
+		req.ServerVNCAllowed = &serverVNCAllowed
+	}
+	if cmd.Flag(disableVNCApprovalFlag).Changed {
+		req.DisableVNCApproval = &disableVNCApproval
+	}
 	if cmd.Flag(enableSSHRootFlag).Changed {
 		req.EnableSSHRoot = &enableSSHRoot
 	}
@@ -467,30 +473,14 @@ func setupConfig(customDNSAddressConverted []byte, cmd *cobra.Command, configFil
 	if cmd.Flag(serverSSHAllowedFlag).Changed {
 		ic.ServerSSHAllowed = &serverSSHAllowed
 	}
-
-	if cmd.Flag(enableSSHRootFlag).Changed {
-		ic.EnableSSHRoot = &enableSSHRoot
+	if cmd.Flag(serverVNCAllowedFlag).Changed {
+		ic.ServerVNCAllowed = &serverVNCAllowed
+	}
+	if cmd.Flag(disableVNCApprovalFlag).Changed {
+		ic.DisableVNCApproval = &disableVNCApproval
 	}
 
-	if cmd.Flag(enableSSHSFTPFlag).Changed {
-		ic.EnableSSHSFTP = &enableSSHSFTP
-	}
-
-	if cmd.Flag(enableSSHLocalPortForwardFlag).Changed {
-		ic.EnableSSHLocalPortForwarding = &enableSSHLocalPortForward
-	}
-
-	if cmd.Flag(enableSSHRemotePortForwardFlag).Changed {
-		ic.EnableSSHRemotePortForwarding = &enableSSHRemotePortForward
-	}
-
-	if cmd.Flag(disableSSHAuthFlag).Changed {
-		ic.DisableSSHAuth = &disableSSHAuth
-	}
-
-	if cmd.Flag(sshJWTCacheTTLFlag).Changed {
-		ic.SSHJWTCacheTTL = &sshJWTCacheTTL
-	}
+	applySSHFlagsToConfig(cmd, &ic)
 
 	if cmd.Flag(interfaceNameFlag).Changed {
 		if err := parseInterfaceName(interfaceName); err != nil {
@@ -566,6 +556,49 @@ func setupConfig(customDNSAddressConverted []byte, cmd *cobra.Command, configFil
 	return &ic, nil
 }
 
+func applySSHFlagsToConfig(cmd *cobra.Command, ic *profilemanager.ConfigInput) {
+	if cmd.Flag(enableSSHRootFlag).Changed {
+		ic.EnableSSHRoot = &enableSSHRoot
+	}
+	if cmd.Flag(enableSSHSFTPFlag).Changed {
+		ic.EnableSSHSFTP = &enableSSHSFTP
+	}
+	if cmd.Flag(enableSSHLocalPortForwardFlag).Changed {
+		ic.EnableSSHLocalPortForwarding = &enableSSHLocalPortForward
+	}
+	if cmd.Flag(enableSSHRemotePortForwardFlag).Changed {
+		ic.EnableSSHRemotePortForwarding = &enableSSHRemotePortForward
+	}
+	if cmd.Flag(disableSSHAuthFlag).Changed {
+		ic.DisableSSHAuth = &disableSSHAuth
+	}
+	if cmd.Flag(sshJWTCacheTTLFlag).Changed {
+		ic.SSHJWTCacheTTL = &sshJWTCacheTTL
+	}
+}
+
+func applySSHFlagsToLogin(cmd *cobra.Command, req *proto.LoginRequest) {
+	if cmd.Flag(enableSSHRootFlag).Changed {
+		req.EnableSSHRoot = &enableSSHRoot
+	}
+	if cmd.Flag(enableSSHSFTPFlag).Changed {
+		req.EnableSSHSFTP = &enableSSHSFTP
+	}
+	if cmd.Flag(enableSSHLocalPortForwardFlag).Changed {
+		req.EnableSSHLocalPortForwarding = &enableSSHLocalPortForward
+	}
+	if cmd.Flag(enableSSHRemotePortForwardFlag).Changed {
+		req.EnableSSHRemotePortForwarding = &enableSSHRemotePortForward
+	}
+	if cmd.Flag(disableSSHAuthFlag).Changed {
+		req.DisableSSHAuth = &disableSSHAuth
+	}
+	if cmd.Flag(sshJWTCacheTTLFlag).Changed {
+		ttl := int32(sshJWTCacheTTL)
+		req.SshJWTCacheTTL = &ttl
+	}
+}
+
 func setupLoginRequest(providedSetupKey string, customDNSAddressConverted []byte, cmd *cobra.Command) (*proto.LoginRequest, error) {
 	loginRequest := proto.LoginRequest{
 		SetupKey:            providedSetupKey,
@@ -595,31 +628,14 @@ func setupLoginRequest(providedSetupKey string, customDNSAddressConverted []byte
 	if cmd.Flag(serverSSHAllowedFlag).Changed {
 		loginRequest.ServerSSHAllowed = &serverSSHAllowed
 	}
-
-	if cmd.Flag(enableSSHRootFlag).Changed {
-		loginRequest.EnableSSHRoot = &enableSSHRoot
+	if cmd.Flag(serverVNCAllowedFlag).Changed {
+		loginRequest.ServerVNCAllowed = &serverVNCAllowed
+	}
+	if cmd.Flag(disableVNCApprovalFlag).Changed {
+		loginRequest.DisableVNCApproval = &disableVNCApproval
 	}
 
-	if cmd.Flag(enableSSHSFTPFlag).Changed {
-		loginRequest.EnableSSHSFTP = &enableSSHSFTP
-	}
-
-	if cmd.Flag(enableSSHLocalPortForwardFlag).Changed {
-		loginRequest.EnableSSHLocalPortForwarding = &enableSSHLocalPortForward
-	}
-
-	if cmd.Flag(enableSSHRemotePortForwardFlag).Changed {
-		loginRequest.EnableSSHRemotePortForwarding = &enableSSHRemotePortForward
-	}
-
-	if cmd.Flag(disableSSHAuthFlag).Changed {
-		loginRequest.DisableSSHAuth = &disableSSHAuth
-	}
-
-	if cmd.Flag(sshJWTCacheTTLFlag).Changed {
-		sshJWTCacheTTL32 := int32(sshJWTCacheTTL)
-		loginRequest.SshJWTCacheTTL = &sshJWTCacheTTL32
-	}
+	applySSHFlagsToLogin(cmd, &loginRequest)
 
 	if cmd.Flag(disableAutoConnectFlag).Changed {
 		loginRequest.DisableAutoConnect = &autoConnectDisabled

client/cmd/vnc_agent.go

@@ -0,0 +1,100 @@
+//go:build windows || (darwin && !ios)
+
+package cmd
+
+import (
+	"fmt"
+	"net"
+	"net/netip"
+	"os"
+
+	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
+	"github.com/spf13/cobra"
+
+	vncserver "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/vnc/server"
+)
+
+var (
+	vncAgentSocket    string
+	vncAgentTargetUID uint32
+)
+
+func init() {
+	vncAgentCmd.Flags().StringVar(&vncAgentSocket, "socket", "", "Unix-domain socket path the agent listens on (required)")
+	vncAgentCmd.Flags().Uint32Var(&vncAgentTargetUID, "target-uid", 0, "uid the agent should drop privileges to before listening (darwin only; 0 = stay as current uid)")
+	rootCmd.AddCommand(vncAgentCmd)
+}
+
+// vncAgentCmd runs a VNC server inside the user's interactive session,
+// listening on a Unix-domain socket. The NetBird service spawns it: on
+// Windows via CreateProcessAsUser into the console session, on macOS via
+// launchctl asuser into the Aqua session.
+var vncAgentCmd = &cobra.Command{
+	Use:    "vnc-agent",
+	Short:  "Run VNC capture agent (internal, spawned by service)",
+	Hidden: true,
+	RunE: func(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) error {
+		log.SetReportCaller(true)
+		log.SetFormatter(&log.JSONFormatter{})
+		log.SetOutput(os.Stderr)
+
+		if vncAgentSocket == "" {
+			return fmt.Errorf("--socket is required")
+		}
+
+		token := os.Getenv("NB_VNC_AGENT_TOKEN")
+		if token == "" {
+			return fmt.Errorf("NB_VNC_AGENT_TOKEN not set; agent requires a token from the service")
+		}
+		// Purge the token from env so it doesn't leak via /proc/<pid>/environ.
+		if err := os.Unsetenv("NB_VNC_AGENT_TOKEN"); err != nil {
+			log.Debugf("unset NB_VNC_AGENT_TOKEN: %v", err)
+		}
+
+		// Drop root privileges to the target console user BEFORE creating
+		// the listening socket: keeps a post-auth bug in the encoder /
+		// input / capture paths confined to the user's own privileges
+		// rather than escalating to host root, and makes the daemon's
+		// LOCAL_PEERCRED check see the right uid. No-op on Windows
+		// (both processes run as SYSTEM) and when --target-uid is 0.
+		if vncAgentTargetUID != 0 {
+			if err := dropAgentPrivileges(vncAgentTargetUID); err != nil {
+				return fmt.Errorf("drop privileges to uid %d: %w", vncAgentTargetUID, err)
+			}
+		}
+
+		if err := os.Remove(vncAgentSocket); err != nil && !os.IsNotExist(err) {
+			log.Debugf("remove stale socket %s: %v", vncAgentSocket, err)
+		}
+		ln, err := net.Listen("unix", vncAgentSocket)
+		if err != nil {
+			return fmt.Errorf("listen on %s: %w", vncAgentSocket, err)
+		}
+		if err := os.Chmod(vncAgentSocket, 0o600); err != nil {
+			log.Debugf("chmod %s: %v", vncAgentSocket, err)
+		}
+
+		capturer, injector, err := newAgentResources()
+		if err != nil {
+			_ = ln.Close()
+			return err
+		}
+		srv := vncserver.New(vncserver.Config{
+			Capturer:      capturer,
+			Injector:      injector,
+			DisableAuth:   true,
+			AgentTokenHex: token,
+			Listener:      ln,
+		})
+
+		if err := srv.Start(cmd.Context(), netip.AddrPort{}, netip.Prefix{}); err != nil {
+			return fmt.Errorf("start vnc server: %w", err)
+		}
+		log.Infof("vnc-agent listening on %s, ready", vncAgentSocket)
+
+		<-cmd.Context().Done()
+		log.Info("vnc-agent context cancelled, shutting down")
+		return srv.Stop()
+	},
+	SilenceUsage: true,
+}

client/cmd/vnc_agent_darwin.go

@@ -0,0 +1,18 @@
+//go:build darwin && !ios
+
+package cmd
+
+import (
+	"fmt"
+
+	vncserver "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/vnc/server"
+)
+
+func newAgentResources() (vncserver.ScreenCapturer, vncserver.InputInjector, error) {
+	capturer := vncserver.NewMacPoller()
+	injector, err := vncserver.NewMacInputInjector()
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, nil, fmt.Errorf("macOS input injector: %w", err)
+	}
+	return capturer, injector, nil
+}

client/cmd/vnc_agent_dropprivs_darwin.go

@@ -0,0 +1,50 @@
+//go:build darwin && !ios
+
+package cmd
+
+import (
+	"fmt"
+	"os"
+	"syscall"
+)
+
+// dropAgentPrivileges drops the vnc-agent process from root (its
+// launchctl-asuser-inherited starting uid) to the target console user
+// before any other initialisation runs. Without this the agent runs as
+// root for the lifetime of the session; any post-auth memory-safety
+// issue in the capture/input/encode paths would then be a root-level
+// RCE on the host instead of a user-level one. Also makes the daemon's
+// LOCAL_PEERCRED check correctly identify the agent as the console user,
+// not as root.
+//
+// Returns an error when the agent is running as a non-root uid that
+// differs from targetUID: non-root can only setuid to itself, so a
+// mismatch here means the spawn went to the wrong session.
+func dropAgentPrivileges(targetUID uint32) error {
+	if targetUID == 0 {
+		return fmt.Errorf("refusing to keep agent running as root (target uid 0)")
+	}
+	cur := uint32(os.Getuid())
+	if cur == targetUID {
+		return nil
+	}
+	if cur != 0 {
+		return fmt.Errorf("agent uid %d does not match expected %d and we lack root to fix it", cur, targetUID)
+	}
+	// Drop supplementary groups first: setgid alone doesn't touch the
+	// auxiliary group list, leaving root's groups attached would let the
+	// dropped process write to root-only group-writable files.
+	if err := syscall.Setgroups([]int{}); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("setgroups([]): %w", err)
+	}
+	if err := syscall.Setgid(int(targetUID)); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("setgid(%d): %w", targetUID, err)
+	}
+	if err := syscall.Setuid(int(targetUID)); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("setuid(%d): %w", targetUID, err)
+	}
+	if uint32(os.Getuid()) != targetUID || uint32(os.Geteuid()) != targetUID {
+		return fmt.Errorf("setuid verification: uid=%d euid=%d, expected %d", os.Getuid(), os.Geteuid(), targetUID)
+	}
+	return nil
+}

client/cmd/vnc_agent_dropprivs_darwin_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,55 @@
+//go:build darwin && !ios
+
+package cmd
+
+import (
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+)
+
+// TestDropAgentPrivileges_RefusesRootTarget locks in the contract that
+// dropAgentPrivileges must never be a no-op when asked to keep the
+// agent as root (target uid 0). A future caller that passes 0 by
+// mistake would otherwise leave the post-auth attack surface running
+// with full root privileges.
+func TestDropAgentPrivileges_RefusesRootTarget(t *testing.T) {
+	err := dropAgentPrivileges(0)
+	if err == nil {
+		t.Fatal("expected refusal for target uid 0, got nil")
+	}
+	if !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "root") {
+		t.Fatalf("error should mention root, got: %v", err)
+	}
+}
+
+// TestDropAgentPrivileges_NoOpWhenAlreadyTarget covers the dev path
+// where the agent is launched by hand as the target user (no root
+// available, no setuid needed). The helper must succeed silently
+// instead of trying (and failing) a setuid to its current uid.
+func TestDropAgentPrivileges_NoOpWhenAlreadyTarget(t *testing.T) {
+	// Skip when running as root: the early-return path we want to
+	// cover only fires when current uid == target uid.
+	uid := currentUIDForTest()
+	if uid == 0 {
+		t.Skip("test must not run as root; cannot exercise the no-op early-return")
+	}
+	if err := dropAgentPrivileges(uid); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("expected no-op when current uid == target, got: %v", err)
+	}
+}
+
+// TestDropAgentPrivileges_RefusesMismatchedNonRoot guards the "non-root
+// caller tries to setuid to a different uid" path: setuid would fail
+// with EPERM anyway, but the helper should surface a clear error
+// before issuing the syscall so a misconfigured spawn (wrong --target-uid
+// flag) is debuggable.
+func TestDropAgentPrivileges_RefusesMismatchedNonRoot(t *testing.T) {
+	uid := currentUIDForTest()
+	if uid == 0 {
+		t.Skip("test must not run as root; covered case requires non-root caller")
+	}
+	err := dropAgentPrivileges(uid + 1)
+	if err == nil {
+		t.Fatal("expected refusal when non-root caller asks to setuid elsewhere")
+	}
+}

client/cmd/vnc_agent_dropprivs_testhelpers_darwin.go

@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+//go:build darwin && !ios
+
+package cmd
+
+import "os"
+
+// currentUIDForTest exposes os.Getuid for the darwin dropprivs tests
+// without leaking an os import into the test file itself.
+func currentUIDForTest() uint32 {
+	return uint32(os.Getuid())
+}

client/cmd/vnc_agent_dropprivs_windows.go

@@ -0,0 +1,14 @@
+//go:build windows
+
+package cmd
+
+// dropAgentPrivileges is a no-op on Windows: the agent and the daemon
+// both run as SYSTEM (the daemon spawns the agent into the interactive
+// session via CreateProcessAsUser with an impersonation token, but the
+// resulting process still runs under SYSTEM, not under the user's
+// account). The Windows path relies on the C:\Windows\Temp socket
+// location (admin/SYSTEM-write-only) and the per-spawn token for
+// integrity instead.
+func dropAgentPrivileges(_ uint32) error {
+	return nil
+}

client/cmd/vnc_agent_windows.go

@@ -0,0 +1,15 @@
+//go:build windows
+
+package cmd
+
+import (
+	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
+
+	vncserver "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/vnc/server"
+)
+
+func newAgentResources() (vncserver.ScreenCapturer, vncserver.InputInjector, error) {
+	sessionID := vncserver.GetCurrentSessionID()
+	log.Infof("VNC agent running in Windows session %d", sessionID)
+	return vncserver.NewDesktopCapturer(), vncserver.NewWindowsInputInjector(), nil
+}

client/cmd/vnc_flags.go

@@ -0,0 +1,16 @@
+package cmd
+
+const (
+	serverVNCAllowedFlag   = "allow-server-vnc"
+	disableVNCApprovalFlag = "disable-vnc-approval"
+)
+
+var (
+	serverVNCAllowed   bool
+	disableVNCApproval bool
+)
+
+func init() {
+	upCmd.PersistentFlags().BoolVar(&serverVNCAllowed, serverVNCAllowedFlag, false, "Allow embedded VNC server on peer")
+	upCmd.PersistentFlags().BoolVar(&disableVNCApproval, disableVNCApprovalFlag, false, "Disable per-connection user approval prompts for the embedded VNC server")
+}

client/configs/configs.go

@@ -6,19 +6,30 @@ import (
 	"runtime"
 )
 
-var StateDir string
+var (
+	// StateDir holds persistent state (config, profiles, install metadata).
+	StateDir string
+	// RuntimeDir holds ephemeral artifacts that should not survive reboot,
+	// such as Unix sockets for daemon and per-session IPC. Empty on
+	// platforms without a conventional /var/run-style location.
+	RuntimeDir string
+)
 
 func init() {
-	StateDir = os.Getenv("NB_STATE_DIR")
-	if StateDir != "" {
-		return
-	}
 	switch runtime.GOOS {
 	case "windows":
 		StateDir = filepath.Join(os.Getenv("PROGRAMDATA"), "Netbird")
 	case "darwin", "linux":
 		StateDir = "/var/lib/netbird"
+		RuntimeDir = "/var/run/netbird"
 	case "freebsd", "openbsd", "netbsd", "dragonfly":
 		StateDir = "/var/db/netbird"
+		RuntimeDir = "/var/run/netbird"
+	}
+	if v := os.Getenv("NB_STATE_DIR"); v != "" {
+		StateDir = v
+	}
+	if v := os.Getenv("NB_RUNTIME_DIR"); v != "" {
+		RuntimeDir = v
 	}
 }

client/embed/embed.go

@@ -12,7 +12,6 @@ import (
 	"sync"
 
 	"github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
-	wgdevice "golang.zx2c4.com/wireguard/device"
 	wgnetstack "golang.zx2c4.com/wireguard/tun/netstack"
 
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface"
@@ -85,12 +84,6 @@ type Options struct {
 	DisableIPv6 bool
 	// BlockInbound blocks all inbound connections from peers
 	BlockInbound bool
-	// BlockLANAccess blocks the embedded peer from reaching the host's
-	// LAN (RFC 1918, link-local, loopback) when it's used as a routing
-	// peer. Mirrors profilemanager.ConfigInput.BlockLANAccess. Useful
-	// when the embedded client must never act as a stepping stone into
-	// the host's local network (e.g. the proxy's overlay peer).
-	BlockLANAccess bool
 	// WireguardPort is the port for the tunnel interface. Use 0 for a random port.
 	WireguardPort *int
 	// MTU is the MTU for the tunnel interface.
@@ -101,26 +94,6 @@ type Options struct {
 	MTU *uint16
 	// DNSLabels defines additional DNS labels configured in the peer.
 	DNSLabels []string
-	// Performance configures the tunnel's buffer pool cap and batch size.
-	Performance Performance
-}
-
-// Performance configures the embedded client's tunnel memory/throughput knobs.
-//
-// These settings are process-global: any non-nil field also becomes the
-// default for Clients constructed by later embed.New calls in the same
-// process. Nil fields are ignored.
-type Performance struct {
-	// PreallocatedBuffersPerPool caps the per-tunnel buffer pool. Zero
-	// leaves the pool unbounded. Lower values trade throughput for a
-	// tighter memory ceiling. May also be changed on a running Client via
-	// Client.SetPerformance, provided this field was nonzero at construction.
-	PreallocatedBuffersPerPool *uint32
-	// MaxBatchSize overrides the number of packets the tunnel reads or
-	// writes per syscall, which also bounds eager buffer allocation per
-	// worker. Zero uses the platform default. Applied at construction
-	// only; ignored by Client.SetPerformance.
-	MaxBatchSize *uint32
 }
 
 // validateCredentials checks that exactly one credential type is provided
@@ -202,7 +175,6 @@ func New(opts Options) (*Client, error) {
 		DisableClientRoutes: &opts.DisableClientRoutes,
 		DisableIPv6:         &opts.DisableIPv6,
 		BlockInbound:        &opts.BlockInbound,
-		BlockLANAccess:      &opts.BlockLANAccess,
 		WireguardPort:       opts.WireguardPort,
 		MTU:                 opts.MTU,
 		DNSLabels:           parsedLabels,
@@ -220,13 +192,6 @@ func New(opts Options) (*Client, error) {
 		config.PrivateKey = opts.PrivateKey
 	}
 
-	if opts.Performance.PreallocatedBuffersPerPool != nil {
-		wgdevice.SetPreallocatedBuffersPerPool(*opts.Performance.PreallocatedBuffersPerPool)
-	}
-	if opts.Performance.MaxBatchSize != nil {
-		wgdevice.SetMaxBatchSizeOverride(*opts.Performance.MaxBatchSize)
-	}
-
 	return &Client{
 		deviceName: opts.DeviceName,
 		setupKey:   opts.SetupKey,
@@ -440,21 +405,6 @@ func (c *Client) Expose(ctx context.Context, req ExposeRequest) (*ExposeSession,
 	}, nil
 }
 
-// IdentityForIP looks up a remote peer by its tunnel IP using the
-// embedded client's status recorder. Returns the peer's WireGuard public
-// key and FQDN. ok=false means the IP isn't in this client's peer
-// roster — callers should treat that as "unknown peer".
-func (c *Client) IdentityForIP(ip netip.Addr) (pubKey, fqdn string, ok bool) {
-	if !ip.IsValid() || c.recorder == nil {
-		return "", "", false
-	}
-	state, found := c.recorder.PeerStateByIP(ip.String())
-	if !found {
-		return "", "", false
-	}
-	return state.PubKey, state.FQDN, true
-}
-
 // Status returns the current status of the client.
 func (c *Client) Status() (peer.FullStatus, error) {
 	c.mu.Lock()
@@ -523,25 +473,6 @@ func (c *Client) VerifySSHHostKey(peerAddress string, key []byte) error {
 	return sshcommon.VerifyHostKey(storedKey, key, peerAddress)
 }
 
-// SetPerformance retunes a running Client. Only PreallocatedBuffersPerPool
-// takes effect, and only when it was nonzero at construction;
-// MaxBatchSize is construction-only and returns an error if set here.
-//
-// Returns ErrClientNotStarted / ErrEngineNotStarted if the Client is not
-// running yet.
-func (c *Client) SetPerformance(t Performance) error {
-	if t.MaxBatchSize != nil {
-		return errors.New("MaxBatchSize is construction-only and cannot be changed at runtime")
-	}
-	engine, err := c.getEngine()
-	if err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
-	return engine.SetPerformance(internal.Performance{
-		PreallocatedBuffersPerPool: t.PreallocatedBuffersPerPool,
-	})
-}
-
 // StartCapture begins capturing packets on this client's tunnel device.
 // Only one capture can be active at a time; starting a new one stops the previous.
 // Call StopCapture (or CaptureSession.Stop) to end it.

client/firewall/nftables/external_chain_monitor_linux.go

@@ -52,10 +52,9 @@ func (m *externalChainMonitor) start() {
 
 	ctx, cancel := context.WithCancel(context.Background())
 	m.cancel = cancel
-	done := make(chan struct{})
-	m.done = done
+	m.done = make(chan struct{})
 
-	go m.run(ctx, done)
+	go m.run(ctx)
 }
 
 func (m *externalChainMonitor) stop() {
@@ -73,8 +72,8 @@ func (m *externalChainMonitor) stop() {
 	<-done
 }
 
-func (m *externalChainMonitor) run(ctx context.Context, done chan struct{}) {
-	defer close(done)
+func (m *externalChainMonitor) run(ctx context.Context) {
+	defer close(m.done)
 
 	bo := &backoff.ExponentialBackOff{
 		InitialInterval:     externalMonitorInitInterval,

client/installer.nsis

@@ -260,15 +260,23 @@ WriteRegStr ${REG_ROOT} "${UNINSTALL_PATH}"  "Publisher" "${COMP_NAME}"
 
 WriteRegStr ${REG_ROOT} "${UI_REG_APP_PATH}" "" "$INSTDIR\${UI_APP_EXE}"
 
-; Create autostart registry entry based on checkbox
+; Drop Run, App Paths and Uninstall entries left in the 32-bit registry view
+; or HKCU by legacy installers.
+DetailPrint "Cleaning legacy 32-bit / HKCU entries..."
+DeleteRegValue HKCU "${AUTOSTART_REG_KEY}" "${APP_NAME}"
+SetRegView 32
+DeleteRegValue HKLM "${AUTOSTART_REG_KEY}" "${APP_NAME}"
+DeleteRegKey HKLM "${REG_APP_PATH}"
+DeleteRegKey HKLM "${UI_REG_APP_PATH}"
+DeleteRegKey HKLM "${UNINSTALL_PATH}"
+SetRegView 64
+
 DetailPrint "Autostart enabled: $AutostartEnabled"
 ${If} $AutostartEnabled == "1"
     WriteRegStr HKLM "${AUTOSTART_REG_KEY}" "${APP_NAME}" '"$INSTDIR\${UI_APP_EXE}.exe"'
     DetailPrint "Added autostart registry entry: $INSTDIR\${UI_APP_EXE}.exe"
 ${Else}
     DeleteRegValue HKLM "${AUTOSTART_REG_KEY}" "${APP_NAME}"
-    ; Legacy: pre-HKLM installs wrote to HKCU; clean that up too.
-    DeleteRegValue HKCU "${AUTOSTART_REG_KEY}" "${APP_NAME}"
     DetailPrint "Autostart not enabled by user"
 ${EndIf}
 
@@ -299,11 +307,16 @@ ExecWait '"$INSTDIR\${MAIN_APP_EXE}" service uninstall'
 DetailPrint "Terminating Netbird UI process..."
 ExecWait `taskkill /im ${UI_APP_EXE}.exe /f`
 
-; Remove autostart registry entry
+; Remove autostart entries from every view a previous installer may have used.
 DetailPrint "Removing autostart registry entry if exists..."
 DeleteRegValue HKLM "${AUTOSTART_REG_KEY}" "${APP_NAME}"
-; Legacy: pre-HKLM installs wrote to HKCU; clean that up too.
 DeleteRegValue HKCU "${AUTOSTART_REG_KEY}" "${APP_NAME}"
+SetRegView 32
+DeleteRegValue HKLM "${AUTOSTART_REG_KEY}" "${APP_NAME}"
+DeleteRegKey HKLM "${REG_APP_PATH}"
+DeleteRegKey HKLM "${UI_REG_APP_PATH}"
+DeleteRegKey HKLM "${UNINSTALL_PATH}"
+SetRegView 64
 
 ; Handle data deletion based on checkbox
 DetailPrint "Checking if user requested data deletion..."

client/internal/approval/broker.go

@@ -0,0 +1,219 @@
+// Package approval brokers per-attempt user-accept prompts for inbound
+// remote access (VNC today, SSH and others in the future). A caller pushes
+// a Prompt; the broker emits a SystemEvent on the daemon→UI stream and
+// blocks until the UI calls the daemon's RespondApproval RPC, the per-
+// request timeout fires, or no subscriber is connected. The latter case
+// fails closed so a backgrounded UI cannot silently bypass the gate.
+package approval
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"errors"
+	"fmt"
+	"sync"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/google/uuid"
+	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
+
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/proto"
+)
+
+// Metadata keys the broker reserves on the emitted SystemEvent. Callers
+// should not set these themselves; values in Prompt.Metadata that collide
+// are overwritten by the broker.
+const (
+	MetaRequestID = "request_id"
+	MetaKind      = "kind"
+	MetaExpiresAt = "expires_at"
+)
+
+// ShortKeyFingerprint formats a hex-encoded Noise_IK static pubkey as a
+// short, eyeball-able fingerprint to display in the approval dialog.
+// The dashboard-supplied display name attached to a SessionPubKey isn't
+// cryptographically asserted by the connecting client, so the prompt
+// must also show something that IS: the key fingerprint, a hash of
+// the static public key the client just proved possession of during the
+// Noise handshake. Returns the empty string when the input is too short
+// to plausibly be a hex pubkey, so the row is omitted rather than
+// rendered as a misleading partial.
+//
+// Output format: 16 hex chars grouped as XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX (64 bits of
+// fingerprint, resistant to random-prefix collisions and easy for a human
+// to compare with an out-of-band reference).
+func ShortKeyFingerprint(hexKey string) string {
+	if len(hexKey) < 8 {
+		return ""
+	}
+	src := hexKey
+	if len(src) > 16 {
+		src = src[:16]
+	}
+	var out []byte
+	for i, c := range src {
+		if i > 0 && i%4 == 0 {
+			out = append(out, '-')
+		}
+		out = append(out, byte(c))
+	}
+	return string(out)
+}
+
+// Kind values for the well-known prompt subjects. New subsystems should
+// add a constant here so the UI can dispatch on a known string.
+const (
+	KindVNC = "vnc"
+	KindSSH = "ssh"
+)
+
+// DefaultTimeout is the wall-clock window the user has to accept or deny a
+// pending approval before the broker fails closed and returns ErrTimeout.
+// Kept well under typical VNC client and dashboard connection timeouts so
+// the RFB rejection actually reaches the browser instead of racing the
+// browser's own "connection timed out" message.
+const DefaultTimeout = 15 * time.Second
+
+// timeoutValue returns the active timeout. It's a var so tests in this
+// package can shorten the wait without exposing a setter on the public
+// API. Production code always sees DefaultTimeout.
+var timeoutValue = func() time.Duration { return DefaultTimeout }
+
+// ErrNoSubscriber indicates no UI is connected to consume the prompt.
+// The caller must reject the underlying connection (fail-closed).
+var ErrNoSubscriber = errors.New("no UI subscriber connected for approval")
+
+// ErrTimeout indicates the user did not respond within DefaultTimeout.
+var ErrTimeout = errors.New("approval timed out")
+
+// ErrDenied indicates the user explicitly denied the connection.
+var ErrDenied = errors.New("approval denied")
+
+// EventPublisher is the subset of peer.Status used to emit prompts.
+type EventPublisher interface {
+	PublishEvent(
+		severity proto.SystemEvent_Severity,
+		category proto.SystemEvent_Category,
+		msg string,
+		userMsg string,
+		metadata map[string]string,
+	)
+	HasEventSubscribers() bool
+}
+
+// Prompt describes the pending request shown to the user. Kind selects
+// the UI dispatch path (e.g. "vnc", "ssh"). Subject is the human-readable
+// one-liner the UI may show as a title or notification body. Metadata is
+// passed through verbatim and is the subsystem-specific payload (peer
+// name, source IP, mode, etc.).
+type Prompt struct {
+	Kind     string
+	Subject  string
+	Metadata map[string]string
+}
+
+// Decision carries the user's response to an approval prompt. ViewOnly is
+// only meaningful when Accept is true; it lets the host grant the
+// connection but signal the requester that input control is withheld.
+type Decision struct {
+	Accept   bool
+	ViewOnly bool
+}
+
+// Broker holds in-flight approval requests keyed by request ID.
+type Broker struct {
+	pub EventPublisher
+
+	mu      sync.Mutex
+	pending map[string]chan Decision
+}
+
+// New returns a broker that publishes prompts via pub.
+func New(pub EventPublisher) *Broker {
+	return &Broker{
+		pub:     pub,
+		pending: make(map[string]chan Decision),
+	}
+}
+
+// Request emits a SystemEvent for p and blocks until the UI calls Respond,
+// ctx is cancelled, or DefaultTimeout elapses. Returns a Decision when
+// the user replied; ErrDenied / ErrTimeout / ErrNoSubscriber / ctx.Err
+// otherwise. Callers must treat any non-nil error as a deny.
+func (b *Broker) Request(ctx context.Context, p Prompt) (Decision, error) {
+	var zero Decision
+	if b == nil || b.pub == nil {
+		return zero, fmt.Errorf("approval broker not configured")
+	}
+	if !b.pub.HasEventSubscribers() {
+		return zero, ErrNoSubscriber
+	}
+
+	id := uuid.NewString()
+	resp := make(chan Decision, 1)
+
+	b.mu.Lock()
+	b.pending[id] = resp
+	b.mu.Unlock()
+
+	defer b.dropPending(id)
+
+	timeout := timeoutValue()
+	expiresAt := time.Now().Add(timeout)
+	meta := make(map[string]string, len(p.Metadata)+3)
+	for k, v := range p.Metadata {
+		meta[k] = v
+	}
+	meta[MetaRequestID] = id
+	meta[MetaKind] = p.Kind
+	meta[MetaExpiresAt] = expiresAt.UTC().Format(time.RFC3339)
+
+	subject := p.Subject
+	if subject == "" {
+		subject = fmt.Sprintf("%s connection requires approval", p.Kind)
+	}
+	b.pub.PublishEvent(proto.SystemEvent_INFO, proto.SystemEvent_APPROVAL, subject, subject, meta)
+	log.Debugf("approval request %s (%s) emitted: %s", id, p.Kind, subject)
+
+	timer := time.NewTimer(timeout)
+	defer timer.Stop()
+
+	select {
+	case d := <-resp:
+		if !d.Accept {
+			return zero, ErrDenied
+		}
+		return d, nil
+	case <-timer.C:
+		return zero, ErrTimeout
+	case <-ctx.Done():
+		return zero, ctx.Err()
+	}
+}
+
+// Respond delivers the user's decision for id. Returns true when a pending
+// request matched and was woken, false when id was unknown or already done.
+func (b *Broker) Respond(id string, d Decision) bool {
+	if b == nil {
+		return false
+	}
+	b.mu.Lock()
+	ch, ok := b.pending[id]
+	if ok {
+		delete(b.pending, id)
+	}
+	b.mu.Unlock()
+	if !ok {
+		return false
+	}
+	select {
+	case ch <- d:
+	default:
+	}
+	return true
+}
+
+func (b *Broker) dropPending(id string) {
+	b.mu.Lock()
+	delete(b.pending, id)
+	b.mu.Unlock()
+}

client/internal/approval/broker_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,434 @@
+package approval
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"sync"
+	"sync/atomic"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/stretchr/testify/assert"
+	"github.com/stretchr/testify/require"
+
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/proto"
+)
+
+// fakePublisher records published events and reports whether subscribers
+// are connected. The subscribers flag is the security-critical signal:
+// when false the broker must refuse to emit and the gate must fail closed.
+type fakePublisher struct {
+	mu          sync.Mutex
+	subscribers bool
+	events      []*proto.SystemEvent
+}
+
+func (p *fakePublisher) PublishEvent(
+	severity proto.SystemEvent_Severity,
+	category proto.SystemEvent_Category,
+	msg string,
+	userMsg string,
+	metadata map[string]string,
+) {
+	p.mu.Lock()
+	p.events = append(p.events, &proto.SystemEvent{
+		Severity:    severity,
+		Category:    category,
+		Message:     msg,
+		UserMessage: userMsg,
+		Metadata:    metadata,
+	})
+	p.mu.Unlock()
+}
+
+func (p *fakePublisher) HasEventSubscribers() bool {
+	p.mu.Lock()
+	defer p.mu.Unlock()
+	return p.subscribers
+}
+
+func (p *fakePublisher) lastEvent(t *testing.T) *proto.SystemEvent {
+	t.Helper()
+	p.mu.Lock()
+	defer p.mu.Unlock()
+	require.NotEmpty(t, p.events, "publisher saw no events")
+	return p.events[len(p.events)-1]
+}
+
+func (p *fakePublisher) eventCount() int {
+	p.mu.Lock()
+	defer p.mu.Unlock()
+	return len(p.events)
+}
+
+// TestRequestNoSubscriberFailsClosed is the core fail-closed invariant:
+// when the UI is not subscribed, the broker must refuse without emitting
+// an event or arming a waiter. A regression here is a silent bypass.
+func TestRequestNoSubscriberFailsClosed(t *testing.T) {
+	pub := &fakePublisher{subscribers: false}
+	b := New(pub)
+
+	_, err := b.Request(context.Background(), Prompt{Kind: KindVNC, Subject: "test"})
+	assert.ErrorIs(t, err, ErrNoSubscriber)
+	assert.Equal(t, 0, pub.eventCount(), "no event must be emitted when fail-closed")
+
+	b.mu.Lock()
+	pending := len(b.pending)
+	b.mu.Unlock()
+	assert.Equal(t, 0, pending, "no waiter must be registered on fail-closed")
+}
+
+// TestRequestTimeoutDenies verifies that a request without a UI response
+// returns ErrTimeout (deny) rather than nil (silent accept). Uses a short
+// per-test broker timeout via Respond after the fact to keep the test fast.
+func TestRequestTimeoutDenies(t *testing.T) {
+	// Replace DefaultTimeout for the lifetime of this test.
+	orig := DefaultTimeout
+	defaultTimeout(t, 60*time.Millisecond)
+	defer defaultTimeout(t, orig)
+
+	pub := &fakePublisher{subscribers: true}
+	b := New(pub)
+
+	start := time.Now()
+	_, err := b.Request(context.Background(), Prompt{Kind: KindVNC, Subject: "test"})
+	assert.ErrorIs(t, err, ErrTimeout, "missing user response must yield ErrTimeout, not nil")
+	assert.GreaterOrEqual(t, time.Since(start), 50*time.Millisecond, "timeout fired prematurely")
+}
+
+// TestRequestDenied returns ErrDenied when the UI responds with false.
+func TestRequestDenied(t *testing.T) {
+	pub := &fakePublisher{subscribers: true}
+	b := New(pub)
+
+	var requestID string
+	done := make(chan error, 1)
+	go func() {
+		done <- requestErr(b, context.Background(), Prompt{Kind: KindVNC, Subject: "test"})
+	}()
+
+	requestID = waitForRequestID(t, pub)
+	require.True(t, b.Respond(requestID, Decision{Accept: false}))
+
+	select {
+	case err := <-done:
+		assert.ErrorIs(t, err, ErrDenied)
+	case <-time.After(time.Second):
+		t.Fatal("Request did not return after Respond(false)")
+	}
+}
+
+// TestRequestAccepted is the happy path. Failure here doesn't bypass the
+// gate but breaks the feature.
+func TestRequestAccepted(t *testing.T) {
+	pub := &fakePublisher{subscribers: true}
+	b := New(pub)
+
+	done := make(chan error, 1)
+	go func() {
+		done <- requestErr(b, context.Background(), Prompt{Kind: KindVNC, Subject: "test"})
+	}()
+
+	id := waitForRequestID(t, pub)
+	require.True(t, b.Respond(id, Decision{Accept: true}))
+
+	select {
+	case err := <-done:
+		assert.NoError(t, err)
+	case <-time.After(time.Second):
+		t.Fatal("Request did not return after Respond(true)")
+	}
+}
+
+// TestRequestCtxCancelDenies verifies that an upstream cancel (e.g. the
+// engine shutting down mid-prompt) returns the cancel error rather than
+// nil. A nil here would be a silent bypass on shutdown races.
+func TestRequestCtxCancelDenies(t *testing.T) {
+	pub := &fakePublisher{subscribers: true}
+	b := New(pub)
+
+	ctx, cancel := context.WithCancel(context.Background())
+	done := make(chan error, 1)
+	go func() {
+		done <- requestErr(b, ctx, Prompt{Kind: KindVNC, Subject: "test"})
+	}()
+
+	// Wait until the prompt is in flight so cancel races a live waiter.
+	_ = waitForRequestID(t, pub)
+	cancel()
+
+	select {
+	case err := <-done:
+		assert.ErrorIs(t, err, context.Canceled)
+	case <-time.After(time.Second):
+		t.Fatal("Request did not return after ctx cancel")
+	}
+}
+
+// TestRespondUnknownIsNoop ensures a stray RespondApproval RPC cannot
+// affect or accidentally accept any in-flight request whose id it doesn't
+// match. Also confirms it doesn't panic.
+func TestRespondUnknownIsNoop(t *testing.T) {
+	pub := &fakePublisher{subscribers: true}
+	b := New(pub)
+
+	// No in-flight prompts: Respond returns false.
+	assert.False(t, b.Respond("does-not-exist", Decision{Accept: true}))
+
+	// With an in-flight prompt, a wrong id still returns false and the
+	// prompt remains armed (eventually timing out as a deny).
+	defaultTimeout(t, 60*time.Millisecond)
+	defer defaultTimeout(t, DefaultTimeout)
+
+	done := make(chan error, 1)
+	go func() {
+		done <- requestErr(b, context.Background(), Prompt{Kind: KindVNC})
+	}()
+	realID := waitForRequestID(t, pub)
+	assert.False(t, b.Respond("totally-bogus", Decision{Accept: true}), "unknown id must not match")
+	assert.NotEqual(t, "totally-bogus", realID)
+
+	select {
+	case err := <-done:
+		assert.ErrorIs(t, err, ErrTimeout, "armed prompt must still time out, not accept")
+	case <-time.After(time.Second):
+		t.Fatal("prompt did not resolve")
+	}
+}
+
+// TestRespondAfterTimeoutNoop confirms a late accept response can't
+// retroactively flip a denied (timed-out) request. The dropPending defer
+// in Request must have removed the entry by the time Respond races in.
+func TestRespondAfterTimeoutNoop(t *testing.T) {
+	defaultTimeout(t, 30*time.Millisecond)
+	defer defaultTimeout(t, DefaultTimeout)
+
+	pub := &fakePublisher{subscribers: true}
+	b := New(pub)
+
+	done := make(chan error, 1)
+	go func() {
+		done <- requestErr(b, context.Background(), Prompt{Kind: KindVNC})
+	}()
+	id := waitForRequestID(t, pub)
+
+	select {
+	case err := <-done:
+		require.ErrorIs(t, err, ErrTimeout)
+	case <-time.After(time.Second):
+		t.Fatal("prompt did not time out")
+	}
+
+	assert.False(t, b.Respond(id, Decision{Accept: true}), "late respond must be no-op")
+}
+
+// TestRespondDoubleNoop ensures a duplicate ack from the UI doesn't leak
+// past the matched waiter or panic on a closed/full channel.
+func TestRespondDoubleNoop(t *testing.T) {
+	pub := &fakePublisher{subscribers: true}
+	b := New(pub)
+
+	done := make(chan error, 1)
+	go func() {
+		done <- requestErr(b, context.Background(), Prompt{Kind: KindVNC})
+	}()
+	id := waitForRequestID(t, pub)
+	require.True(t, b.Respond(id, Decision{Accept: true}))
+	assert.False(t, b.Respond(id, Decision{Accept: false}), "second response must be no-op")
+
+	select {
+	case err := <-done:
+		assert.NoError(t, err)
+	case <-time.After(time.Second):
+		t.Fatal("prompt did not resolve")
+	}
+}
+
+// TestNilBrokerRequestErrors guards the engine pre-init path where the
+// broker may not yet exist (or its publisher is nil): Request must
+// error, never silently accept.
+func TestNilBrokerRequestErrors(t *testing.T) {
+	var b *Broker
+	_, err := b.Request(context.Background(), Prompt{Kind: KindVNC})
+	assert.Error(t, err, "nil broker must error, never silently accept")
+
+	b2 := New(nil)
+	_, err = b2.Request(context.Background(), Prompt{Kind: KindVNC})
+	assert.Error(t, err, "broker with nil publisher must error, never silently accept")
+}
+
+// TestPromptMetadataInjected confirms the broker stamps request_id, kind,
+// and expires_at on the emitted event. The UI relies on these keys; if
+// they are dropped, the user cannot route the prompt and the response
+// path breaks (which fails closed via timeout).
+func TestPromptMetadataInjected(t *testing.T) {
+	pub := &fakePublisher{subscribers: true}
+	b := New(pub)
+
+	done := make(chan error, 1)
+	go func() {
+		done <- requestErr(b, context.Background(), Prompt{
+			Kind:     KindVNC,
+			Subject:  "VNC connection from peerA",
+			Metadata: map[string]string{"peer_name": "peerA"},
+		})
+	}()
+
+	id := waitForRequestID(t, pub)
+	ev := pub.lastEvent(t)
+
+	assert.Equal(t, proto.SystemEvent_APPROVAL, ev.Category)
+	assert.Equal(t, KindVNC, ev.Metadata[MetaKind])
+	assert.Equal(t, id, ev.Metadata[MetaRequestID])
+	assert.NotEmpty(t, ev.Metadata[MetaExpiresAt])
+	assert.Equal(t, "peerA", ev.Metadata["peer_name"], "caller metadata must pass through")
+
+	require.True(t, b.Respond(id, Decision{Accept: true}))
+	<-done
+}
+
+// TestConcurrentRequests verifies that two concurrent prompts are tracked
+// independently. A bug that aliases ids would let one Respond unblock
+// the wrong waiter (a silent accept across prompts).
+func TestConcurrentRequests(t *testing.T) {
+	pub := &fakePublisher{subscribers: true}
+	b := New(pub)
+
+	const n = 20
+	results := make(chan error, n)
+	for i := 0; i < n; i++ {
+		go func() {
+			results <- requestErr(b, context.Background(), Prompt{Kind: KindVNC})
+		}()
+	}
+
+	ids := waitForNRequestIDs(t, pub, n)
+	require.Len(t, ids, n)
+
+	// Deny exactly half, accept the rest. Track outcome per id so we can
+	// match each Request's return value against the response we sent.
+	denySet := make(map[string]bool, n)
+	for i, id := range ids {
+		deny := i%2 == 0
+		denySet[id] = deny
+		require.True(t, b.Respond(id, Decision{Accept: !deny}))
+	}
+
+	// Collect all returns and check no nil errors slipped past a deny.
+	var accepted, denied atomic.Int32
+	for i := 0; i < n; i++ {
+		select {
+		case err := <-results:
+			if err == nil {
+				accepted.Add(1)
+			} else {
+				assert.ErrorIs(t, err, ErrDenied)
+				denied.Add(1)
+			}
+		case <-time.After(2 * time.Second):
+			t.Fatalf("only got %d/%d responses", i, n)
+		}
+	}
+	assert.Equal(t, int32(n/2), denied.Load())
+	assert.Equal(t, int32(n/2), accepted.Load())
+}
+
+// waitForRequestID blocks until the publisher sees its next event and
+// returns the request_id stamped on it.
+func waitForRequestID(t *testing.T, pub *fakePublisher) string {
+	t.Helper()
+	deadline := time.Now().Add(2 * time.Second)
+	for time.Now().Before(deadline) {
+		pub.mu.Lock()
+		count := len(pub.events)
+		var id string
+		if count > 0 {
+			id = pub.events[count-1].Metadata[MetaRequestID]
+		}
+		pub.mu.Unlock()
+		if id != "" {
+			return id
+		}
+		time.Sleep(2 * time.Millisecond)
+	}
+	t.Fatal("timeout waiting for emitted event")
+	return ""
+}
+
+func waitForNRequestIDs(t *testing.T, pub *fakePublisher, n int) []string {
+	t.Helper()
+	deadline := time.Now().Add(2 * time.Second)
+	for time.Now().Before(deadline) {
+		pub.mu.Lock()
+		count := len(pub.events)
+		pub.mu.Unlock()
+		if count >= n {
+			break
+		}
+		time.Sleep(2 * time.Millisecond)
+	}
+	pub.mu.Lock()
+	defer pub.mu.Unlock()
+	out := make([]string, 0, len(pub.events))
+	seen := make(map[string]struct{}, len(pub.events))
+	for _, ev := range pub.events {
+		id := ev.Metadata[MetaRequestID]
+		if id == "" {
+			continue
+		}
+		if _, dup := seen[id]; dup {
+			continue
+		}
+		seen[id] = struct{}{}
+		out = append(out, id)
+	}
+	if len(out) < n {
+		t.Fatalf("only got %d/%d request ids", len(out), n)
+	}
+	return out
+}
+
+// defaultTimeout swaps the broker's per-request wall-clock window so the
+// timeout tests run quickly. Restores the prior value on the next call.
+func defaultTimeout(t *testing.T, d time.Duration) {
+	t.Helper()
+	if d <= 0 {
+		t.Fatal("defaultTimeout must be > 0")
+	}
+	timeoutValue = func() time.Duration { return d }
+}
+
+// requestErr wraps Broker.Request to drop the Decision when tests only
+// care about the error path. Keeps the goroutine bodies tight.
+func requestErr(b *Broker, ctx context.Context, p Prompt) error {
+	_, err := b.Request(ctx, p)
+	return err
+}
+
+// TestRequestViewOnly checks the view-only outcome flows through Request's
+// Decision return without being silently swallowed.
+func TestRequestViewOnly(t *testing.T) {
+	pub := &fakePublisher{subscribers: true}
+	b := New(pub)
+
+	type result struct {
+		d   Decision
+		err error
+	}
+	done := make(chan result, 1)
+	go func() {
+		d, err := b.Request(context.Background(), Prompt{Kind: KindVNC})
+		done <- result{d, err}
+	}()
+
+	id := waitForRequestID(t, pub)
+	require.True(t, b.Respond(id, Decision{Accept: true, ViewOnly: true}))
+
+	select {
+	case r := <-done:
+		assert.NoError(t, r.err)
+		assert.True(t, r.d.Accept)
+		assert.True(t, r.d.ViewOnly, "ViewOnly must survive the round-trip")
+	case <-time.After(time.Second):
+		t.Fatal("view-only request did not resolve")
+	}
+}

client/internal/approval/fingerprint_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,62 @@
+package approval
+
+import "testing"
+
+// TestShortKeyFingerprint locks in the format the VNC approval prompt
+// shows to the user. The fingerprint is the user's only cryptographic
+// anchor against a malicious management server that pushes a spoofed
+// display name, so accidental changes to its format would silently
+// undermine that defence.
+func TestShortKeyFingerprint(t *testing.T) {
+	cases := []struct {
+		name string
+		in   string
+		want string
+	}{
+		{
+			name: "full_32_byte_pubkey",
+			in:   "0123456789abcdeffedcba9876543210ffeeddccbbaa99887766554433221100",
+			want: "0123-4567-89ab-cdef",
+		},
+		{
+			name: "exactly_16_chars",
+			in:   "0123456789abcdef",
+			want: "0123-4567-89ab-cdef",
+		},
+		{
+			name: "borderline_8_chars",
+			in:   "01234567",
+			want: "0123-4567",
+		},
+		{
+			name: "too_short_returns_empty",
+			in:   "0123",
+			want: "",
+		},
+		{
+			name: "empty_returns_empty",
+			in:   "",
+			want: "",
+		},
+	}
+	for _, tc := range cases {
+		t.Run(tc.name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			got := ShortKeyFingerprint(tc.in)
+			if got != tc.want {
+				t.Fatalf("ShortKeyFingerprint(%q) = %q, want %q", tc.in, got, tc.want)
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+// TestShortKeyFingerprint_DistinctKeysDistinctOutputs guards against a
+// formatting bug that would collapse different prefixes onto the same
+// displayed fingerprint and let an attacker substitute their pubkey for
+// a victim's while keeping the prompt visually identical.
+func TestShortKeyFingerprint_DistinctKeysDistinctOutputs(t *testing.T) {
+	a := ShortKeyFingerprint("0123456789abcdef" + "rest_of_pubkey_ignored")
+	b := ShortKeyFingerprint("0123456789abcde0" + "rest_of_pubkey_ignored")
+	if a == b {
+		t.Fatalf("expected distinct outputs for distinct prefixes, both = %q", a)
+	}
+}

client/internal/auth/auth.go

@@ -315,6 +315,7 @@ func (a *Auth) setSystemInfoFlags(info *system.Info) {
 		a.config.RosenpassEnabled,
 		a.config.RosenpassPermissive,
 		a.config.ServerSSHAllowed,
+		a.config.ServerVNCAllowed,
 		a.config.DisableClientRoutes,
 		a.config.DisableServerRoutes,
 		a.config.DisableDNS,

client/internal/auth/pkce_flow.go

@@ -360,13 +360,7 @@ func isRedirectURLPortUsed(redirectURL string, excludedRanges []excludedPortRang
 		return true
 	}
 
-	// FreeBSD 15 disables connecting to INADDR_ANY (0.0.0.0) as a localhost
-	// alias by default, ensure explicit ip for localhost.
-	host := parsedURL.Hostname()
-	if host == "" {
-		host = "127.0.0.1"
-	}
-	addr := net.JoinHostPort(host, port)
+	addr := fmt.Sprintf(":%s", port)
 	conn, err := net.DialTimeout("tcp", addr, 3*time.Second)
 	if err != nil {
 		return false

client/internal/connect.go

@@ -562,6 +562,8 @@ func createEngineConfig(key wgtypes.Key, config *profilemanager.Config, peerConf
 		RosenpassEnabled:              config.RosenpassEnabled,
 		RosenpassPermissive:           config.RosenpassPermissive,
 		ServerSSHAllowed:              util.ReturnBoolWithDefaultTrue(config.ServerSSHAllowed),
+		ServerVNCAllowed:              config.ServerVNCAllowed != nil && *config.ServerVNCAllowed,
+		DisableVNCApproval:            config.DisableVNCApproval,
 		EnableSSHRoot:                 config.EnableSSHRoot,
 		EnableSSHSFTP:                 config.EnableSSHSFTP,
 		EnableSSHLocalPortForwarding:  config.EnableSSHLocalPortForwarding,
@@ -644,6 +646,7 @@ func loginToManagement(ctx context.Context, client mgm.Client, pubSSHKey []byte,
 		config.RosenpassEnabled,
 		config.RosenpassPermissive,
 		config.ServerSSHAllowed,
+		config.ServerVNCAllowed,
 		config.DisableClientRoutes,
 		config.DisableServerRoutes,
 		config.DisableDNS,

client/internal/debug/debug.go

@@ -636,6 +636,12 @@ func (g *BundleGenerator) addCommonConfigFields(configContent *strings.Builder)
 	if g.internalConfig.SSHJWTCacheTTL != nil {
 		configContent.WriteString(fmt.Sprintf("SSHJWTCacheTTL: %d\n", *g.internalConfig.SSHJWTCacheTTL))
 	}
+	if g.internalConfig.ServerVNCAllowed != nil {
+		configContent.WriteString(fmt.Sprintf("ServerVNCAllowed: %v\n", *g.internalConfig.ServerVNCAllowed))
+	}
+	if g.internalConfig.DisableVNCApproval != nil {
+		configContent.WriteString(fmt.Sprintf("DisableVNCApproval: %v\n", *g.internalConfig.DisableVNCApproval))
+	}
 
 	configContent.WriteString(fmt.Sprintf("DisableClientRoutes: %v\n", g.internalConfig.DisableClientRoutes))
 	configContent.WriteString(fmt.Sprintf("DisableServerRoutes: %v\n", g.internalConfig.DisableServerRoutes))

client/internal/debug/debug_test.go

@@ -862,6 +862,8 @@ func TestAddConfig_AllFieldsCovered(t *testing.T) {
 		RosenpassEnabled:              true,
 		RosenpassPermissive:           true,
 		ServerSSHAllowed:              &bTrue,
+		ServerVNCAllowed:              &bTrue,
+		DisableVNCApproval:            &bTrue,
 		EnableSSHRoot:                 &bTrue,
 		EnableSSHSFTP:                 &bTrue,
 		EnableSSHLocalPortForwarding:  &bTrue,

client/internal/dns/handler_chain.go

@@ -339,7 +339,8 @@ func (c *HandlerChain) isHandlerMatch(qname string, entry HandlerEntry) bool {
 	case entry.Pattern == ".":
 		return true
 	case entry.IsWildcard:
-		return strings.HasSuffix(qname, "."+entry.Pattern)
+		parts := strings.Split(strings.TrimSuffix(qname, entry.Pattern), ".")
+		return len(parts) >= 2 && strings.HasSuffix(qname, entry.Pattern)
 	default:
 		// For non-wildcard patterns:
 		// If handler wants subdomain matching, allow suffix match

client/internal/dns/handler_chain_test.go

@@ -164,54 +164,6 @@ func TestHandlerChain_ServeDNS_DomainMatching(t *testing.T) {
 			matchSubdomains: true,
 			shouldMatch:     true,
 		},
-		{
-			name:            "wildcard label-boundary mismatch (suffix overlap)",
-			handlerDomain:   "*.b.test.",
-			queryDomain:     "x.ab.test.",
-			isWildcard:      true,
-			matchSubdomains: false,
-			shouldMatch:     false,
-		},
-		{
-			name:            "wildcard label-boundary match",
-			handlerDomain:   "*.b.test.",
-			queryDomain:     "x.b.test.",
-			isWildcard:      true,
-			matchSubdomains: false,
-			shouldMatch:     true,
-		},
-		{
-			name:            "wildcard multi-label match",
-			handlerDomain:   "*.b.test.",
-			queryDomain:     "x.y.b.test.",
-			isWildcard:      true,
-			matchSubdomains: false,
-			shouldMatch:     true,
-		},
-		{
-			name:            "wildcard no match on multi-label apex",
-			handlerDomain:   "*.b.test.",
-			queryDomain:     "b.test.",
-			isWildcard:      true,
-			matchSubdomains: false,
-			shouldMatch:     false,
-		},
-		{
-			name:            "wildcard no match on unrelated suffix containment",
-			handlerDomain:   "*.example.com.",
-			queryDomain:     "notexample.com.",
-			isWildcard:      true,
-			matchSubdomains: false,
-			shouldMatch:     false,
-		},
-		{
-			name:            "wildcard accepts pattern registered without trailing dot",
-			handlerDomain:   "*.b.test",
-			queryDomain:     "x.b.test.",
-			isWildcard:      true,
-			matchSubdomains: false,
-			shouldMatch:     true,
-		},
 	}
 
 	for _, tt := range tests {
@@ -321,19 +273,6 @@ func TestHandlerChain_ServeDNS_OverlappingDomains(t *testing.T) {
 			expectedCalls:   1,
 			expectedHandler: 2, // highest priority matching handler should be called
 		},
-		{
-			name: "overlapping wildcard suffixes route to correct handler",
-			handlers: []struct {
-				pattern  string
-				priority int
-			}{
-				{pattern: "*.b.test.", priority: nbdns.PriorityDNSRoute},
-				{pattern: "*.ab.test.", priority: nbdns.PriorityDNSRoute},
-			},
-			queryDomain:     "app.ab.test.",
-			expectedCalls:   1,
-			expectedHandler: 1,
-		},
 		{
 			name: "root zone with specific domain",
 			handlers: []struct {

client/internal/dns/local/local.go

@@ -26,19 +26,6 @@ type resolver interface {
 	LookupNetIP(ctx context.Context, network, host string) ([]netip.Addr, error)
 }
 
-// PeerConnectivity reports whether a tunnel IP belongs to a peer the
-// client knows about and whether that peer is currently connected. The
-// local resolver uses this to suppress A/AAAA answers whose RDATA points
-// at a disconnected peer (typical case: a synthesized private-service
-// record pointing at an embedded proxy peer that just went offline).
-//
-// known=false means the IP isn't in the local peerstore at all — the
-// record is left alone (it points at something outside our mesh, e.g.
-// a non-peer upstream).
-type PeerConnectivity interface {
-	IsConnectedByIP(ip string) (known, connected bool)
-}
-
 type Resolver struct {
 	mu      sync.RWMutex
 	records map[dns.Question][]dns.RR
@@ -46,11 +33,6 @@ type Resolver struct {
 	// zones maps zone domain -> NonAuthoritative (true = non-authoritative, user-created zone)
 	zones    map[domain.Domain]bool
 	resolver resolver
-	// peerConn, when non-nil, is consulted on every A/AAAA answer to
-	// drop records pointing at disconnected peers. nil disables the
-	// filter and preserves the legacy "return whatever is registered"
-	// behaviour for callers that never wire a status source.
-	peerConn PeerConnectivity
 
 	ctx    context.Context
 	cancel context.CancelFunc
@@ -67,15 +49,6 @@ func NewResolver() *Resolver {
 	}
 }
 
-// SetPeerConnectivity wires the per-IP connectivity check used to filter
-// out A/AAAA answers pointing at disconnected peers. Pass nil to disable.
-// Safe to call multiple times; the latest value wins.
-func (d *Resolver) SetPeerConnectivity(p PeerConnectivity) {
-	d.mu.Lock()
-	defer d.mu.Unlock()
-	d.peerConn = p
-}
-
 func (d *Resolver) MatchSubdomains() bool {
 	return true
 }
@@ -122,7 +95,6 @@ func (d *Resolver) ServeDNS(w dns.ResponseWriter, r *dns.Msg) {
 	replyMessage.RecursionAvailable = true
 
 	result := d.lookupRecords(logger, question)
-	result.records = d.filterDisconnectedPeerAnswers(logger, question, result.records)
 	replyMessage.Authoritative = !result.hasExternalData
 	replyMessage.Answer = result.records
 	replyMessage.Rcode = d.determineRcode(question, result)
@@ -464,78 +436,6 @@ func (d *Resolver) logDNSError(logger *log.Entry, hostname string, qtype uint16,
 	}
 }
 
-// filterDisconnectedPeerAnswers drops A/AAAA records whose RDATA matches
-// a known but disconnected peer. The synthesized private-service zones
-// emit one A record per connected proxy peer in a cluster; when a peer
-// goes offline, the server-side refresh removes the record from the
-// next netmap, but the client may still hold the previous netmap for a
-// short window. This filter is the local belt to that braces — even on
-// the stale netmap, the resolver hides the offline target.
-//
-// Records pointing at unknown IPs (outside the local peerstore, e.g.
-// non-mesh upstreams) are never dropped. Non-A/AAAA records pass
-// through untouched.
-//
-// Escape hatch: if filtering would leave the answer empty AND at least
-// one record was filtered, the original list is returned. Better to
-// hand the client a record that may not respond than NXDOMAIN it
-// completely when every proxy peer is offline (the upstream may still
-// be reachable some other way, or the peerstore may be stale).
-func (d *Resolver) filterDisconnectedPeerAnswers(logger *log.Entry, question dns.Question, records []dns.RR) []dns.RR {
-	if len(records) == 0 {
-		return records
-	}
-	d.mu.RLock()
-	checker := d.peerConn
-	d.mu.RUnlock()
-	if checker == nil {
-		return records
-	}
-
-	kept := make([]dns.RR, 0, len(records))
-	var dropped int
-	for _, rr := range records {
-		ip := extractRecordIP(rr)
-		if ip == "" {
-			kept = append(kept, rr)
-			continue
-		}
-		known, connected := checker.IsConnectedByIP(ip)
-		if known && !connected {
-			dropped++
-			continue
-		}
-		kept = append(kept, rr)
-	}
-	if dropped == 0 {
-		return records
-	}
-	if len(kept) == 0 {
-		logger.Debugf("all %d answers for %s point at disconnected peers; returning the original list", dropped, question.Name)
-		return records
-	}
-	logger.Tracef("dropped %d disconnected-peer answer(s) for %s, returning %d", dropped, question.Name, len(kept))
-	return kept
-}
-
-// extractRecordIP returns the dotted-decimal / colon-hex IP carried by
-// an A or AAAA record, or "" for any other record type.
-func extractRecordIP(rr dns.RR) string {
-	switch r := rr.(type) {
-	case *dns.A:
-		if r.A == nil {
-			return ""
-		}
-		return r.A.String()
-	case *dns.AAAA:
-		if r.AAAA == nil {
-			return ""
-		}
-		return r.AAAA.String()
-	}
-	return ""
-}
-
 // Update replaces all zones and their records
 func (d *Resolver) Update(customZones []nbdns.CustomZone) {
 	d.mu.Lock()

client/internal/dns/local/local_test.go

@@ -30,21 +30,6 @@ func (m *mockResolver) LookupNetIP(ctx context.Context, network, host string) ([
 	return nil, nil
 }
 
-// mockPeerConnectivity returns canned (known, connected) results per IP.
-// Used by the disconnected-peer filter tests below. IPs not in the map
-// are reported as unknown so the filter leaves them alone.
-type mockPeerConnectivity struct {
-	byIP map[string]struct{ known, connected bool }
-}
-
-func (m mockPeerConnectivity) IsConnectedByIP(ip string) (known, connected bool) {
-	v, ok := m.byIP[ip]
-	if !ok {
-		return false, false
-	}
-	return v.known, v.connected
-}
-
 func TestLocalResolver_ServeDNS(t *testing.T) {
 	recordA := nbdns.SimpleRecord{
 		Name:  "peera.netbird.cloud.",
@@ -2667,114 +2652,3 @@ func BenchmarkIsInManagedZone_ManyZones(b *testing.B) {
 		resolver.isInManagedZone(qname)
 	}
 }
-
-// TestLocalResolver_FilterDisconnectedPeerAnswers verifies the
-// connectivity-aware filtering layered on top of lookupRecords:
-// when an A record's IP belongs to a known peer that's disconnected,
-// the record is dropped from the answer. Records for unknown IPs pass
-// through. If filtering would empty the answer entirely and at least
-// one record was dropped, the original list is restored (escape hatch
-// for the "all proxies offline" case).
-func TestLocalResolver_FilterDisconnectedPeerAnswers(t *testing.T) {
-	zone := "svc.cluster.netbird."
-	connectedRec := nbdns.SimpleRecord{
-		Name:  zone,
-		Type:  int(dns.TypeA),
-		Class: nbdns.DefaultClass,
-		TTL:   5,
-		RData: "100.64.0.10",
-	}
-	disconnectedRec := nbdns.SimpleRecord{
-		Name:  zone,
-		Type:  int(dns.TypeA),
-		Class: nbdns.DefaultClass,
-		TTL:   5,
-		RData: "100.64.0.11",
-	}
-	unknownRec := nbdns.SimpleRecord{
-		Name:  zone,
-		Type:  int(dns.TypeA),
-		Class: nbdns.DefaultClass,
-		TTL:   5,
-		RData: "203.0.113.5",
-	}
-
-	type ipState struct{ known, connected bool }
-	tests := []struct {
-		name        string
-		records     []nbdns.SimpleRecord
-		connByIP    map[string]ipState
-		wantInOrder []string
-	}{
-		{
-			name:    "drops disconnected peer, keeps connected",
-			records: []nbdns.SimpleRecord{connectedRec, disconnectedRec},
-			connByIP: map[string]ipState{
-				"100.64.0.10": {known: true, connected: true},
-				"100.64.0.11": {known: true, connected: false},
-			},
-			wantInOrder: []string{"100.64.0.10"},
-		},
-		{
-			name:    "unknown IPs pass through untouched",
-			records: []nbdns.SimpleRecord{unknownRec, disconnectedRec},
-			connByIP: map[string]ipState{
-				"100.64.0.11": {known: true, connected: false},
-			},
-			wantInOrder: []string{"203.0.113.5"},
-		},
-		{
-			name:    "all disconnected falls back to original list",
-			records: []nbdns.SimpleRecord{disconnectedRec, connectedRec},
-			connByIP: map[string]ipState{
-				"100.64.0.10": {known: true, connected: false},
-				"100.64.0.11": {known: true, connected: false},
-			},
-			wantInOrder: []string{"100.64.0.11", "100.64.0.10"},
-		},
-		{
-			name:        "no checker wired returns all records",
-			records:     []nbdns.SimpleRecord{connectedRec, disconnectedRec},
-			connByIP:    nil,
-			wantInOrder: []string{"100.64.0.10", "100.64.0.11"},
-		},
-	}
-
-	for _, tc := range tests {
-		t.Run(tc.name, func(t *testing.T) {
-			resolver := NewResolver()
-			if tc.connByIP != nil {
-				cm := mockPeerConnectivity{byIP: make(map[string]struct{ known, connected bool }, len(tc.connByIP))}
-				for ip, st := range tc.connByIP {
-					cm.byIP[ip] = struct{ known, connected bool }{st.known, st.connected}
-				}
-				resolver.SetPeerConnectivity(cm)
-			}
-			resolver.Update([]nbdns.CustomZone{{
-				Domain:           strings.TrimSuffix(zone, "."),
-				Records:          tc.records,
-				NonAuthoritative: true,
-			}})
-
-			var got *dns.Msg
-			writer := &test.MockResponseWriter{
-				WriteMsgFunc: func(m *dns.Msg) error {
-					got = m
-					return nil
-				},
-			}
-			req := new(dns.Msg).SetQuestion(zone, dns.TypeA)
-			resolver.ServeDNS(writer, req)
-
-			require.NotNil(t, got, "resolver must produce a response")
-			require.Len(t, got.Answer, len(tc.wantInOrder),
-				"answer count must match expected: %v", tc.wantInOrder)
-			for i, want := range tc.wantInOrder {
-				a, ok := got.Answer[i].(*dns.A)
-				require.True(t, ok, "answer[%d] must be an A record", i)
-				assert.Equal(t, want, a.A.String(),
-					"answer[%d] expected %s got %s", i, want, a.A.String())
-			}
-		})
-	}
-}

client/internal/dns/server.go

@@ -301,11 +301,6 @@ func newDefaultServer(
 		warningDelayBase:  defaultWarningDelayBase,
 		healthRefresh:     make(chan struct{}, 1),
 	}
-	// Wire the local resolver against the peer status recorder so it can
-	// suppress A/AAAA answers that point at disconnected peers (typical
-	// case: synthesised private-service records pointing at an embedded
-	// proxy peer that just went offline).
-	defaultServer.localResolver.SetPeerConnectivity(localPeerConnectivity{statusRecorder})
 
 	// register with root zone, handler chain takes care of the routing
 	dnsService.RegisterMux(".", handlerChain)
@@ -1391,25 +1386,3 @@ func (s *DefaultServer) PopulateManagementDomain(mgmtURL *url.URL) error {
 	}
 	return nil
 }
-
-// localPeerConnectivity adapts *peer.Status to local.PeerConnectivity so
-// the local resolver can ask "is this IP a known peer and is it
-// connected?" without taking on the peer package as a dependency.
-// A nil status recorder always reports known=false so the resolver
-// short-circuits to the legacy "return everything" path.
-type localPeerConnectivity struct {
-	status *peer.Status
-}
-
-// IsConnectedByIP looks the IP up in the peerstore and surfaces both
-// the known and connected bits. Used by Resolver.filterDisconnectedPeerAnswers.
-func (l localPeerConnectivity) IsConnectedByIP(ip string) (known, connected bool) {
-	if l.status == nil {
-		return false, false
-	}
-	state, ok := l.status.PeerStateByIP(ip)
-	if !ok {
-		return false, false
-	}
-	return true, state.ConnStatus == peer.StatusConnected
-}

client/internal/engine.go

@@ -35,6 +35,7 @@ import (
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface/udpmux"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface/wgaddr"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/acl"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/approval"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/debug"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/dns"
 	dnsconfig "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/dns/config"
@@ -123,6 +124,8 @@ type EngineConfig struct {
 	RosenpassPermissive bool
 
 	ServerSSHAllowed              bool
+	ServerVNCAllowed              bool
+	DisableVNCApproval            *bool
 	EnableSSHRoot                 *bool
 	EnableSSHSFTP                 *bool
 	EnableSSHLocalPortForwarding  *bool
@@ -204,7 +207,9 @@ type Engine struct {
 
 	networkMonitor *networkmonitor.NetworkMonitor
 
-	sshServer sshServer
+	sshServer      sshServer
+	vncSrv         vncServer
+	approvalBroker *approval.Broker
 
 	statusRecorder *peer.Status
 
@@ -285,6 +290,7 @@ func NewEngine(
 		TURNs:              []*stun.URI{},
 		networkSerial:      0,
 		statusRecorder:     services.StatusRecorder,
+		approvalBroker:     approval.New(services.StatusRecorder),
 		stateManager:       services.StateManager,
 		portForwardManager: portforward.NewManager(),
 		checks:             services.Checks,
@@ -320,6 +326,10 @@ func (e *Engine) Stop() error {
 		log.Warnf("failed to stop SSH server: %v", err)
 	}
 
+	if err := e.stopVNCServer(); err != nil {
+		log.Warnf("failed to stop VNC server: %v", err)
+	}
+
 	e.cleanupSSHConfig()
 
 	if e.ingressGatewayMgr != nil {
@@ -1010,6 +1020,7 @@ func (e *Engine) updateChecksIfNew(checks []*mgmProto.Checks) error {
 		e.config.RosenpassEnabled,
 		e.config.RosenpassPermissive,
 		&e.config.ServerSSHAllowed,
+		&e.config.ServerVNCAllowed,
 		e.config.DisableClientRoutes,
 		e.config.DisableServerRoutes,
 		e.config.DisableDNS,
@@ -1057,6 +1068,10 @@ func (e *Engine) updateConfig(conf *mgmProto.PeerConfig) error {
 		}
 	}
 
+	if err := e.updateVNC(); err != nil {
+		log.Warnf("failed handling VNC server setup: %v", err)
+	}
+
 	state := e.statusRecorder.GetLocalPeerState()
 	state.IP = e.wgInterface.Address().String()
 	state.IPv6 = e.wgInterface.Address().IPv6String()
@@ -1182,6 +1197,7 @@ func (e *Engine) receiveManagementEvents() {
 			e.config.RosenpassEnabled,
 			e.config.RosenpassPermissive,
 			&e.config.ServerSSHAllowed,
+			&e.config.ServerVNCAllowed,
 			e.config.DisableClientRoutes,
 			e.config.DisableServerRoutes,
 			e.config.DisableDNS,
@@ -1371,6 +1387,11 @@ func (e *Engine) updateNetworkMap(networkMap *mgmProto.NetworkMap) error {
 		e.updateSSHServerAuth(networkMap.GetSshAuth())
 	}
 
+	// VNC auth: always sync, including nil so cleared auth on the management
+	// side is applied locally, and so it isn't skipped on the RemotePeersIsEmpty
+	// cleanup path.
+	e.updateVNCServerAuth(networkMap.GetVncAuth())
+
 	// must set the exclude list after the peers are added. Without it the manager can not figure out the peers parameters from the store
 	excludedLazyPeers := e.toExcludedLazyPeers(forwardingRules, remotePeers)
 	e.connMgr.SetExcludeList(e.ctx, excludedLazyPeers)
@@ -1826,6 +1847,7 @@ func (e *Engine) readInitialSettings() ([]*route.Route, *nbdns.Config, bool, err
 		e.config.RosenpassEnabled,
 		e.config.RosenpassPermissive,
 		&e.config.ServerSSHAllowed,
+		&e.config.ServerVNCAllowed,
 		e.config.DisableClientRoutes,
 		e.config.DisableServerRoutes,
 		e.config.DisableDNS,
@@ -1967,29 +1989,6 @@ func (e *Engine) GetClientMetrics() *metrics.ClientMetrics {
 	return e.clientMetrics
 }
 
-// Performance bundles runtime-adjustable tunnel pool knobs.
-// See Engine.SetPerformance. Nil fields are ignored.
-type Performance struct {
-	PreallocatedBuffersPerPool *uint32
-}
-
-// SetPerformance applies the given tuning to this engine's live Device.
-func (e *Engine) SetPerformance(t Performance) error {
-	e.syncMsgMux.Lock()
-	defer e.syncMsgMux.Unlock()
-	if e.wgInterface == nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("wg interface not initialized")
-	}
-	dev := e.wgInterface.GetWGDevice()
-	if dev == nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("wg device not initialized")
-	}
-	if t.PreallocatedBuffersPerPool != nil {
-		dev.SetPreallocatedBuffersPerPool(*t.PreallocatedBuffersPerPool)
-	}
-	return nil
-}
-
 func findIPFromInterfaceName(ifaceName string) (net.IP, error) {
 	iface, err := net.InterfaceByName(ifaceName)
 	if err != nil {
@@ -2613,3 +2612,16 @@ func decodeRelayIP(b []byte) netip.Addr {
 	}
 	return ip.Unmap()
 }
+
+// RespondApproval relays the user's decision for a pending approval to
+// the broker. viewOnly is honoured only when accept is true. Returns
+// true when the request_id matched a live prompt.
+func (e *Engine) RespondApproval(requestID string, accept, viewOnly bool) bool {
+	if e == nil || e.approvalBroker == nil {
+		return false
+	}
+	return e.approvalBroker.Respond(requestID, approval.Decision{
+		Accept:   accept,
+		ViewOnly: accept && viewOnly,
+	})
+}

client/internal/engine_ssh.go

@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ import (
 	firewallManager "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/firewall/manager"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface/netstack"
 	nftypes "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/netflow/types"
-	sshauth "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/ssh/auth"
+	sshauth "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/shared/sessionauth"
 	sshconfig "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/ssh/config"
 	sshserver "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/ssh/server"
 	mgmProto "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/shared/management/proto"
@@ -237,22 +237,18 @@ func (e *Engine) startSSHServer(jwtConfig *sshserver.JWTConfig) error {
 		return errors.New("wg interface not initialized")
 	}
 
+	wgAddr := e.wgInterface.Address()
 	serverConfig := &sshserver.Config{
-		HostKeyPEM: e.config.SSHKey,
-		JWT:        jwtConfig,
+		HostKeyPEM:        e.config.SSHKey,
+		JWT:               jwtConfig,
+		NetstackNet:       e.wgInterface.GetNet(),
+		NetworkValidation: wgAddr,
 	}
 	server := sshserver.New(serverConfig)
 
-	wgAddr := e.wgInterface.Address()
-	server.SetNetworkValidation(wgAddr)
-
 	netbirdIP := wgAddr.IP
 	listenAddr := netip.AddrPortFrom(netbirdIP, sshserver.InternalSSHPort)
 
-	if netstackNet := e.wgInterface.GetNet(); netstackNet != nil {
-		server.SetNetstackNet(netstackNet)
-	}
-
 	e.configureSSHServer(server)
 
 	if err := server.Start(e.ctx, listenAddr); err != nil {

client/internal/engine_test.go

@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@ import (
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/stdnet"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/management/server/job"
 
-	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/management/server/integrations/integrated_validator/validator"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/management-integrations/integrations"
 
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/management/internals/controllers/network_map/controller"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/management/internals/controllers/network_map/update_channel"
@@ -66,8 +66,8 @@ import (
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/route"
 	mgmt "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/shared/management/client"
 	mgmtProto "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/shared/management/proto"
-	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/shared/netiputil"
 	relayClient "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/shared/relay/client"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/shared/netiputil"
 	signal "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/shared/signal/client"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/shared/signal/proto"
 	signalServer "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/signal/server"
@@ -1641,7 +1641,7 @@ func startManagement(t *testing.T, dataDir, testFile string) (*grpc.Server, stri
 		return nil, "", err
 	}
 
-	ia, _ := validator.NewIntegratedValidator(context.Background(), peersManager, nil, eventStore, cacheStore)
+	ia, _ := integrations.NewIntegratedValidator(context.Background(), peersManager, nil, eventStore, cacheStore)
 
 	metrics, err := telemetry.NewDefaultAppMetrics(context.Background())
 	require.NoError(t, err)

client/internal/engine_vnc.go

@@ -0,0 +1,303 @@
+//go:build !js && !ios && !android
+
+package internal
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"errors"
+	"fmt"
+	"net/netip"
+
+	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
+
+	firewallManager "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/firewall/manager"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/approval"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/metrics"
+	nftypes "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/netflow/types"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/peer"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/vnc"
+	vncserver "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/vnc/server"
+	sshauth "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/shared/sessionauth"
+	mgmProto "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/shared/management/proto"
+	sshuserhash "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/shared/sshauth"
+)
+
+
+type vncServer interface {
+	Start(ctx context.Context, addr netip.AddrPort, network netip.Prefix) error
+	Stop() error
+	ActiveSessions() []vncserver.ActiveSessionInfo
+}
+
+func (e *Engine) setupVNCPortRedirection() error {
+	if e.firewall == nil || e.wgInterface == nil {
+		return nil
+	}
+
+	localAddr := e.wgInterface.Address().IP
+	if !localAddr.IsValid() {
+		return errors.New("invalid local NetBird address")
+	}
+
+	if err := e.firewall.AddInboundDNAT(localAddr, firewallManager.ProtocolTCP, vnc.ExternalPort, vnc.InternalPort); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("add VNC port redirection: %w", err)
+	}
+	log.Infof("VNC port redirection: %s:%d -> %s:%d", localAddr, vnc.ExternalPort, localAddr, vnc.InternalPort)
+
+	return nil
+}
+
+func (e *Engine) cleanupVNCPortRedirection() error {
+	if e.firewall == nil || e.wgInterface == nil {
+		return nil
+	}
+
+	localAddr := e.wgInterface.Address().IP
+	if !localAddr.IsValid() {
+		return errors.New("invalid local NetBird address")
+	}
+
+	if err := e.firewall.RemoveInboundDNAT(localAddr, firewallManager.ProtocolTCP, vnc.ExternalPort, vnc.InternalPort); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("remove VNC port redirection: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	return nil
+}
+
+// updateVNC handles starting/stopping the VNC server based on the config flag.
+func (e *Engine) updateVNC() error {
+	if !e.config.ServerVNCAllowed {
+		if e.vncSrv != nil {
+			log.Info("VNC server disabled, stopping")
+		}
+		return e.stopVNCServer()
+	}
+
+	if e.config.BlockInbound {
+		log.Info("VNC server disabled because inbound connections are blocked")
+		return e.stopVNCServer()
+	}
+
+	if e.vncSrv != nil {
+		return nil
+	}
+
+	return e.startVNCServer()
+}
+
+func (e *Engine) startVNCServer() error {
+	if e.wgInterface == nil {
+		return errors.New("wg interface not initialized")
+	}
+
+	capturer, injector, ok := newPlatformVNC()
+	if !ok {
+		log.Debug("VNC server not supported on this platform")
+		return nil
+	}
+
+	netbirdIP := e.wgInterface.Address().IP
+
+	var sessionRecorder func(vncserver.SessionTick)
+	if e.clientMetrics != nil {
+		sessionRecorder = func(t vncserver.SessionTick) {
+			e.clientMetrics.RecordVNCSessionTick(e.ctx, metrics.VNCSessionTick{
+				Period:        t.Period,
+				BytesOut:      t.BytesOut,
+				Writes:        t.Writes,
+				FBUs:          t.FBUs,
+				MaxFBUBytes:   t.MaxFBUBytes,
+				MaxFBURects:   t.MaxFBURects,
+				MaxWriteBytes: t.MaxWriteBytes,
+				WriteNanos:    t.WriteNanos,
+			})
+		}
+	}
+	serviceMode := vncNeedsServiceMode()
+	if serviceMode {
+		log.Info("VNC: running as system service, enabling service mode (per-session agent proxy)")
+	}
+	requireApproval := e.config.DisableVNCApproval == nil || !*e.config.DisableVNCApproval
+	srv := vncserver.New(vncserver.Config{
+		Capturer:        capturer,
+		Injector:        injector,
+		IdentityKey:     e.config.WgPrivateKey[:],
+		ServiceMode:     serviceMode,
+		SessionRecorder: sessionRecorder,
+		NetstackNet:     e.wgInterface.GetNet(),
+		RequireApproval: requireApproval,
+		Approver:        &vncApprover{broker: e.approvalBroker, statusRecorder: e.statusRecorder},
+	})
+
+	listenAddr := netip.AddrPortFrom(netbirdIP, vnc.InternalPort)
+	network := e.wgInterface.Address().Network
+	if err := srv.Start(e.ctx, listenAddr, network); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("start VNC server: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	e.vncSrv = srv
+
+	if netstackNet := e.wgInterface.GetNet(); netstackNet != nil {
+		if registrar, ok := e.firewall.(interface {
+			RegisterNetstackService(protocol nftypes.Protocol, port uint16)
+		}); ok {
+			registrar.RegisterNetstackService(nftypes.TCP, vnc.InternalPort)
+			log.Debugf("registered VNC service with netstack for TCP:%d", vnc.InternalPort)
+		}
+	}
+
+	if err := e.setupVNCPortRedirection(); err != nil {
+		log.Warnf("setup VNC port redirection: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	log.Info("VNC server enabled")
+	return nil
+}
+
+// updateVNCServerAuth updates VNC fine-grained access control from management.
+// A nil vncAuth clears all authorized users and session pubkeys so management
+// can revoke access by omitting the field on the next sync.
+func (e *Engine) updateVNCServerAuth(vncAuth *mgmProto.VNCAuth) {
+	if e.vncSrv == nil {
+		return
+	}
+
+	vncSrv, ok := e.vncSrv.(*vncserver.Server)
+	if !ok {
+		return
+	}
+
+	if vncAuth == nil {
+		vncSrv.UpdateVNCAuth(&sshauth.Config{})
+		return
+	}
+
+	protoUsers := vncAuth.GetAuthorizedUsers()
+	authorizedUsers := make([]sshuserhash.UserIDHash, len(protoUsers))
+	for i, hash := range protoUsers {
+		if len(hash) != 16 {
+			log.Warnf("invalid VNC auth hash length %d, expected 16", len(hash))
+			return
+		}
+		authorizedUsers[i] = sshuserhash.UserIDHash(hash)
+	}
+
+	machineUsers := make(map[string][]uint32)
+	for osUser, indexes := range vncAuth.GetMachineUsers() {
+		machineUsers[osUser] = indexes.GetIndexes()
+	}
+
+	sessionPubKeys := make([]sshauth.SessionPubKey, 0, len(vncAuth.GetSessionPubKeys()))
+	for _, e := range vncAuth.GetSessionPubKeys() {
+		pub := e.GetPubKey()
+		if len(pub) != 32 {
+			log.Warnf("VNC session pubkey wrong length %d", len(pub))
+			continue
+		}
+		hash := e.GetUserIdHash()
+		if len(hash) != 16 {
+			log.Warnf("VNC session user id hash wrong length %d", len(hash))
+			continue
+		}
+		sessionPubKeys = append(sessionPubKeys, sshauth.SessionPubKey{
+			PubKey:      pub,
+			UserIDHash:  sshuserhash.UserIDHash(hash),
+			DisplayName: e.GetDisplayName(),
+		})
+	}
+
+	vncSrv.UpdateVNCAuth(&sshauth.Config{
+		AuthorizedUsers: authorizedUsers,
+		MachineUsers:    machineUsers,
+		SessionPubKeys:  sessionPubKeys,
+	})
+}
+
+// GetVNCServerStatus returns whether the VNC server is running and the list
+// of active VNC sessions. The pointer is captured under syncMsgMux so a
+// concurrent updateVNC/stopVNCServer cannot swap it out between the nil
+// check and the ActiveSessions call.
+func (e *Engine) GetVNCServerStatus() (enabled bool, sessions []vncserver.ActiveSessionInfo) {
+	e.syncMsgMux.Lock()
+	vncSrv := e.vncSrv
+	e.syncMsgMux.Unlock()
+	if vncSrv == nil {
+		return false, nil
+	}
+	return true, vncSrv.ActiveSessions()
+}
+
+func (e *Engine) stopVNCServer() error {
+	if e.vncSrv == nil {
+		return nil
+	}
+
+	if err := e.cleanupVNCPortRedirection(); err != nil {
+		log.Warnf("cleanup VNC port redirection: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	if netstackNet := e.wgInterface.GetNet(); netstackNet != nil {
+		if registrar, ok := e.firewall.(interface {
+			UnregisterNetstackService(protocol nftypes.Protocol, port uint16)
+		}); ok {
+			registrar.UnregisterNetstackService(nftypes.TCP, vnc.InternalPort)
+		}
+	}
+
+	log.Info("stopping VNC server")
+	err := e.vncSrv.Stop()
+	e.vncSrv = nil
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("stop VNC server: %w", err)
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
+// vncApprover adapts the generic approval.Broker for the VNC server.
+type vncApprover struct {
+	broker         *approval.Broker
+	statusRecorder *peer.Status
+}
+
+func (a *vncApprover) Request(ctx context.Context, info vncserver.ApprovalInfo) (vncserver.ApprovalDecision, error) {
+	// Resolve the source overlay IP to a peer FQDN for the prompt label.
+	if info.PeerName == "" && info.SourceIP != "" && a.statusRecorder != nil {
+		if fqdn, ok := a.statusRecorder.PeerByIP(info.SourceIP); ok {
+			info.PeerName = fqdn
+		}
+	}
+	subject := fmt.Sprintf("VNC connection from %s", displayPeer(info))
+	meta := map[string]string{
+		"peer_name":   info.PeerName,
+		"peer_pubkey": info.PeerPubKey,
+		"source_ip":   info.SourceIP,
+		"mode":        info.Mode,
+		"username":    info.Username,
+		"initiator":   info.Initiator,
+	}
+	d, err := a.broker.Request(ctx, approval.Prompt{
+		Kind:     approval.KindVNC,
+		Subject:  subject,
+		Metadata: meta,
+	})
+	if err != nil {
+		return vncserver.ApprovalDecision{}, err
+	}
+	return vncserver.ApprovalDecision{ViewOnly: d.ViewOnly}, nil
+}
+
+func displayPeer(info vncserver.ApprovalInfo) string {
+	if info.Initiator != "" {
+		return info.Initiator
+	}
+	if info.PeerName != "" {
+		return info.PeerName
+	}
+	if info.SourceIP != "" {
+		return info.SourceIP
+	}
+	if info.PeerPubKey != "" {
+		return info.PeerPubKey
+	}
+	return "unknown peer"
+}

client/internal/engine_vnc_console_freebsd.go

@@ -0,0 +1,31 @@
+//go:build freebsd
+
+package internal
+
+import (
+	"fmt"
+
+	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
+
+	vncserver "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/vnc/server"
+)
+
+// newConsoleVNC builds the FreeBSD console fallback: vt(4) framebuffer
+// for capture, /dev/uinput for input. The uinput device requires the
+// `uinput` kernel module (`kldload uinput`); without it, input init
+// fails and we drop to a stub injector so the user still gets a
+// view-only screen mirror.
+func newConsoleVNC() (vncserver.ScreenCapturer, vncserver.InputInjector, error) {
+	poller := vncserver.NewFBPoller("")
+	w, h := poller.Width(), poller.Height()
+	if w == 0 || h == 0 {
+		poller.Close()
+		return nil, nil, fmt.Errorf("vt framebuffer init failed (vt may not allow mmap on this driver)")
+	}
+	if inj, err := vncserver.NewUInputInjector(w, h); err == nil {
+		return poller, inj, nil
+	} else {
+		log.Infof("VNC console: uinput unavailable (%v); view-only mode. Run `kldload uinput` to enable input.", err)
+		return poller, &vncserver.StubInputInjector{}, nil
+	}
+}

client/internal/engine_vnc_console_linux.go

@@ -0,0 +1,30 @@
+//go:build linux && !android
+
+package internal
+
+import (
+	"fmt"
+
+	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
+
+	vncserver "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/vnc/server"
+)
+
+// newConsoleVNC builds a framebuffer + uinput VNC backend for boxes
+// without a running X server. Used as the auto-fallback when
+// newPlatformVNC can't reach X. Returns an error when /dev/fb0 or
+// /dev/uinput aren't usable so the caller can drop back to a stub.
+func newConsoleVNC() (vncserver.ScreenCapturer, vncserver.InputInjector, error) {
+	poller := vncserver.NewFBPoller("")
+	w, h := poller.Width(), poller.Height()
+	if w == 0 || h == 0 {
+		poller.Close()
+		return nil, nil, fmt.Errorf("framebuffer capturer init failed (is /dev/fb0 readable?)")
+	}
+	inj, err := vncserver.NewUInputInjector(w, h)
+	if err != nil {
+		log.Debugf("uinput unavailable, falling back to view-only VNC: %v", err)
+		return poller, &vncserver.StubInputInjector{}, nil
+	}
+	return poller, inj, nil
+}

client/internal/engine_vnc_darwin.go

@@ -0,0 +1,34 @@
+//go:build darwin && !ios
+
+package internal
+
+import (
+	"os"
+
+	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
+
+	vncserver "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/vnc/server"
+)
+
+func newPlatformVNC() (vncserver.ScreenCapturer, vncserver.InputInjector, bool) {
+	capturer := vncserver.NewMacPoller()
+	// Prompt for Screen Recording at server-enable time rather than first
+	// client-connect. The native prompt is far easier for users to act on
+	// in the moment they toggled VNC on than later when "the screen looks
+	// like wallpaper" would otherwise be the only clue.
+	vncserver.PrimeScreenCapturePermission()
+	injector, err := vncserver.NewMacInputInjector()
+	if err != nil {
+		log.Debugf("VNC: macOS input injector: %v", err)
+		return capturer, &vncserver.StubInputInjector{}, true
+	}
+	return capturer, injector, true
+}
+
+// vncNeedsServiceMode reports whether the running process is a system
+// LaunchDaemon (root, parented by launchd). Daemons sit in the global
+// bootstrap namespace and cannot talk to WindowServer; we route capture
+// through a per-user agent in that case.
+func vncNeedsServiceMode() bool {
+	return os.Geteuid() == 0 && os.Getppid() == 1
+}

client/internal/engine_vnc_stub.go

@@ -0,0 +1,23 @@
+//go:build js || ios || android
+
+package internal
+
+import (
+	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
+
+	mgmProto "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/shared/management/proto"
+)
+
+type vncServer interface{}
+
+func (e *Engine) updateVNC() error { return nil }
+
+func (e *Engine) updateVNCServerAuth(auth *mgmProto.VNCAuth) {
+	if auth == nil {
+		return
+	}
+	log.Debugf("ignoring VNC auth push on platform without a VNC server: %d session pubkeys, %d authorized users",
+		len(auth.GetSessionPubKeys()), len(auth.GetAuthorizedUsers()))
+}
+
+func (e *Engine) stopVNCServer() error { return nil }

client/internal/engine_vnc_windows.go

@@ -0,0 +1,13 @@
+//go:build windows
+
+package internal
+
+import vncserver "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/vnc/server"
+
+func newPlatformVNC() (vncserver.ScreenCapturer, vncserver.InputInjector, bool) {
+	return vncserver.NewDesktopCapturer(), vncserver.NewWindowsInputInjector(), true
+}
+
+func vncNeedsServiceMode() bool {
+	return vncserver.GetCurrentSessionID() == 0
+}

client/internal/engine_vnc_x11.go

@@ -0,0 +1,35 @@
+//go:build (linux && !android) || freebsd
+
+package internal
+
+import (
+	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
+
+	vncserver "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/vnc/server"
+)
+
+func newPlatformVNC() (vncserver.ScreenCapturer, vncserver.InputInjector, bool) {
+	// Prefer X11 when an X server is reachable. NewX11InputInjector probes
+	// DISPLAY (and /proc) eagerly, so a non-nil error here means no X.
+	injector, err := vncserver.NewX11InputInjector("", "", "")
+	if err == nil {
+		return vncserver.NewX11Poller("", ""), injector, true
+	}
+	log.Debugf("VNC: X11 not available: %v", err)
+
+	// Fallback for headless / pre-X states (kernel console, login manager
+	// without X, physical server in recovery): stream the framebuffer and
+	// inject input via /dev/uinput.
+	consoleCap, consoleInj, err := newConsoleVNC()
+	if err == nil {
+		log.Infof("VNC: using framebuffer console capture (%dx%d)", consoleCap.Width(), consoleCap.Height())
+		return consoleCap, consoleInj, true
+	}
+	log.Debugf("VNC: framebuffer console fallback unavailable: %v", err)
+
+	return &vncserver.StubCapturer{}, &vncserver.StubInputInjector{}, false
+}
+
+func vncNeedsServiceMode() bool {
+	return false
+}

client/internal/metrics/influxdb.go

@@ -120,6 +120,36 @@ func (m *influxDBMetrics) RecordSyncDuration(_ context.Context, agentInfo AgentI
 	m.trimLocked()
 }
 
+func (m *influxDBMetrics) RecordVNCSessionTick(_ context.Context, agentInfo AgentInfo, tick VNCSessionTick) {
+	tags := fmt.Sprintf("deployment_type=%s,version=%s,os=%s,arch=%s,peer_id=%s",
+		agentInfo.DeploymentType.String(),
+		agentInfo.Version,
+		agentInfo.OS,
+		agentInfo.Arch,
+		agentInfo.peerID,
+	)
+
+	m.mu.Lock()
+	defer m.mu.Unlock()
+
+	m.samples = append(m.samples, influxSample{
+		measurement: "netbird_vnc_traffic",
+		tags:        tags,
+		fields: map[string]float64{
+			"period_seconds":     tick.Period.Seconds(),
+			"bytes_out":          float64(tick.BytesOut),
+			"writes":             float64(tick.Writes),
+			"fbus":               float64(tick.FBUs),
+			"max_fbu_bytes":      float64(tick.MaxFBUBytes),
+			"max_fbu_rects":      float64(tick.MaxFBURects),
+			"max_write_bytes":    float64(tick.MaxWriteBytes),
+			"write_time_seconds": float64(tick.WriteNanos) / 1e9,
+		},
+		timestamp: time.Now(),
+	})
+	m.trimLocked()
+}
+
 func (m *influxDBMetrics) RecordLoginDuration(_ context.Context, agentInfo AgentInfo, duration time.Duration, success bool) {
 	result := "success"
 	if !success {

client/internal/metrics/metrics.go

@@ -59,6 +59,11 @@ type metricsImplementation interface {
 	// RecordLoginDuration records how long the login to management took
 	RecordLoginDuration(ctx context.Context, agentInfo AgentInfo, duration time.Duration, success bool)
 
+	// RecordVNCSessionTick records a periodic snapshot of one VNC
+	// session's wire activity. Called once per metricsConn tick interval
+	// (and once at session close), only when the tick saw activity.
+	RecordVNCSessionTick(ctx context.Context, agentInfo AgentInfo, tick VNCSessionTick)
+
 	// Export exports metrics in InfluxDB line protocol format
 	Export(w io.Writer) error
 
@@ -78,6 +83,21 @@ type ClientMetrics struct {
 	pushCancel context.CancelFunc
 }
 
+// VNCSessionTick is one sampling slice of a VNC session's wire activity.
+// BytesOut / Writes / FBUs / WriteNanos are deltas observed during this
+// tick; Max* fields are the high-water marks observed during the tick.
+// Period is the wall-clock duration the deltas cover.
+type VNCSessionTick struct {
+	Period        time.Duration
+	BytesOut      uint64
+	Writes        uint64
+	FBUs          uint64
+	MaxFBUBytes   uint64
+	MaxFBURects   uint64
+	MaxWriteBytes uint64
+	WriteNanos    uint64
+}
+
 // ConnectionStageTimestamps holds timestamps for each connection stage
 type ConnectionStageTimestamps struct {
 	SignalingReceived  time.Time // First signal received from remote peer (both initial and reconnection)
@@ -127,6 +147,17 @@ func (c *ClientMetrics) RecordSyncDuration(ctx context.Context, duration time.Du
 	c.impl.RecordSyncDuration(ctx, agentInfo, duration)
 }
 
+// RecordVNCSessionTick records a periodic snapshot of one VNC session.
+func (c *ClientMetrics) RecordVNCSessionTick(ctx context.Context, tick VNCSessionTick) {
+	if c == nil {
+		return
+	}
+	c.mu.RLock()
+	agentInfo := c.agentInfo
+	c.mu.RUnlock()
+	c.impl.RecordVNCSessionTick(ctx, agentInfo, tick)
+}
+
 // RecordLoginDuration records how long the login to management server took
 func (c *ClientMetrics) RecordLoginDuration(ctx context.Context, duration time.Duration, success bool) {
 	if c == nil {

client/internal/metrics/push_test.go

@@ -73,6 +73,9 @@ func (m *mockMetrics) RecordSyncDuration(_ context.Context, _ AgentInfo, _ time.
 func (m *mockMetrics) RecordLoginDuration(_ context.Context, _ AgentInfo, _ time.Duration, _ bool) {
 }
 
+func (m *mockMetrics) RecordVNCSessionTick(_ context.Context, _ AgentInfo, _ VNCSessionTick) {
+}
+
 func (m *mockMetrics) Export(w io.Writer) error {
 	if m.exportData != "" {
 		_, err := w.Write([]byte(m.exportData))

client/internal/networkmonitor/check_change_common.go

@@ -50,7 +50,7 @@ func routeCheck(ctx context.Context, fd int, nexthopv4, nexthopv6 systemops.Next
 		switch msg.Type {
 		// handle route changes
 		case unix.RTM_ADD, syscall.RTM_DELETE:
-			route, flags, err := parseRouteMessage(buf[:n])
+			route, err := parseRouteMessage(buf[:n])
 			if err != nil {
 				log.Debugf("Network monitor: error parsing routing message: %v", err)
 				continue
@@ -66,10 +66,6 @@ func routeCheck(ctx context.Context, fd int, nexthopv4, nexthopv6 systemops.Next
 			}
 			switch msg.Type {
 			case unix.RTM_ADD:
-				if systemops.IgnoreAddedDefaultRoute(flags) {
-					log.Debugf("Network monitor: ignoring added default route via %s, interface %s, flags %#x", route.Gw, intf, flags)
-					continue
-				}
 				log.Infof("Network monitor: default route changed: via %s, interface %s", route.Gw, intf)
 				return nil
 			case unix.RTM_DELETE:
@@ -82,26 +78,22 @@ func routeCheck(ctx context.Context, fd int, nexthopv4, nexthopv6 systemops.Next
 	}
 }
 
-func parseRouteMessage(buf []byte) (*systemops.Route, int, error) {
+func parseRouteMessage(buf []byte) (*systemops.Route, error) {
 	msgs, err := route.ParseRIB(route.RIBTypeRoute, buf)
 	if err != nil {
-		return nil, 0, fmt.Errorf("parse RIB: %v", err)
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("parse RIB: %v", err)
 	}
 
 	if len(msgs) != 1 {
-		return nil, 0, fmt.Errorf("unexpected RIB message msgs: %v", msgs)
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("unexpected RIB message msgs: %v", msgs)
 	}
 
 	msg, ok := msgs[0].(*route.RouteMessage)
 	if !ok {
-		return nil, 0, fmt.Errorf("unexpected RIB message type: %T", msgs[0])
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("unexpected RIB message type: %T", msgs[0])
 	}
 
-	r, err := systemops.MsgToRoute(msg)
-	if err != nil {
-		return nil, 0, err
-	}
-	return r, msg.Flags, nil
+	return systemops.MsgToRoute(msg)
 }
 
 // waitReadable blocks until fd has data to read, or ctx is cancelled.

client/internal/peer/conn.go

@@ -23,7 +23,6 @@ import (
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/peer/id"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/peer/worker"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/portforward"
-	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/rosenpass"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/stdnet"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/route"
 	relayClient "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/shared/relay/client"
@@ -900,7 +899,7 @@ func (conn *Conn) presharedKey(remoteRosenpassKey []byte) *wgtypes.Key {
 	}
 
 	// Fallback to deterministic key if no NetBird PSK is configured
-	determKey, err := rosenpass.DeterministicSeedKey(conn.config.LocalKey, conn.config.Key)
+	determKey, err := conn.rosenpassDetermKey()
 	if err != nil {
 		conn.Log.Errorf("failed to generate Rosenpass initial key: %v", err)
 		return nil
@@ -909,6 +908,26 @@ func (conn *Conn) presharedKey(remoteRosenpassKey []byte) *wgtypes.Key {
 	return determKey
 }
 
+// todo: move this logic into Rosenpass package
+func (conn *Conn) rosenpassDetermKey() (*wgtypes.Key, error) {
+	lk := []byte(conn.config.LocalKey)
+	rk := []byte(conn.config.Key) // remote key
+	var keyInput []byte
+	if string(lk) > string(rk) {
+		//nolint:gocritic
+		keyInput = append(lk[:16], rk[:16]...)
+	} else {
+		//nolint:gocritic
+		keyInput = append(rk[:16], lk[:16]...)
+	}
+
+	key, err := wgtypes.NewKey(keyInput)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	return &key, nil
+}
+
 func isController(config ConnConfig) bool {
 	return config.LocalKey > config.Key
 }

client/internal/peer/status.go

@@ -185,12 +185,9 @@ func (s *StatusChangeSubscription) Events() chan map[string]RouterState {
 	return s.eventsChan
 }
 
-// Status holds a state of peers, signal, management connections and relays.
-// mux is an RWMutex so hot read paths (notably PeerStateByIP, called for
-// every private-service request) don't contend against each other.
-// Pure read methods take RLock; anything that mutates state takes Lock.
+// Status holds a state of peers, signal, management connections and relays
 type Status struct {
-	mux                   sync.RWMutex
+	mux                   sync.Mutex
 	peers                 map[string]State
 	changeNotify          map[string]map[string]*StatusChangeSubscription // map[peerID]map[subscriptionID]*StatusChangeSubscription
 	signalState           bool
@@ -286,8 +283,8 @@ func (d *Status) AddPeer(peerPubKey string, fqdn string, ip string, ipv6 string)
 
 // GetPeer adds peer to Daemon status map
 func (d *Status) GetPeer(peerPubKey string) (State, error) {
-	d.mux.RLock()
-	defer d.mux.RUnlock()
+	d.mux.Lock()
+	defer d.mux.Unlock()
 
 	state, ok := d.peers[peerPubKey]
 	if !ok {
@@ -297,8 +294,8 @@ func (d *Status) GetPeer(peerPubKey string) (State, error) {
 }
 
 func (d *Status) PeerByIP(ip string) (string, bool) {
-	d.mux.RLock()
-	defer d.mux.RUnlock()
+	d.mux.Lock()
+	defer d.mux.Unlock()
 
 	for _, state := range d.peers {
 		if state.IP == ip {
@@ -308,25 +305,6 @@ func (d *Status) PeerByIP(ip string) (string, bool) {
 	return "", false
 }
 
-// PeerStateByIP returns the full peer State for the given tunnel IP.
-// Matches against either the IPv4 (State.IP) or IPv6 (State.IPv6) tunnel
-// address so dual-stack peers are reachable on either family. Returns the
-// zero State and false when no peer matches or the input is empty.
-func (d *Status) PeerStateByIP(ip string) (State, bool) {
-	if ip == "" {
-		return State{}, false
-	}
-	d.mux.RLock()
-	defer d.mux.RUnlock()
-
-	for _, state := range d.peers {
-		if (state.IP != "" && state.IP == ip) || (state.IPv6 != "" && state.IPv6 == ip) {
-			return state, true
-		}
-	}
-	return State{}, false
-}
-
 // RemovePeer removes peer from Daemon status map
 func (d *Status) RemovePeer(peerPubKey string) error {
 	d.mux.Lock()
@@ -724,8 +702,8 @@ func (d *Status) UnsubscribePeerStateChanges(subscription *StatusChangeSubscript
 
 // GetLocalPeerState returns the local peer state
 func (d *Status) GetLocalPeerState() LocalPeerState {
-	d.mux.RLock()
-	defer d.mux.RUnlock()
+	d.mux.Lock()
+	defer d.mux.Unlock()
 	return d.localPeer.Clone()
 }
 
@@ -931,8 +909,8 @@ func (d *Status) DeleteResolvedDomainsStates(domain domain.Domain) {
 }
 
 func (d *Status) GetRosenpassState() RosenpassState {
-	d.mux.RLock()
-	defer d.mux.RUnlock()
+	d.mux.Lock()
+	defer d.mux.Unlock()
 	return RosenpassState{
 		d.rosenpassEnabled,
 		d.rosenpassPermissive,
@@ -940,14 +918,14 @@ func (d *Status) GetRosenpassState() RosenpassState {
 }
 
 func (d *Status) GetLazyConnection() bool {
-	d.mux.RLock()
-	defer d.mux.RUnlock()
+	d.mux.Lock()
+	defer d.mux.Unlock()
 	return d.lazyConnectionEnabled
 }
 
 func (d *Status) GetManagementState() ManagementState {
-	d.mux.RLock()
-	defer d.mux.RUnlock()
+	d.mux.Lock()
+	defer d.mux.Unlock()
 	return ManagementState{
 		d.mgmAddress,
 		d.managementState,
@@ -973,8 +951,8 @@ func (d *Status) UpdateLatency(pubKey string, latency time.Duration) error {
 
 // IsLoginRequired determines if a peer's login has expired.
 func (d *Status) IsLoginRequired() bool {
-	d.mux.RLock()
-	defer d.mux.RUnlock()
+	d.mux.Lock()
+	defer d.mux.Unlock()
 
 	// if peer is connected to the management then login is not expired
 	if d.managementState {
@@ -989,8 +967,8 @@ func (d *Status) IsLoginRequired() bool {
 }
 
 func (d *Status) GetSignalState() SignalState {
-	d.mux.RLock()
-	defer d.mux.RUnlock()
+	d.mux.Lock()
+	defer d.mux.Unlock()
 	return SignalState{
 		d.signalAddress,
 		d.signalState,
@@ -1000,8 +978,8 @@ func (d *Status) GetSignalState() SignalState {
 
 // GetRelayStates returns the stun/turn/permanent relay states
 func (d *Status) GetRelayStates() []relay.ProbeResult {
-	d.mux.RLock()
-	defer d.mux.RUnlock()
+	d.mux.Lock()
+	defer d.mux.Unlock()
 	if d.relayMgr == nil {
 		return d.relayStates
 	}
@@ -1030,8 +1008,8 @@ func (d *Status) GetRelayStates() []relay.ProbeResult {
 }
 
 func (d *Status) ForwardingRules() []firewall.ForwardRule {
-	d.mux.RLock()
-	defer d.mux.RUnlock()
+	d.mux.Lock()
+	defer d.mux.Unlock()
 	if d.ingressGwMgr == nil {
 		return nil
 	}
@@ -1040,16 +1018,16 @@ func (d *Status) ForwardingRules() []firewall.ForwardRule {
 }
 
 func (d *Status) GetDNSStates() []NSGroupState {
-	d.mux.RLock()
-	defer d.mux.RUnlock()
+	d.mux.Lock()
+	defer d.mux.Unlock()
 
 	// shallow copy is good enough, as slices fields are currently not updated
 	return slices.Clone(d.nsGroupStates)
 }
 
 func (d *Status) GetResolvedDomainsStates() map[domain.Domain]ResolvedDomainInfo {
-	d.mux.RLock()
-	defer d.mux.RUnlock()
+	d.mux.Lock()
+	defer d.mux.Unlock()
 	return maps.Clone(d.resolvedDomainsStates)
 }
 
@@ -1065,8 +1043,8 @@ func (d *Status) GetFullStatus() FullStatus {
 		LazyConnectionEnabled: d.GetLazyConnection(),
 	}
 
-	d.mux.RLock()
-	defer d.mux.RUnlock()
+	d.mux.Lock()
+	defer d.mux.Unlock()
 
 	fullStatus.LocalPeerState = d.localPeer
 
@@ -1213,6 +1191,15 @@ func (d *Status) SubscribeToEvents() *EventSubscription {
 	}
 }
 
+// HasEventSubscribers reports whether any client is currently subscribed
+// to the daemon's SystemEvent stream. Used by the VNC approval broker to
+// fail closed when no UI is connected to prompt the user.
+func (d *Status) HasEventSubscribers() bool {
+	d.eventMux.Lock()
+	defer d.eventMux.Unlock()
+	return len(d.eventStreams) > 0
+}
+
 // UnsubscribeFromEvents removes an event subscription
 func (d *Status) UnsubscribeFromEvents(sub *EventSubscription) {
 	if sub == nil {
@@ -1241,8 +1228,8 @@ func (d *Status) SetWgIface(wgInterface WGIfaceStatus) {
 }
 
 func (d *Status) PeersStatus() (*configurer.Stats, error) {
-	d.mux.RLock()
-	defer d.mux.RUnlock()
+	d.mux.Lock()
+	defer d.mux.Unlock()
 	if d.wgIface == nil {
 		return nil, fmt.Errorf("wgInterface is nil, cannot retrieve peers status")
 	}

client/internal/peer/status_test.go

@@ -63,33 +63,6 @@ func TestUpdatePeerState(t *testing.T) {
 	assert.Equal(t, ip, state.IP, "ip should be equal")
 }
 
-func TestStatus_PeerStateByIP(t *testing.T) {
-	status := NewRecorder("https://mgm")
-	req := require.New(t)
-
-	req.NoError(status.AddPeer("pk-1", "peer-1.netbird", "100.64.0.10", ""))
-	req.NoError(status.AddPeer("pk-2", "peer-2.netbird", "100.64.0.11", ""))
-
-	state, ok := status.PeerStateByIP("100.64.0.10")
-	req.True(ok, "known tunnel IP should resolve to a peer state")
-	req.Equal("pk-1", state.PubKey, "matching state must carry the right pub key")
-	req.Equal("peer-1.netbird", state.FQDN, "matching state must carry the right FQDN")
-
-	_, ok = status.PeerStateByIP("100.64.0.99")
-	req.False(ok, "unknown IP must report ok=false")
-}
-
-func TestStatus_PeerStateByIP_MatchesIPv6(t *testing.T) {
-	status := NewRecorder("https://mgm")
-	req := require.New(t)
-
-	req.NoError(status.AddPeer("pk-1", "peer-1.netbird", "100.64.0.10", "fd00::1"))
-
-	state, ok := status.PeerStateByIP("fd00::1")
-	req.True(ok, "IPv6-only match must resolve to the peer state")
-	req.Equal("pk-1", state.PubKey, "matching state must carry the right pub key")
-}
-
 func TestStatus_UpdatePeerFQDN(t *testing.T) {
 	key := "abc"
 	fqdn := "peer-a.netbird.local"

client/internal/portforward/pcp/nat.go

@@ -179,10 +179,8 @@ func getDefaultGateway() (gateway net.IP, localIP net.IP, err error) {
 	}
 
 	dst := net.IPv4zero
-	if runtime.GOOS == "linux" || runtime.GOOS == "android" {
-		// go-netroute v0.4.0 rejects unspecified destinations client-side on Linux/Android.
-		// TODO: on android/ios, use platform APIs (ConnectivityManager.getLinkProperties /
-		// NWPathMonitor) when netlink-based lookup is restricted or unavailable.
+	if runtime.GOOS == "linux" {
+		// go-netroute v0.4.0 rejects unspecified destinations client-side on Linux.
 		dst = net.IPv4(0, 0, 0, 1)
 	}
 	_, gateway, localIP, err = router.Route(dst)
@@ -205,7 +203,7 @@ func getDefaultGateway6() (gateway net.IP, localIP net.IP, err error) {
 	}
 
 	dst := net.IPv6zero
-	if runtime.GOOS == "linux" || runtime.GOOS == "android" {
+	if runtime.GOOS == "linux" {
 		// ::2
 		dst = net.IP{0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 2}
 	}

client/internal/profilemanager/config.go

@@ -65,6 +65,8 @@ type ConfigInput struct {
 	StateFilePath                 string
 	PreSharedKey                  *string
 	ServerSSHAllowed              *bool
+	ServerVNCAllowed              *bool
+	DisableVNCApproval            *bool
 	EnableSSHRoot                 *bool
 	EnableSSHSFTP                 *bool
 	EnableSSHLocalPortForwarding  *bool
@@ -116,6 +118,8 @@ type Config struct {
 	RosenpassEnabled              bool
 	RosenpassPermissive           bool
 	ServerSSHAllowed              *bool
+	ServerVNCAllowed              *bool
+	DisableVNCApproval            *bool
 	EnableSSHRoot                 *bool
 	EnableSSHSFTP                 *bool
 	EnableSSHLocalPortForwarding  *bool
@@ -418,6 +422,33 @@ func (config *Config) apply(input ConfigInput) (updated bool, err error) {
 		updated = true
 	}
 
+	if input.ServerVNCAllowed != nil {
+		if config.ServerVNCAllowed == nil || *input.ServerVNCAllowed != *config.ServerVNCAllowed {
+			if *input.ServerVNCAllowed {
+				log.Infof("enabling VNC server")
+			} else {
+				log.Infof("disabling VNC server")
+			}
+			config.ServerVNCAllowed = input.ServerVNCAllowed
+			updated = true
+		}
+	} else if config.ServerVNCAllowed == nil {
+		config.ServerVNCAllowed = util.False()
+		updated = true
+	}
+
+	if input.DisableVNCApproval != nil {
+		if config.DisableVNCApproval == nil || *input.DisableVNCApproval != *config.DisableVNCApproval {
+			if *input.DisableVNCApproval {
+				log.Infof("disabling VNC connection approval prompt")
+			} else {
+				log.Infof("enabling VNC connection approval prompt")
+			}
+			config.DisableVNCApproval = input.DisableVNCApproval
+			updated = true
+		}
+	}
+
 	if input.EnableSSHRoot != nil && input.EnableSSHRoot != config.EnableSSHRoot {
 		if *input.EnableSSHRoot {
 			log.Infof("enabling SSH root login")

client/internal/rosenpass/manager.go

@@ -28,15 +28,6 @@ func hashRosenpassKey(key []byte) string {
 	return hex.EncodeToString(hasher.Sum(nil))
 }
 
-// rpServer is the subset of rp.Server used by Manager. Defined as an interface
-// so tests can substitute a mock without spinning up a real UDP server.
-type rpServer interface {
-	AddPeer(rp.PeerConfig) (rp.PeerID, error)
-	RemovePeer(rp.PeerID) error
-	Run() error
-	Close() error
-}
-
 type Manager struct {
 	ifaceName    string
 	spk          []byte
@@ -45,7 +36,7 @@ type Manager struct {
 	preSharedKey *[32]byte
 	rpPeerIDs    map[string]*rp.PeerID
 	rpWgHandler  *NetbirdHandler
-	server       rpServer
+	server       *rp.Server
 	lock         sync.Mutex
 	port         int
 	wgIface      PresharedKeySetter
@@ -60,22 +51,7 @@ func NewManager(preSharedKey *wgtypes.Key, wgIfaceName string) (*Manager, error)
 
 	rpKeyHash := hashRosenpassKey(public)
 	log.Tracef("generated new rosenpass key pair with public key %s", rpKeyHash)
-	return &Manager{
-		ifaceName:    wgIfaceName,
-		rpKeyHash:    rpKeyHash,
-		spk:          public,
-		ssk:          secret,
-		preSharedKey: (*[32]byte)(preSharedKey),
-		rpPeerIDs:    make(map[string]*rp.PeerID),
-		// rpWgHandler is created here (instead of only in generateConfig) so it
-		// is never nil between NewManager and Run(). Otherwise an early
-		// OnConnected call (race observed on Android, issue #4341) panics on
-		// nil receiver in addPeer -> m.rpWgHandler.AddPeer. generateConfig will
-		// replace it with a fresh handler on each Run() to clear stale peer
-		// state from previous engine sessions.
-		rpWgHandler: NewNetbirdHandler(),
-		lock:        sync.Mutex{},
-	}, nil
+	return &Manager{ifaceName: wgIfaceName, rpKeyHash: rpKeyHash, spk: public, ssk: secret, preSharedKey: (*[32]byte)(preSharedKey), rpPeerIDs: make(map[string]*rp.PeerID), lock: sync.Mutex{}}, nil
 }
 
 func (m *Manager) GetPubKey() []byte {
@@ -89,16 +65,6 @@ func (m *Manager) GetAddress() *net.UDPAddr {
 
 // addPeer adds a new peer to the Rosenpass server
 func (m *Manager) addPeer(rosenpassPubKey []byte, rosenpassAddr string, wireGuardIP string, wireGuardPubKey string) error {
-	// Defense in depth against issue #4341 (Android crash): if Run() has not
-	// completed yet, m.server / m.rpWgHandler may be nil. Return an explicit
-	// error instead of panicking on nil-receiver dereference.
-	if m.server == nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("rosenpass server not initialized")
-	}
-	if m.rpWgHandler == nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("rosenpass wg handler not initialized")
-	}
-
 	var err error
 	pcfg := rp.PeerConfig{PublicKey: rosenpassPubKey}
 	if m.preSharedKey != nil {
@@ -113,16 +79,6 @@ func (m *Manager) addPeer(rosenpassPubKey []byte, rosenpassAddr string, wireGuar
 		if pcfg.Endpoint, err = net.ResolveUDPAddr("udp", peerAddr); err != nil {
 			return fmt.Errorf("failed to resolve peer endpoint address: %w", err)
 		}
-		// Our local Rosenpass UDP server binds on the IPv6 wildcard ([::]) — see
-		// GetAddress(). The remote peer's endpoint (pcfg.Endpoint) is the destination
-		// our server will sendto when initiating handshakes. ResolveUDPAddr returns a
-		// 4-byte IPv4 for IPv4 hosts, which the kernel rejects (EDESTADDRREQ) when
-		// sent from an AF_INET6 socket. Normalize the remote endpoint to IPv4-mapped
-		// IPv6 so its address family matches our listening socket.
-		// TODO: maybe bind the Rosenpass UDP server to the peer wg IP addr
-		if v4 := pcfg.Endpoint.IP.To4(); v4 != nil {
-			pcfg.Endpoint.IP = v4.To16()
-		}
 	}
 	peerID, err := m.server.AddPeer(pcfg)
 	if err != nil {
@@ -226,31 +182,24 @@ func (m *Manager) Run() error {
 		return err
 	}
 
-	server, err := rp.NewUDPServer(conf)
+	m.server, err = rp.NewUDPServer(conf)
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
 
-	m.lock.Lock()
-	m.server = server
-	m.lock.Unlock()
-
 	log.Infof("starting rosenpass server on port %d", m.port)
 
-	return server.Run()
+	return m.server.Run()
 }
 
 // Close closes the Rosenpass server
 func (m *Manager) Close() error {
-	m.lock.Lock()
-	server := m.server
-	m.server = nil
-	m.lock.Unlock()
-	if server == nil {
-		return nil
-	}
-	if err := server.Close(); err != nil {
-		log.Errorf("failed closing local rosenpass server: %v", err)
+	if m.server != nil {
+		err := m.server.Close()
+		if err != nil {
+			log.Errorf("failed closing local rosenpass server")
+		}
+		m.server = nil
 	}
 	return nil
 }

client/internal/rosenpass/manager_test.go

@@ -1,412 +1,14 @@
 package rosenpass
 
 import (
-	"errors"
-	"os"
-	"sync"
 	"testing"
 
-	rp "cunicu.li/go-rosenpass"
 	"github.com/stretchr/testify/require"
-	"golang.zx2c4.com/wireguard/wgctrl/wgtypes"
 )
 
-// --- test doubles -----------------------------------------------------------
-
-type addPeerCall struct {
-	cfg rp.PeerConfig
-}
-
-type removePeerCall struct {
-	id rp.PeerID
-}
-
-type mockServer struct {
-	mu         sync.Mutex
-	addCalls   []addPeerCall
-	removed    []removePeerCall
-	nextID     rp.PeerID
-	addErr     error
-	removeErr  error
-	closed     bool
-	ran        bool
-}
-
-func (m *mockServer) AddPeer(cfg rp.PeerConfig) (rp.PeerID, error) {
-	m.mu.Lock()
-	defer m.mu.Unlock()
-	m.addCalls = append(m.addCalls, addPeerCall{cfg: cfg})
-	if m.addErr != nil {
-		return rp.PeerID{}, m.addErr
-	}
-	// Increment a byte in nextID so distinct peers get distinct IDs.
-	m.nextID[0]++
-	return m.nextID, nil
-}
-
-func (m *mockServer) RemovePeer(id rp.PeerID) error {
-	m.mu.Lock()
-	defer m.mu.Unlock()
-	m.removed = append(m.removed, removePeerCall{id: id})
-	return m.removeErr
-}
-
-func (m *mockServer) Run() error  { m.ran = true; return nil }
-func (m *mockServer) Close() error { m.closed = true; return nil }
-
-type setPSKCall struct {
-	peerKey    string
-	psk        wgtypes.Key
-	updateOnly bool
-}
-
-type mockIface struct {
-	mu    sync.Mutex
-	calls []setPSKCall
-	err   error
-}
-
-func (m *mockIface) SetPresharedKey(peerKey string, psk wgtypes.Key, updateOnly bool) error {
-	m.mu.Lock()
-	defer m.mu.Unlock()
-	m.calls = append(m.calls, setPSKCall{peerKey: peerKey, psk: psk, updateOnly: updateOnly})
-	return m.err
-}
-
-// newTestManager builds a Manager with deterministic spk so tie-break
-// against a peer pubkey is controllable from tests. The provided spk byte
-// becomes the first byte; remaining bytes are zero.
-func newTestManager(spkFirstByte byte, mock *mockServer) *Manager {
-	spk := make([]byte, 32)
-	spk[0] = spkFirstByte
-	return &Manager{
-		ifaceName:   "wt0",
-		spk:         spk,
-		ssk:         make([]byte, 32),
-		rpKeyHash:   "test-hash",
-		rpPeerIDs:   make(map[string]*rp.PeerID),
-		rpWgHandler: NewNetbirdHandler(),
-		server:      mock,
-	}
-}
-
-// validWGKey returns a deterministic 32-byte wireguard public key (base64).
-func validWGKey(t *testing.T, lastByte byte) string {
-	t.Helper()
-	var k wgtypes.Key
-	k[31] = lastByte
-	return k.String()
-}
-
-// --- pure helpers ----------------------------------------------------------
-
-func TestHashRosenpassKey_Deterministic(t *testing.T) {
-	key := []byte("hello-rosenpass")
-	require.Equal(t, hashRosenpassKey(key), hashRosenpassKey(key))
-	require.Len(t, hashRosenpassKey(key), 64) // sha256 hex
-}
-
-func TestHashRosenpassKey_DifferentInputsDifferOutputs(t *testing.T) {
-	require.NotEqual(t, hashRosenpassKey([]byte("a")), hashRosenpassKey([]byte("b")))
-}
-
-func TestGetLogLevel_DefaultWhenUnset(t *testing.T) {
-	// Snapshot + unset to exercise the LookupEnv ok=false branch. t.Setenv
-	// can only set, not delete, so do it manually with restore via t.Cleanup.
-	prev, hadPrev := os.LookupEnv(defaultLogLevelVar)
-	require.NoError(t, os.Unsetenv(defaultLogLevelVar))
-	t.Cleanup(func() {
-		if hadPrev {
-			_ = os.Setenv(defaultLogLevelVar, prev)
-		} else {
-			_ = os.Unsetenv(defaultLogLevelVar)
-		}
-	})
-	require.Equal(t, defaultLog.String(), getLogLevel().String())
-}
-
-func TestGetLogLevel_Cases(t *testing.T) {
-	cases := map[string]string{
-		"debug":   "DEBUG",
-		"info":    "INFO",
-		"warn":    "WARN",
-		"error":   "ERROR",
-		"unknown": "INFO", // default fallback
-	}
-	for input, wantStr := range cases {
-		input, wantStr := input, wantStr
-		t.Run(input, func(t *testing.T) {
-			t.Setenv(defaultLogLevelVar, input)
-			require.Equal(t, wantStr, getLogLevel().String())
-		})
-	}
-}
-
 func TestFindRandomAvailableUDPPort(t *testing.T) {
 	port, err := findRandomAvailableUDPPort()
 	require.NoError(t, err)
 	require.Greater(t, port, 0)
 	require.LessOrEqual(t, port, 65535)
 }
-
-// --- addPeer ---------------------------------------------------------------
-
-func TestAddPeer_HigherLocalPubkey_SetsEndpoint(t *testing.T) {
-	srv := &mockServer{}
-	m := newTestManager(0xFF, srv) // local spk lexicographically larger
-
-	remotePubKey := make([]byte, 32) // remote spk = all zeros (smaller)
-	err := m.addPeer(remotePubKey, "rosenpass-host:7000", "100.1.1.1", validWGKey(t, 1))
-	require.NoError(t, err)
-	require.Len(t, srv.addCalls, 1)
-
-	ep := srv.addCalls[0].cfg.Endpoint
-	require.NotNil(t, ep, "initiator side must set Endpoint")
-	require.Equal(t, 7000, ep.Port)
-	require.Equal(t, "100.1.1.1", ep.IP.String())
-}
-
-func TestAddPeer_HigherLocalPubkey_EndpointIPIsIPv4Mapped(t *testing.T) {
-	// Regression guard for the EDESTADDRREQ fix: Endpoint.IP must be 16-byte
-	// (IPv4-mapped IPv6) so it matches the AF_INET6 listening socket family.
-	srv := &mockServer{}
-	m := newTestManager(0xFF, srv)
-
-	err := m.addPeer(make([]byte, 32), "rp:5000", "100.1.1.1", validWGKey(t, 1))
-	require.NoError(t, err)
-
-	ep := srv.addCalls[0].cfg.Endpoint
-	require.NotNil(t, ep)
-	require.Len(t, ep.IP, 16, "IPv4 endpoint must be normalized to 16-byte v4-mapped form")
-	require.True(t, ep.IP.To4() != nil, "Endpoint must still be detected as IPv4")
-}
-
-func TestAddPeer_LowerLocalPubkey_LeavesEndpointNil(t *testing.T) {
-	srv := &mockServer{}
-	m := newTestManager(0x00, srv) // local spk smaller
-
-	remotePubKey := make([]byte, 32)
-	remotePubKey[0] = 0xFF
-	err := m.addPeer(remotePubKey, "rp:5000", "100.1.1.1", validWGKey(t, 2))
-	require.NoError(t, err)
-
-	require.Nil(t, srv.addCalls[0].cfg.Endpoint, "responder side must NOT set Endpoint")
-}
-
-func TestAddPeer_PresharedKeyPropagated(t *testing.T) {
-	srv := &mockServer{}
-	psk := &wgtypes.Key{0x42}
-	m := newTestManager(0xFF, srv)
-	m.preSharedKey = (*[32]byte)(psk)
-
-	err := m.addPeer(make([]byte, 32), "rp:5000", "100.1.1.1", validWGKey(t, 3))
-	require.NoError(t, err)
-	require.Equal(t, [32]byte(*psk), [32]byte(srv.addCalls[0].cfg.PresharedKey))
-}
-
-func TestAddPeer_InvalidRosenpassAddr_ReturnsError(t *testing.T) {
-	srv := &mockServer{}
-	m := newTestManager(0xFF, srv) // initiator path → parses rosenpassAddr
-
-	err := m.addPeer(make([]byte, 32), "not-a-host-port", "100.1.1.1", validWGKey(t, 1))
-	require.Error(t, err)
-	require.Empty(t, srv.addCalls, "server.AddPeer must not run when address parse fails")
-}
-
-func TestAddPeer_InvalidWireGuardPubKey_ReturnsError(t *testing.T) {
-	srv := &mockServer{}
-	m := newTestManager(0xFF, srv)
-
-	err := m.addPeer(make([]byte, 32), "rp:5000", "100.1.1.1", "not-a-valid-key")
-	require.Error(t, err)
-}
-
-func TestAddPeer_ServerError_Propagates(t *testing.T) {
-	srv := &mockServer{addErr: errors.New("boom")}
-	m := newTestManager(0xFF, srv)
-
-	err := m.addPeer(make([]byte, 32), "rp:5000", "100.1.1.1", validWGKey(t, 1))
-	require.Error(t, err)
-}
-
-// Regression guard for issue #4341 (Android crash). If Run() has not completed
-// before OnConnected fires, m.rpWgHandler or m.server may be nil. Without the
-// nil guards, m.rpWgHandler.AddPeer panics on nil receiver.
-func TestAddPeer_NilHandler_ReturnsErrorNoCrash(t *testing.T) {
-	srv := &mockServer{}
-	m := newTestManager(0xFF, srv)
-	m.rpWgHandler = nil // simulate Run() not yet completed
-
-	err := m.addPeer(make([]byte, 32), "rp:5000", "100.1.1.1", validWGKey(t, 1))
-	require.Error(t, err)
-	require.Contains(t, err.Error(), "wg handler not initialized")
-}
-
-func TestAddPeer_NilServer_ReturnsErrorNoCrash(t *testing.T) {
-	m := newTestManager(0xFF, nil)
-	m.server = nil // simulate Run() not yet completed
-
-	err := m.addPeer(make([]byte, 32), "rp:5000", "100.1.1.1", validWGKey(t, 1))
-	require.Error(t, err)
-	require.Contains(t, err.Error(), "server not initialized")
-}
-
-// NewManager must pre-initialize rpWgHandler so the nil-receiver crash from
-// issue #4341 cannot occur in the window between NewManager and Run().
-func TestNewManager_PreInitializesHandler(t *testing.T) {
-	psk := wgtypes.Key{}
-	m, err := NewManager(&psk, "wt0")
-	require.NoError(t, err)
-	require.NotNil(t, m.rpWgHandler, "rpWgHandler must be initialized in NewManager")
-}
-
-func TestAddPeer_RecordsPeerID(t *testing.T) {
-	srv := &mockServer{}
-	m := newTestManager(0xFF, srv)
-
-	wgKey := validWGKey(t, 5)
-	err := m.addPeer(make([]byte, 32), "rp:5000", "100.1.1.1", wgKey)
-	require.NoError(t, err)
-	require.Contains(t, m.rpPeerIDs, wgKey)
-}
-
-// --- OnConnected / OnDisconnected ------------------------------------------
-
-func TestOnConnected_NilRemotePubKey_NoAddPeer(t *testing.T) {
-	srv := &mockServer{}
-	m := newTestManager(0xFF, srv)
-
-	m.OnConnected(validWGKey(t, 1), nil, "100.1.1.1", "rp:5000")
-	require.Empty(t, srv.addCalls, "nil remote rosenpass pubkey must skip AddPeer")
-	require.Empty(t, m.rpPeerIDs)
-}
-
-func TestOnConnected_ValidPubKey_CallsAddPeer(t *testing.T) {
-	srv := &mockServer{}
-	m := newTestManager(0xFF, srv)
-
-	wgKey := validWGKey(t, 1)
-	m.OnConnected(wgKey, make([]byte, 32), "100.1.1.1", "rp:5000")
-	require.Len(t, srv.addCalls, 1)
-	require.Contains(t, m.rpPeerIDs, wgKey)
-}
-
-func TestOnDisconnected_UnknownPeer_NoOp(t *testing.T) {
-	srv := &mockServer{}
-	m := newTestManager(0xFF, srv)
-
-	m.OnDisconnected(validWGKey(t, 99))
-	require.Empty(t, srv.removed, "unknown peer key must not call RemovePeer")
-}
-
-func TestOnDisconnected_KnownPeer_CallsRemoveAndForgets(t *testing.T) {
-	srv := &mockServer{}
-	m := newTestManager(0xFF, srv)
-
-	wgKey := validWGKey(t, 1)
-	require.NoError(t, m.addPeer(make([]byte, 32), "rp:5000", "100.1.1.1", wgKey))
-	require.Contains(t, m.rpPeerIDs, wgKey)
-
-	m.OnDisconnected(wgKey)
-	require.Len(t, srv.removed, 1)
-	require.NotContains(t, m.rpPeerIDs, wgKey, "peer must be forgotten after disconnect")
-}
-
-// --- IsPresharedKeyInitialized ---------------------------------------------
-
-func TestIsPresharedKeyInitialized_UnknownPeer_ReturnsFalse(t *testing.T) {
-	srv := &mockServer{}
-	m := newTestManager(0xFF, srv)
-	require.False(t, m.IsPresharedKeyInitialized(validWGKey(t, 1)))
-}
-
-func TestIsPresharedKeyInitialized_AddedButNotHandshaken_ReturnsFalse(t *testing.T) {
-	srv := &mockServer{}
-	m := newTestManager(0xFF, srv)
-
-	wgKey := validWGKey(t, 2)
-	require.NoError(t, m.addPeer(make([]byte, 32), "rp:5000", "100.1.1.1", wgKey))
-	require.False(t, m.IsPresharedKeyInitialized(wgKey))
-}
-
-// --- NetbirdHandler.outputKey ----------------------------------------------
-
-func TestHandler_OutputKey_FirstCallUsesUpdateOnlyFalse(t *testing.T) {
-	h := NewNetbirdHandler()
-	iface := &mockIface{}
-	h.SetInterface(iface)
-
-	pid := rp.PeerID{0x01}
-	wgKey := wgtypes.Key{0xAA}
-	h.AddPeer(pid, "wt0", rp.Key(wgKey))
-
-	psk := rp.Key{0xBB}
-	h.HandshakeCompleted(pid, psk)
-
-	require.Len(t, iface.calls, 1)
-	require.False(t, iface.calls[0].updateOnly, "first PSK rotation must use updateOnly=false")
-	require.Equal(t, wgKey.String(), iface.calls[0].peerKey)
-}
-
-func TestHandler_OutputKey_SubsequentCallsUseUpdateOnlyTrue(t *testing.T) {
-	h := NewNetbirdHandler()
-	iface := &mockIface{}
-	h.SetInterface(iface)
-
-	pid := rp.PeerID{0x02}
-	h.AddPeer(pid, "wt0", rp.Key(wgtypes.Key{0xCC}))
-
-	h.HandshakeCompleted(pid, rp.Key{0x01}) // first
-	h.HandshakeCompleted(pid, rp.Key{0x02}) // second
-
-	require.Len(t, iface.calls, 2)
-	require.False(t, iface.calls[0].updateOnly)
-	require.True(t, iface.calls[1].updateOnly, "subsequent rotations must use updateOnly=true")
-}
-
-func TestHandler_OutputKey_NilInterface_NoCrashNoCall(t *testing.T) {
-	h := NewNetbirdHandler()
-	// no SetInterface — iface remains nil
-	pid := rp.PeerID{0x03}
-	h.AddPeer(pid, "wt0", rp.Key(wgtypes.Key{}))
-
-	// Must not panic.
-	h.HandshakeCompleted(pid, rp.Key{})
-}
-
-func TestHandler_OutputKey_UnknownPeer_NoCall(t *testing.T) {
-	h := NewNetbirdHandler()
-	iface := &mockIface{}
-	h.SetInterface(iface)
-
-	h.HandshakeCompleted(rp.PeerID{0xFF}, rp.Key{})
-	require.Empty(t, iface.calls, "unknown peer id must not trigger SetPresharedKey")
-}
-
-func TestHandler_RemovePeer_ClearsInitializedState(t *testing.T) {
-	h := NewNetbirdHandler()
-	iface := &mockIface{}
-	h.SetInterface(iface)
-
-	pid := rp.PeerID{0x04}
-	h.AddPeer(pid, "wt0", rp.Key(wgtypes.Key{0xDD}))
-	h.HandshakeCompleted(pid, rp.Key{0x01})
-	require.True(t, h.IsPeerInitialized(pid))
-
-	h.RemovePeer(pid)
-	require.False(t, h.IsPeerInitialized(pid), "RemovePeer must clear initialized flag")
-}
-
-func TestHandler_SetInterfaceAfterAddPeer_StillReceivesKey(t *testing.T) {
-	h := NewNetbirdHandler()
-	pid := rp.PeerID{0x05}
-	wgKey := wgtypes.Key{0xEE}
-	h.AddPeer(pid, "wt0", rp.Key(wgKey))
-
-	iface := &mockIface{}
-	h.SetInterface(iface) // set after AddPeer
-
-	h.HandshakeCompleted(pid, rp.Key{0x42})
-	require.Len(t, iface.calls, 1)
-	require.Equal(t, wgKey.String(), iface.calls[0].peerKey)
-}

client/internal/rosenpass/seed.go

@@ -1,42 +0,0 @@
-package rosenpass
-
-import (
-	"fmt"
-
-	"golang.zx2c4.com/wireguard/wgctrl/wgtypes"
-)
-
-// DeterministicSeedKey derives a 32-byte WireGuard preshared key from a pair
-// of peer public keys. Both peers, given the same key pair, produce the same
-// output regardless of which side runs the function: the inputs are ordered
-// lexicographically before concatenation.
-//
-// NetBird uses this value as the initial Rosenpass-side preshared key when no
-// explicit account-level PSK is configured, so both peers converge on the same
-// PSK before the first post-quantum handshake completes.
-//
-// The resulting key MUST NOT be treated as quantum-safe: it is deterministic
-// from public keys and exists only to seed WireGuard until Rosenpass rotates
-// in a real post-quantum PSK.
-func DeterministicSeedKey(localKey, remoteKey string) (*wgtypes.Key, error) {
-	lk := []byte(localKey)
-	rk := []byte(remoteKey)
-	if len(lk) < 16 || len(rk) < 16 {
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("rosenpass: peer keys must be at least 16 bytes (got local=%d, remote=%d)", len(lk), len(rk))
-	}
-
-	var keyInput []byte
-	if localKey > remoteKey {
-		keyInput = append(keyInput, lk[:16]...)
-		keyInput = append(keyInput, rk[:16]...)
-	} else {
-		keyInput = append(keyInput, rk[:16]...)
-		keyInput = append(keyInput, lk[:16]...)
-	}
-
-	key, err := wgtypes.NewKey(keyInput)
-	if err != nil {
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("rosenpass: deterministic seed key: %w", err)
-	}
-	return &key, nil
-}

client/internal/rosenpass/seed_test.go

@@ -1,44 +0,0 @@
-package rosenpass
-
-import (
-	"strings"
-	"testing"
-
-	"github.com/stretchr/testify/require"
-)
-
-func TestDeterministicSeedKey_SameForBothSides(t *testing.T) {
-	// Peer A and peer B must derive the same PSK regardless of which side
-	// computes it: the function orders inputs internally.
-	a := strings.Repeat("a", 32)
-	b := strings.Repeat("b", 32)
-
-	keyAB, err := DeterministicSeedKey(a, b)
-	require.NoError(t, err)
-	keyBA, err := DeterministicSeedKey(b, a)
-	require.NoError(t, err)
-	require.Equal(t, keyAB.String(), keyBA.String(), "swapping arguments must yield identical key")
-}
-
-func TestDeterministicSeedKey_ChangesWithKeys(t *testing.T) {
-	a := strings.Repeat("a", 32)
-	b := strings.Repeat("b", 32)
-	c := strings.Repeat("c", 32)
-
-	keyAB, err := DeterministicSeedKey(a, b)
-	require.NoError(t, err)
-	keyAC, err := DeterministicSeedKey(a, c)
-	require.NoError(t, err)
-	require.NotEqual(t, keyAB.String(), keyAC.String(), "different peer pair must yield different key")
-}
-
-func TestDeterministicSeedKey_TooShortKey_ReturnsError(t *testing.T) {
-	short := "short" // < 16 bytes
-	long := strings.Repeat("x", 32)
-
-	_, err := DeterministicSeedKey(short, long)
-	require.Error(t, err)
-	_, err = DeterministicSeedKey(long, short)
-	require.Error(t, err)
-}
-

client/internal/routemanager/systemops/routeflags_addfilter_bsd.go

@@ -1,9 +0,0 @@
-//go:build dragonfly || freebsd || netbsd || openbsd
-
-package systemops
-
-// IgnoreAddedDefaultRoute reports whether an RTM_ADD default route with the
-// given flags should be ignored by the network monitor.
-func IgnoreAddedDefaultRoute(flags int) bool {
-	return filterRoutesByFlags(flags)
-}

client/internal/routemanager/systemops/routeflags_addfilter_darwin.go

@@ -1,21 +0,0 @@
-//go:build darwin
-
-package systemops
-
-import "golang.org/x/sys/unix"
-
-// IgnoreAddedDefaultRoute reports whether an RTM_ADD default route with the
-// given flags should be ignored by the network monitor. Scoped routes
-// (RTF_IFSCOPE) are tied to a specific interface index and cannot replace the
-// unscoped default the kernel uses for general egress, so flapping ones (e.g.
-// Wi-Fi calling IMS tunnels on ipsec0, Docker bridges, scoped utun defaults)
-// must not trigger an engine restart.
-func IgnoreAddedDefaultRoute(flags int) bool {
-	if filterRoutesByFlags(flags) {
-		return true
-	}
-	if flags&unix.RTF_IFSCOPE != 0 {
-		return true
-	}
-	return false
-}

client/internal/statemanager/manager.go

@@ -74,6 +74,14 @@ func New(filePath string) *Manager {
 	}
 }
 
+// FilePath returns the path of the underlying state file.
+func (m *Manager) FilePath() string {
+	if m == nil {
+		return ""
+	}
+	return m.filePath
+}
+
 // Start starts the state manager periodic save routine
 func (m *Manager) Start() {
 	if m == nil {
@@ -96,19 +104,17 @@ func (m *Manager) Stop(ctx context.Context) error {
 	}
 
 	m.mu.Lock()
-	cancel := m.cancel
-	done := m.done
-	m.mu.Unlock()
+	defer m.mu.Unlock()
 
-	if cancel == nil {
+	if m.cancel == nil {
 		return nil
 	}
-	cancel()
+	m.cancel()
 
 	select {
 	case <-ctx.Done():
 		return ctx.Err()
-	case <-done:
+	case <-m.done:
 	}
 
 	return nil

client/netbird.wxs

@@ -64,6 +64,13 @@
 					<RegistryValue Name="InstalledByMSI" Type="integer" Value="1" KeyPath="yes" />
 				</RegistryKey>
 			</Component>
+			<!-- Drop the HKCU Run\Netbird value written by legacy NSIS installers. -->
+			<Component Id="NetbirdLegacyHKCUCleanup" Guid="*">
+				<RegistryValue Root="HKCU" Key="Software\NetBird GmbH\Installer"
+					Name="LegacyHKCUCleanup" Type="integer" Value="1" KeyPath="yes" />
+				<RemoveRegistryValue Root="HKCU"
+					Key="Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run" Name="Netbird" />
+			</Component>
 		</StandardDirectory>
 
 		<StandardDirectory Id="CommonAppDataFolder">
@@ -76,10 +83,28 @@
 			</Directory>
 		</StandardDirectory>
 
+		<!-- Drop Run, App Paths and Uninstall entries written by legacy NSIS
+		     installers into the 32-bit registry view (HKLM\Software\Wow6432Node). -->
+		<Component Id="NetbirdLegacyWow6432Cleanup" Directory="NetbirdInstallDir"
+			Guid="bda5d628-16bd-4086-b2c1-5099d8d51763" Bitness="always32">
+			<RegistryValue Root="HKLM" Key="Software\NetBird GmbH\Installer"
+				Name="LegacyWow6432Cleanup" Type="integer" Value="1" KeyPath="yes" />
+			<RemoveRegistryValue Root="HKLM"
+				Key="Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run" Name="Netbird" />
+			<RemoveRegistryKey Action="removeOnInstall" Root="HKLM"
+				Key="Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths\Netbird" />
+			<RemoveRegistryKey Action="removeOnInstall" Root="HKLM"
+				Key="Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths\Netbird-ui" />
+			<RemoveRegistryKey Action="removeOnInstall" Root="HKLM"
+				Key="Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\Netbird" />
+		</Component>
+
 		<ComponentGroup Id="NetbirdFilesComponent">
 			<ComponentRef Id="NetbirdFiles" />
 			<ComponentRef Id="NetbirdAumidRegistry" />
 			<ComponentRef Id="NetbirdAutoStart" />
+			<ComponentRef Id="NetbirdLegacyHKCUCleanup" />
+			<ComponentRef Id="NetbirdLegacyWow6432Cleanup" />
 		</ComponentGroup>
 
 		<util:CloseApplication Id="CloseNetBird" CloseMessage="no" Target="netbird.exe" RebootPrompt="no" />

client/proto/daemon.proto

@@ -119,6 +119,14 @@ service DaemonService {
 
   // ExposeService exposes a local port via the NetBird reverse proxy
   rpc ExposeService(ExposeServiceRequest) returns (stream ExposeServiceEvent) {}
+
+  // RespondApproval delivers the user's accept/deny decision for a
+  // pending user-approval prompt. The daemon pushes the prompt as a
+  // SystemEvent with category APPROVAL and metadata key "request_id";
+  // the UI calls this RPC with the same request_id to unblock whichever
+  // subsystem (VNC, SSH, ...) is waiting. The "kind" metadata key tells
+  // the UI which subsystem the prompt belongs to.
+  rpc RespondApproval(RespondApprovalRequest) returns (RespondApprovalResponse) {}
 }
 
 
@@ -205,6 +213,10 @@ message LoginRequest {
   optional bool disableSSHAuth = 38;
   optional int32 sshJWTCacheTTL = 39;
   optional bool disable_ipv6 = 40;
+
+  optional bool serverVNCAllowed = 41;
+
+  optional bool disableVNCApproval = 42;
 }
 
 message LoginResponse {
@@ -314,6 +326,10 @@ message GetConfigResponse {
   int32 sshJWTCacheTTL = 26;
 
   bool disable_ipv6 = 27;
+
+  bool serverVNCAllowed = 28;
+
+  bool disableVNCApproval = 29;
 }
 
 // PeerState contains the latest state of a peer
@@ -394,6 +410,25 @@ message SSHServerState {
   repeated SSHSessionInfo sessions = 2;
 }
 
+// VNCSessionInfo contains information about an active VNC session
+message VNCSessionInfo {
+  string remoteAddress = 1;
+  string mode = 2;
+  string username = 3;
+  // userID is the Noise-verified session identity (hashed user ID from
+  // the ACL session-key entry), empty when auth is disabled.
+  string userID = 4;
+  // initiator is the human-readable display name of the dashboard user
+  // who minted the SessionPubKey, when known.
+  string initiator = 5;
+}
+
+// VNCServerState contains the latest state of the VNC server
+message VNCServerState {
+  bool enabled = 1;
+  repeated VNCSessionInfo sessions = 2;
+}
+
 // FullStatus contains the full state held by the Status instance
 message FullStatus {
   ManagementState managementState = 1;
@@ -408,6 +443,7 @@ message FullStatus {
 
   bool lazyConnectionEnabled = 9;
   SSHServerState sshServerState = 10;
+  VNCServerState vncServerState = 11;
 }
 
 // Networks
@@ -595,6 +631,7 @@ message SystemEvent {
     AUTHENTICATION = 2;
     CONNECTIVITY = 3;
     SYSTEM = 4;
+    APPROVAL = 5;
   }
 
   string id = 1;
@@ -678,6 +715,10 @@ message SetConfigRequest {
   optional bool disableSSHAuth = 33;
   optional int32 sshJWTCacheTTL = 34;
   optional bool disable_ipv6 = 35;
+
+  optional bool serverVNCAllowed = 36;
+
+  optional bool disableVNCApproval = 37;
 }
 
 message SetConfigResponse{}
@@ -872,3 +913,18 @@ message StartBundleCaptureRequest {
 message StartBundleCaptureResponse {}
 message StopBundleCaptureRequest {}
 message StopBundleCaptureResponse {}
+
+message RespondApprovalRequest {
+  // request_id matches the SystemEvent metadata key emitted by the daemon
+  // when a subsystem awaits user approval for an inbound connection.
+  string request_id = 1;
+  // accept is true if the user approved the request, false if they
+  // denied it. A missing or unknown request_id is treated as a no-op.
+  bool accept = 2;
+  // view_only signals that the user granted the connection but withheld
+  // input control. Only meaningful when accept is true; ignored when
+  // accept is false.
+  bool view_only = 3;
+}
+
+message RespondApprovalResponse {}

client/proto/daemon_grpc.pb.go

@@ -58,6 +58,7 @@ const (
 	DaemonService_StopCPUProfile_FullMethodName             = "/daemon.DaemonService/StopCPUProfile"
 	DaemonService_GetInstallerResult_FullMethodName         = "/daemon.DaemonService/GetInstallerResult"
 	DaemonService_ExposeService_FullMethodName              = "/daemon.DaemonService/ExposeService"
+	DaemonService_RespondApproval_FullMethodName            = "/daemon.DaemonService/RespondApproval"
 )
 
 // DaemonServiceClient is the client API for DaemonService service.
@@ -134,6 +135,13 @@ type DaemonServiceClient interface {
 	GetInstallerResult(ctx context.Context, in *InstallerResultRequest, opts ...grpc.CallOption) (*InstallerResultResponse, error)
 	// ExposeService exposes a local port via the NetBird reverse proxy
 	ExposeService(ctx context.Context, in *ExposeServiceRequest, opts ...grpc.CallOption) (grpc.ServerStreamingClient[ExposeServiceEvent], error)
+	// RespondApproval delivers the user's accept/deny decision for a
+	// pending user-approval prompt. The daemon pushes the prompt as a
+	// SystemEvent with category APPROVAL and metadata key "request_id";
+	// the UI calls this RPC with the same request_id to unblock whichever
+	// subsystem (VNC, SSH, ...) is waiting. The "kind" metadata key tells
+	// the UI which subsystem the prompt belongs to.
+	RespondApproval(ctx context.Context, in *RespondApprovalRequest, opts ...grpc.CallOption) (*RespondApprovalResponse, error)
 }
 
 type daemonServiceClient struct {
@@ -561,6 +569,16 @@ func (c *daemonServiceClient) ExposeService(ctx context.Context, in *ExposeServi
 // This type alias is provided for backwards compatibility with existing code that references the prior non-generic stream type by name.
 type DaemonService_ExposeServiceClient = grpc.ServerStreamingClient[ExposeServiceEvent]
 
+func (c *daemonServiceClient) RespondApproval(ctx context.Context, in *RespondApprovalRequest, opts ...grpc.CallOption) (*RespondApprovalResponse, error) {
+	cOpts := append([]grpc.CallOption{grpc.StaticMethod()}, opts...)
+	out := new(RespondApprovalResponse)
+	err := c.cc.Invoke(ctx, DaemonService_RespondApproval_FullMethodName, in, out, cOpts...)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	return out, nil
+}
+
 // DaemonServiceServer is the server API for DaemonService service.
 // All implementations must embed UnimplementedDaemonServiceServer
 // for forward compatibility.
@@ -635,6 +653,13 @@ type DaemonServiceServer interface {
 	GetInstallerResult(context.Context, *InstallerResultRequest) (*InstallerResultResponse, error)
 	// ExposeService exposes a local port via the NetBird reverse proxy
 	ExposeService(*ExposeServiceRequest, grpc.ServerStreamingServer[ExposeServiceEvent]) error
+	// RespondApproval delivers the user's accept/deny decision for a
+	// pending user-approval prompt. The daemon pushes the prompt as a
+	// SystemEvent with category APPROVAL and metadata key "request_id";
+	// the UI calls this RPC with the same request_id to unblock whichever
+	// subsystem (VNC, SSH, ...) is waiting. The "kind" metadata key tells
+	// the UI which subsystem the prompt belongs to.
+	RespondApproval(context.Context, *RespondApprovalRequest) (*RespondApprovalResponse, error)
 	mustEmbedUnimplementedDaemonServiceServer()
 }
 
@@ -762,6 +787,9 @@ func (UnimplementedDaemonServiceServer) GetInstallerResult(context.Context, *Ins
 func (UnimplementedDaemonServiceServer) ExposeService(*ExposeServiceRequest, grpc.ServerStreamingServer[ExposeServiceEvent]) error {
 	return status.Error(codes.Unimplemented, "method ExposeService not implemented")
 }
+func (UnimplementedDaemonServiceServer) RespondApproval(context.Context, *RespondApprovalRequest) (*RespondApprovalResponse, error) {
+	return nil, status.Error(codes.Unimplemented, "method RespondApproval not implemented")
+}
 func (UnimplementedDaemonServiceServer) mustEmbedUnimplementedDaemonServiceServer() {}
 func (UnimplementedDaemonServiceServer) testEmbeddedByValue()                       {}
 
@@ -1464,6 +1492,24 @@ func _DaemonService_ExposeService_Handler(srv interface{}, stream grpc.ServerStr
 // This type alias is provided for backwards compatibility with existing code that references the prior non-generic stream type by name.
 type DaemonService_ExposeServiceServer = grpc.ServerStreamingServer[ExposeServiceEvent]
 
+func _DaemonService_RespondApproval_Handler(srv interface{}, ctx context.Context, dec func(interface{}) error, interceptor grpc.UnaryServerInterceptor) (interface{}, error) {
+	in := new(RespondApprovalRequest)
+	if err := dec(in); err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	if interceptor == nil {
+		return srv.(DaemonServiceServer).RespondApproval(ctx, in)
+	}
+	info := &grpc.UnaryServerInfo{
+		Server:     srv,
+		FullMethod: DaemonService_RespondApproval_FullMethodName,
+	}
+	handler := func(ctx context.Context, req interface{}) (interface{}, error) {
+		return srv.(DaemonServiceServer).RespondApproval(ctx, req.(*RespondApprovalRequest))
+	}
+	return interceptor(ctx, in, info, handler)
+}
+
 // DaemonService_ServiceDesc is the grpc.ServiceDesc for DaemonService service.
 // It's only intended for direct use with grpc.RegisterService,
 // and not to be introspected or modified (even as a copy)
@@ -1615,6 +1661,10 @@ var DaemonService_ServiceDesc = grpc.ServiceDesc{
 			MethodName: "GetInstallerResult",
 			Handler:    _DaemonService_GetInstallerResult_Handler,
 		},
+		{
+			MethodName: "RespondApproval",
+			Handler:    _DaemonService_RespondApproval_Handler,
+		},
 	},
 	Streams: []grpc.StreamDesc{
 		{

client/server/capture.go

@@ -111,7 +111,7 @@ func (s *Server) StartCapture(req *proto.StartCaptureRequest, stream proto.Daemo
 		return status.Errorf(codes.Internal, "create capture session: %v", err)
 	}
 
-	engine, err := s.claimCapture(sess)
+	engine, err := s.claimCapture(sess, func() { pw.Close() })
 	if err != nil {
 		sess.Stop()
 		pw.Close()
@@ -190,10 +190,7 @@ func (s *Server) StartBundleCapture(_ context.Context, req *proto.StartBundleCap
 
 	s.stopBundleCaptureLocked()
 	s.cleanupBundleCapture()
-
-	if s.activeCapture != nil {
-		return nil, status.Error(codes.FailedPrecondition, "another capture is already running")
-	}
+	s.evictActiveCaptureLocked()
 
 	engine, err := s.getCaptureEngineLocked()
 	if err != nil {
@@ -304,29 +301,58 @@ func (s *Server) cleanupBundleCapture() {
 	s.bundleCapture = nil
 }
 
-// claimCapture reserves the engine's capture slot for sess. Returns
-// FailedPrecondition if another capture is already active.
-func (s *Server) claimCapture(sess *capture.Session) (*internal.Engine, error) {
+// claimCapture reserves the engine's capture slot for sess. If another
+// capture is already running it is evicted: a previous streaming session
+// whose gRPC client died and never freed the slot stays stuck otherwise,
+// and a bundle capture is just informational state.
+func (s *Server) claimCapture(sess *capture.Session, cancel func()) (*internal.Engine, error) {
 	s.mutex.Lock()
 	defer s.mutex.Unlock()
 
-	if s.activeCapture != nil {
-		return nil, status.Error(codes.FailedPrecondition, "another capture is already running")
-	}
+	s.evictActiveCaptureLocked()
 	engine, err := s.getCaptureEngineLocked()
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, err
 	}
 	s.activeCapture = sess
+	s.activeCaptureCancel = cancel
 	return engine, nil
 }
 
+// evictActiveCaptureLocked tears down whatever capture currently owns
+// the engine slot so a fresh claim can succeed. Caller must hold mutex.
+func (s *Server) evictActiveCaptureLocked() {
+	if s.activeCapture == nil {
+		return
+	}
+	if s.bundleCapture != nil && s.bundleCapture.sess == s.activeCapture {
+		log.Infof("evicting running bundle capture to start a new capture")
+		s.stopBundleCaptureLocked()
+		return
+	}
+	log.Infof("evicting previous streaming capture to start a new one")
+	prev := s.activeCapture
+	cancel := s.activeCaptureCancel
+	if engine, err := s.getCaptureEngineLocked(); err == nil {
+		if err := engine.SetCapture(nil); err != nil {
+			log.Debugf("clear previous capture: %v", err)
+		}
+	}
+	s.activeCapture = nil
+	s.activeCaptureCancel = nil
+	prev.Stop()
+	if cancel != nil {
+		cancel()
+	}
+}
+
 // releaseCapture clears the active-capture owner if it still matches sess.
 func (s *Server) releaseCapture(sess *capture.Session) {
 	s.mutex.Lock()
 	defer s.mutex.Unlock()
 	if s.activeCapture == sess {
 		s.activeCapture = nil
+		s.activeCaptureCancel = nil
 	}
 }
 
@@ -341,6 +367,7 @@ func (s *Server) clearCaptureIfOwner(sess *capture.Session, engine *internal.Eng
 		log.Debugf("clear capture: %v", err)
 	}
 	s.activeCapture = nil
+	s.activeCaptureCancel = nil
 }
 
 func (s *Server) getCaptureEngineLocked() (*internal.Engine, error) {

client/server/server.go

@@ -93,8 +93,12 @@ type Server struct {
 	captureEnabled         bool
 	bundleCapture          *bundleCapture
 	// activeCapture is the session currently installed on the engine; guarded by s.mutex.
-	activeCapture    *capture.Session
-	networksDisabled bool
+	activeCapture *capture.Session
+	// activeCaptureCancel tears down the streaming pipe/cancel for the
+	// active streaming capture so eviction unblocks the StartCapture RPC
+	// handler. Nil for bundle captures (they own their own context).
+	activeCaptureCancel func()
+	networksDisabled    bool
 
 	sleepHandler *sleephandler.SleepHandler
 
@@ -376,6 +380,8 @@ func (s *Server) SetConfig(callerCtx context.Context, msg *proto.SetConfigReques
 	config.RosenpassPermissive = msg.RosenpassPermissive
 	config.DisableAutoConnect = msg.DisableAutoConnect
 	config.ServerSSHAllowed = msg.ServerSSHAllowed
+	config.ServerVNCAllowed = msg.ServerVNCAllowed
+	config.DisableVNCApproval = msg.DisableVNCApproval
 	config.NetworkMonitor = msg.NetworkMonitor
 	config.DisableClientRoutes = msg.DisableClientRoutes
 	config.DisableServerRoutes = msg.DisableServerRoutes
@@ -1136,6 +1142,7 @@ func (s *Server) Status(
 		pbFullStatus := fullStatus.ToProto()
 		pbFullStatus.Events = s.statusRecorder.GetEventHistory()
 		pbFullStatus.SshServerState = s.getSSHServerState()
+		pbFullStatus.VncServerState = s.getVNCServerState()
 		statusResponse.FullStatus = pbFullStatus
 	}
 
@@ -1175,6 +1182,38 @@ func (s *Server) getSSHServerState() *proto.SSHServerState {
 	return sshServerState
 }
 
+// getVNCServerState retrieves the current VNC server state.
+func (s *Server) getVNCServerState() *proto.VNCServerState {
+	s.mutex.Lock()
+	connectClient := s.connectClient
+	s.mutex.Unlock()
+
+	if connectClient == nil {
+		return nil
+	}
+
+	engine := connectClient.Engine()
+	if engine == nil {
+		return nil
+	}
+
+	enabled, sessions := engine.GetVNCServerStatus()
+	pbSessions := make([]*proto.VNCSessionInfo, 0, len(sessions))
+	for _, sess := range sessions {
+		pbSessions = append(pbSessions, &proto.VNCSessionInfo{
+			RemoteAddress: sess.RemoteAddress,
+			Mode:          sess.Mode,
+			Username:      sess.Username,
+			UserID:        sess.UserID,
+			Initiator:     sess.Initiator,
+		})
+	}
+	return &proto.VNCServerState{
+		Enabled:  enabled,
+		Sessions: pbSessions,
+	}
+}
+
 // GetPeerSSHHostKey retrieves SSH host key for a specific peer
 func (s *Server) GetPeerSSHHostKey(
 	ctx context.Context,
@@ -1415,6 +1454,27 @@ func (s *Server) ExposeService(req *proto.ExposeServiceRequest, srv proto.Daemon
 	return nil
 }
 
+// RespondApproval relays the user's accept/deny decision for a pending
+// approval prompt to the engine's broker. Unknown or already-resolved
+// request_ids are silently no-op'd so a slow UI cannot deny a prompt the
+// user already handled (or that already timed out).
+func (s *Server) RespondApproval(_ context.Context, msg *proto.RespondApprovalRequest) (*proto.RespondApprovalResponse, error) {
+	s.mutex.Lock()
+	connectClient := s.connectClient
+	s.mutex.Unlock()
+	if connectClient == nil {
+		return nil, gstatus.Errorf(codes.FailedPrecondition, "client not initialized")
+	}
+	engine := connectClient.Engine()
+	if engine == nil {
+		return nil, gstatus.Errorf(codes.FailedPrecondition, "engine not running")
+	}
+	if !engine.RespondApproval(msg.GetRequestId(), msg.GetAccept(), msg.GetViewOnly()) {
+		log.Debugf("approval response for unknown request_id %s", msg.GetRequestId())
+	}
+	return &proto.RespondApprovalResponse{}, nil
+}
+
 func isUnixRunningDesktop() bool {
 	if runtime.GOOS != "linux" && runtime.GOOS != "freebsd" {
 		return false
@@ -1531,6 +1591,8 @@ func (s *Server) GetConfig(ctx context.Context, req *proto.GetConfigRequest) (*p
 		Mtu:                           int64(cfg.MTU),
 		DisableAutoConnect:            cfg.DisableAutoConnect,
 		ServerSSHAllowed:              *cfg.ServerSSHAllowed,
+		ServerVNCAllowed:              cfg.ServerVNCAllowed != nil && *cfg.ServerVNCAllowed,
+		DisableVNCApproval:            cfg.DisableVNCApproval != nil && *cfg.DisableVNCApproval,
 		RosenpassEnabled:              cfg.RosenpassEnabled,
 		RosenpassPermissive:           cfg.RosenpassPermissive,
 		LazyConnectionEnabled:         cfg.LazyConnectionEnabled,

client/server/server_test.go

@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@ import (
 	"github.com/stretchr/testify/require"
 	"go.opentelemetry.io/otel"
 
-	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/management/server/integrations/integrated_validator/validator"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/management-integrations/integrations"
 
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/management/internals/controllers/network_map/controller"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/management/internals/controllers/network_map/update_channel"
@@ -315,7 +315,7 @@ func startManagement(t *testing.T, signalAddr string, counter *int) (*grpc.Serve
 		return nil, "", err
 	}
 
-	ia, _ := validator.NewIntegratedValidator(context.Background(), peersManager, settingsManagerMock, eventStore, cacheStore)
+	ia, _ := integrations.NewIntegratedValidator(context.Background(), peersManager, settingsManagerMock, eventStore, cacheStore)
 
 	metrics, err := telemetry.NewDefaultAppMetrics(context.Background())
 	require.NoError(t, err)

client/server/setconfig_test.go

@@ -58,6 +58,8 @@ func TestSetConfig_AllFieldsSaved(t *testing.T) {
 	rosenpassEnabled := true
 	rosenpassPermissive := true
 	serverSSHAllowed := true
+	serverVNCAllowed := true
+	disableVNCApproval := true
 	interfaceName := "utun100"
 	wireguardPort := int64(51820)
 	preSharedKey := "test-psk"
@@ -83,6 +85,8 @@ func TestSetConfig_AllFieldsSaved(t *testing.T) {
 		RosenpassEnabled:      &rosenpassEnabled,
 		RosenpassPermissive:   &rosenpassPermissive,
 		ServerSSHAllowed:      &serverSSHAllowed,
+		ServerVNCAllowed:      &serverVNCAllowed,
+		DisableVNCApproval:    &disableVNCApproval,
 		InterfaceName:         &interfaceName,
 		WireguardPort:         &wireguardPort,
 		OptionalPreSharedKey:  &preSharedKey,
@@ -127,6 +131,10 @@ func TestSetConfig_AllFieldsSaved(t *testing.T) {
 	require.Equal(t, rosenpassPermissive, cfg.RosenpassPermissive)
 	require.NotNil(t, cfg.ServerSSHAllowed)
 	require.Equal(t, serverSSHAllowed, *cfg.ServerSSHAllowed)
+	require.NotNil(t, cfg.ServerVNCAllowed)
+	require.Equal(t, serverVNCAllowed, *cfg.ServerVNCAllowed)
+	require.NotNil(t, cfg.DisableVNCApproval)
+	require.Equal(t, disableVNCApproval, *cfg.DisableVNCApproval)
 	require.Equal(t, interfaceName, cfg.WgIface)
 	require.Equal(t, int(wireguardPort), cfg.WgPort)
 	require.Equal(t, preSharedKey, cfg.PreSharedKey)
@@ -179,6 +187,8 @@ func verifyAllFieldsCovered(t *testing.T, req *proto.SetConfigRequest) {
 		"RosenpassEnabled":              true,
 		"RosenpassPermissive":           true,
 		"ServerSSHAllowed":              true,
+		"ServerVNCAllowed":              true,
+		"DisableVNCApproval":            true,
 		"InterfaceName":                 true,
 		"WireguardPort":                 true,
 		"OptionalPreSharedKey":          true,
@@ -240,6 +250,8 @@ func TestCLIFlags_MappedToSetConfig(t *testing.T) {
 		"enable-rosenpass":                  "RosenpassEnabled",
 		"rosenpass-permissive":              "RosenpassPermissive",
 		"allow-server-ssh":                  "ServerSSHAllowed",
+		"allow-server-vnc":                  "ServerVNCAllowed",
+		"disable-vnc-approval":              "DisableVNCApproval",
 		"interface-name":                    "InterfaceName",
 		"wireguard-port":                    "WireguardPort",
 		"preshared-key":                     "OptionalPreSharedKey",

client/ssh/proxy/proxy_test.go

@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@ import (
 
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/proto"
 	nbssh "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/ssh"
-	sshauth "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/ssh/auth"
+	sshauth "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/shared/sessionauth"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/ssh/server"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/ssh/testutil"
 	nbjwt "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/shared/auth/jwt"

client/ssh/server/jwt_test.go

@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ import (
 	"github.com/stretchr/testify/require"
 
 	nbssh "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/ssh"
-	sshauth "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/ssh/auth"
+	sshauth "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/shared/sessionauth"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/ssh/client"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/ssh/detection"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/ssh/testutil"

client/ssh/server/server.go

@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ import (
 	"golang.zx2c4.com/wireguard/tun/netstack"
 
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface/wgaddr"
-	sshauth "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/ssh/auth"
+	sshauth "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/shared/sessionauth"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/ssh/detection"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/shared/auth"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/shared/auth/jwt"
@@ -197,6 +197,14 @@ type Config struct {
 
 	// HostKey is the SSH server host key in PEM format
 	HostKeyPEM []byte
+
+	// NetstackNet, when non-nil, makes the SSH server listen via the
+	// supplied userspace network stack instead of an OS socket.
+	NetstackNet *netstack.Net
+
+	// NetworkValidation, when non-zero, restricts inbound connections to
+	// peers inside the NetBird overlay defined by this WireGuard address.
+	NetworkValidation wgaddr.Address
 }
 
 // SessionInfo contains information about an active SSH session
@@ -208,12 +216,15 @@ type SessionInfo struct {
 	PortForwards  []string
 }
 
-// New creates an SSH server instance with the provided host key and optional JWT configuration
-// If jwtConfig is nil, JWT authentication is disabled
+// New creates an SSH server instance from the supplied Config. Fields are
+// read once at construction; mutating Config afterwards has no effect.
+// JWT == nil disables JWT authentication.
 func New(config *Config) *Server {
 	s := &Server{
 		mu:                     sync.RWMutex{},
 		hostKeyPEM:             config.HostKeyPEM,
+		netstackNet:            config.NetstackNet,
+		wgAddress:              config.NetworkValidation,
 		sessions:               make(map[sessionKey]*sessionState),
 		pendingAuthJWT:         make(map[authKey]string),
 		remoteForwardListeners: make(map[forwardKey]net.Listener),
@@ -434,20 +445,6 @@ func (s *Server) buildSessionInfo(state *sessionState) SessionInfo {
 	return info
 }
 
-// SetNetstackNet sets the netstack network for userspace networking
-func (s *Server) SetNetstackNet(net *netstack.Net) {
-	s.mu.Lock()
-	defer s.mu.Unlock()
-	s.netstackNet = net
-}
-
-// SetNetworkValidation configures network-based connection filtering
-func (s *Server) SetNetworkValidation(addr wgaddr.Address) {
-	s.mu.Lock()
-	defer s.mu.Unlock()
-	s.wgAddress = addr
-}
-
 // UpdateSSHAuth updates the SSH fine-grained access control configuration
 // This should be called when network map updates include new SSH auth configuration
 func (s *Server) UpdateSSHAuth(config *sshauth.Config) {

client/status/status.go

@@ -131,6 +131,19 @@ type SSHServerStateOutput struct {
 	Sessions []SSHSessionOutput `json:"sessions" yaml:"sessions"`
 }
 
+type VNCSessionOutput struct {
+	RemoteAddress string `json:"remoteAddress" yaml:"remoteAddress"`
+	Mode          string `json:"mode" yaml:"mode"`
+	Username      string `json:"username,omitempty" yaml:"username,omitempty"`
+	UserID        string `json:"userID,omitempty" yaml:"userID,omitempty"`
+	Initiator     string `json:"initiator,omitempty" yaml:"initiator,omitempty"`
+}
+
+type VNCServerStateOutput struct {
+	Enabled  bool               `json:"enabled" yaml:"enabled"`
+	Sessions []VNCSessionOutput `json:"sessions" yaml:"sessions"`
+}
+
 type OutputOverview struct {
 	Peers                   PeersStateOutput           `json:"peers" yaml:"peers"`
 	CliVersion              string                     `json:"cliVersion" yaml:"cliVersion"`
@@ -153,6 +166,7 @@ type OutputOverview struct {
 	LazyConnectionEnabled   bool                       `json:"lazyConnectionEnabled" yaml:"lazyConnectionEnabled"`
 	ProfileName             string                     `json:"profileName" yaml:"profileName"`
 	SSHServerState          SSHServerStateOutput       `json:"sshServer" yaml:"sshServer"`
+	VNCServerState          VNCServerStateOutput       `json:"vncServer" yaml:"vncServer"`
 }
 
 // ConvertToStatusOutputOverview converts protobuf status to the output overview.
@@ -173,6 +187,7 @@ func ConvertToStatusOutputOverview(pbFullStatus *proto.FullStatus, opts ConvertO
 
 	relayOverview := mapRelays(pbFullStatus.GetRelays())
 	sshServerOverview := mapSSHServer(pbFullStatus.GetSshServerState())
+	vncServerOverview := mapVNCServer(pbFullStatus.GetVncServerState())
 	peersOverview := mapPeers(pbFullStatus.GetPeers(), opts.StatusFilter, opts.PrefixNamesFilter, opts.PrefixNamesFilterMap, opts.IPsFilter, opts.ConnectionTypeFilter)
 
 	overview := OutputOverview{
@@ -197,6 +212,7 @@ func ConvertToStatusOutputOverview(pbFullStatus *proto.FullStatus, opts ConvertO
 		LazyConnectionEnabled:   pbFullStatus.GetLazyConnectionEnabled(),
 		ProfileName:             opts.ProfileName,
 		SSHServerState:          sshServerOverview,
+		VNCServerState:          vncServerOverview,
 	}
 
 	if opts.Anonymize {
@@ -271,6 +287,26 @@ func mapSSHServer(sshServerState *proto.SSHServerState) SSHServerStateOutput {
 	}
 }
 
+func mapVNCServer(state *proto.VNCServerState) VNCServerStateOutput {
+	if state == nil {
+		return VNCServerStateOutput{Sessions: []VNCSessionOutput{}}
+	}
+	sessions := make([]VNCSessionOutput, 0, len(state.GetSessions()))
+	for _, sess := range state.GetSessions() {
+		sessions = append(sessions, VNCSessionOutput{
+			RemoteAddress: sess.GetRemoteAddress(),
+			Mode:          sess.GetMode(),
+			Username:      sess.GetUsername(),
+			UserID:        sess.GetUserID(),
+			Initiator:     sess.GetInitiator(),
+		})
+	}
+	return VNCServerStateOutput{
+		Enabled:  state.GetEnabled(),
+		Sessions: sessions,
+	}
+}
+
 func mapPeers(
 	peers []*proto.PeerState,
 	statusFilter string,
@@ -533,6 +569,26 @@ func (o *OutputOverview) GeneralSummary(showURL bool, showRelays bool, showNameS
 		}
 	}
 
+	vncServerStatus := "Disabled"
+	if o.VNCServerState.Enabled {
+		vncSessionCount := len(o.VNCServerState.Sessions)
+		if vncSessionCount > 0 {
+			sessionWord := "session"
+			if vncSessionCount > 1 {
+				sessionWord = "sessions"
+			}
+			vncServerStatus = fmt.Sprintf("Enabled (%d active %s)", vncSessionCount, sessionWord)
+		} else {
+			vncServerStatus = "Enabled"
+		}
+
+		if showSSHSessions && vncSessionCount > 0 {
+			for _, sess := range o.VNCServerState.Sessions {
+				vncServerStatus += "\n  " + formatVNCSessionLine(sess)
+			}
+		}
+	}
+
 	peersCountString := fmt.Sprintf("%d/%d Connected", o.Peers.Connected, o.Peers.Total)
 
 	var forwardingRulesString string
@@ -563,6 +619,7 @@ func (o *OutputOverview) GeneralSummary(showURL bool, showRelays bool, showNameS
 			"Quantum resistance: %s\n"+
 			"Lazy connection: %s\n"+
 			"SSH Server: %s\n"+
+			"VNC Server: %s\n"+
 			"Networks: %s\n"+
 			"%s"+
 			"Peers count: %s\n",
@@ -581,6 +638,7 @@ func (o *OutputOverview) GeneralSummary(showURL bool, showRelays bool, showNameS
 		rosenpassEnabledStatus,
 		lazyConnectionEnabledStatus,
 		sshServerStatus,
+		vncServerStatus,
 		networks,
 		forwardingRulesString,
 		peersCountString,
@@ -940,6 +998,26 @@ func anonymizePeerDetail(a *anonymize.Anonymizer, peer *PeerStateDetailOutput) {
 	}
 }
 
+// formatVNCSessionLine renders a single VNC session row for the detailed
+// status output. The leading slot identifies the initiator (display name
+// when known, hashed UserID otherwise); the post-arrow slot is the OS
+// user the session targets and is omitted in attach mode where the
+// destination is the current console user (unknown to the daemon).
+func formatVNCSessionLine(sess VNCSessionOutput) string {
+	who := sess.Initiator
+	if who == "" {
+		who = sess.UserID
+	}
+	prefix := sess.RemoteAddress
+	if who != "" {
+		prefix = fmt.Sprintf("%s@%s", who, sess.RemoteAddress)
+	}
+	if sess.Username != "" {
+		return fmt.Sprintf("[%s -> %s] mode=%s", prefix, sess.Username, sess.Mode)
+	}
+	return fmt.Sprintf("[%s] mode=%s", prefix, sess.Mode)
+}
+
 func anonymizeOverview(a *anonymize.Anonymizer, overview *OutputOverview) {
 	for i, peer := range overview.Peers.Details {
 		peer := peer
@@ -960,6 +1038,19 @@ func anonymizeOverview(a *anonymize.Anonymizer, overview *OutputOverview) {
 		overview.Relays.Details[i] = detail
 	}
 
+	anonymizeNSServerGroups(a, overview)
+
+	for i, route := range overview.Networks {
+		overview.Networks[i] = a.AnonymizeRoute(route)
+	}
+
+	overview.FQDN = a.AnonymizeDomain(overview.FQDN)
+
+	anonymizeEvents(a, overview)
+	anonymizeServerSessions(a, overview)
+}
+
+func anonymizeNSServerGroups(a *anonymize.Anonymizer, overview *OutputOverview) {
 	for i, nsGroup := range overview.NSServerGroups {
 		for j, domain := range nsGroup.Domains {
 			overview.NSServerGroups[i].Domains[j] = a.AnonymizeDomain(domain)
@@ -971,13 +1062,9 @@ func anonymizeOverview(a *anonymize.Anonymizer, overview *OutputOverview) {
 			}
 		}
 	}
+}
 
-	for i, route := range overview.Networks {
-		overview.Networks[i] = a.AnonymizeRoute(route)
-	}
-
-	overview.FQDN = a.AnonymizeDomain(overview.FQDN)
-
+func anonymizeEvents(a *anonymize.Anonymizer, overview *OutputOverview) {
 	for i, event := range overview.Events {
 		overview.Events[i].Message = a.AnonymizeString(event.Message)
 		overview.Events[i].UserMessage = a.AnonymizeString(event.UserMessage)
@@ -986,13 +1073,24 @@ func anonymizeOverview(a *anonymize.Anonymizer, overview *OutputOverview) {
 			event.Metadata[k] = a.AnonymizeString(v)
 		}
 	}
+}
 
+func anonymizeRemoteAddress(a *anonymize.Anonymizer, addr string) string {
+	if host, port, err := net.SplitHostPort(addr); err == nil {
+		return fmt.Sprintf("%s:%s", a.AnonymizeIPString(host), port)
+	}
+	return a.AnonymizeIPString(addr)
+}
+
+func anonymizeServerSessions(a *anonymize.Anonymizer, overview *OutputOverview) {
 	for i, session := range overview.SSHServerState.Sessions {
-		if host, port, err := net.SplitHostPort(session.RemoteAddress); err == nil {
-			overview.SSHServerState.Sessions[i].RemoteAddress = fmt.Sprintf("%s:%s", a.AnonymizeIPString(host), port)
-		} else {
-			overview.SSHServerState.Sessions[i].RemoteAddress = a.AnonymizeIPString(session.RemoteAddress)
-		}
+		overview.SSHServerState.Sessions[i].RemoteAddress = anonymizeRemoteAddress(a, session.RemoteAddress)
 		overview.SSHServerState.Sessions[i].Command = a.AnonymizeString(session.Command)
 	}
+	for i, sess := range overview.VNCServerState.Sessions {
+		overview.VNCServerState.Sessions[i].RemoteAddress = anonymizeRemoteAddress(a, sess.RemoteAddress)
+		overview.VNCServerState.Sessions[i].Username = a.AnonymizeString(sess.Username)
+		overview.VNCServerState.Sessions[i].UserID = a.AnonymizeString(sess.UserID)
+		overview.VNCServerState.Sessions[i].Initiator = a.AnonymizeString(sess.Initiator)
+	}
 }

client/status/status_test.go

@@ -240,6 +240,10 @@ var overview = OutputOverview{
 		Enabled:  false,
 		Sessions: []SSHSessionOutput{},
 	},
+	VNCServerState: VNCServerStateOutput{
+		Enabled:  false,
+		Sessions: []VNCSessionOutput{},
+	},
 }
 
 func TestConversionFromFullStatusToOutputOverview(t *testing.T) {
@@ -404,6 +408,10 @@ func TestParsingToJSON(t *testing.T) {
 		  "sshServer":{
 		    "enabled":false,
 			"sessions":[]
+		  },
+		  "vncServer":{
+		    "enabled":false,
+			"sessions":[]
 		  }
         }`
 	// @formatter:on
@@ -513,6 +521,9 @@ profileName: ""
 sshServer:
     enabled: false
     sessions: []
+vncServer:
+    enabled: false
+    sessions: []
 `
 
 	assert.Equal(t, expectedYAML, yaml)
@@ -582,6 +593,7 @@ Interface type: Kernel
 Quantum resistance: false
 Lazy connection: false
 SSH Server: Disabled
+VNC Server: Disabled
 Networks: 10.10.0.0/24
 Peers count: 2/2 Connected
 `, lastConnectionUpdate1, lastHandshake1, lastConnectionUpdate2, lastHandshake2, runtime.GOOS, runtime.GOARCH, overview.CliVersion)
@@ -607,6 +619,7 @@ Interface type: Kernel
 Quantum resistance: false
 Lazy connection: false
 SSH Server: Disabled
+VNC Server: Disabled
 Networks: 10.10.0.0/24
 Peers count: 2/2 Connected
 `

client/system/info.go

@@ -62,6 +62,7 @@ type Info struct {
 	RosenpassEnabled    bool
 	RosenpassPermissive bool
 	ServerSSHAllowed    bool
+	ServerVNCAllowed    bool
 
 	DisableClientRoutes bool
 	DisableServerRoutes bool
@@ -83,6 +84,7 @@ type Info struct {
 func (i *Info) SetFlags(
 	rosenpassEnabled, rosenpassPermissive bool,
 	serverSSHAllowed *bool,
+	serverVNCAllowed *bool,
 	disableClientRoutes, disableServerRoutes,
 	disableDNS, disableFirewall, blockLANAccess, blockInbound, disableIPv6, lazyConnectionEnabled bool,
 	enableSSHRoot, enableSSHSFTP, enableSSHLocalPortForwarding, enableSSHRemotePortForwarding *bool,
@@ -93,6 +95,9 @@ func (i *Info) SetFlags(
 	if serverSSHAllowed != nil {
 		i.ServerSSHAllowed = *serverSSHAllowed
 	}
+	if serverVNCAllowed != nil {
+		i.ServerVNCAllowed = *serverVNCAllowed
+	}
 
 	i.DisableClientRoutes = disableClientRoutes
 	i.DisableServerRoutes = disableServerRoutes

client/system/info_linux.go

@@ -3,14 +3,15 @@
 package system
 
 import (
+	"bytes"
 	"context"
 	"os"
+	"os/exec"
 	"regexp"
 	"runtime"
+	"strings"
 	"time"
 
-	"golang.org/x/sys/unix"
-
 	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
 	"github.com/zcalusic/sysinfo"
 
@@ -28,11 +29,19 @@ func UpdateStaticInfoAsync() {
 
 // GetInfo retrieves and parses the system information
 func GetInfo(ctx context.Context) *Info {
-	kernelName, kernelVersion, kernelPlatform := kernelInfo()
+	info := _getInfo()
+	for strings.Contains(info, "broken pipe") {
+		info = _getInfo()
+		time.Sleep(500 * time.Millisecond)
+	}
+
+	osStr := strings.ReplaceAll(info, "\n", "")
+	osStr = strings.ReplaceAll(osStr, "\r\n", "")
+	osInfo := strings.Split(osStr, " ")
 
 	osName, osVersion := readOsReleaseFile()
 	if osName == "" {
-		osName = kernelName
+		osName = osInfo[3]
 	}
 
 	systemHostname, _ := os.Hostname()
@@ -49,8 +58,8 @@ func GetInfo(ctx context.Context) *Info {
 	}
 
 	gio := &Info{
-		Kernel:             kernelName,
-		Platform:           kernelPlatform,
+		Kernel:             osInfo[0],
+		Platform:           osInfo[2],
 		OS:                 osName,
 		OSVersion:          osVersion,
 		Hostname:           extractDeviceName(ctx, systemHostname),
@@ -58,7 +67,7 @@ func GetInfo(ctx context.Context) *Info {
 		CPUs:               runtime.NumCPU(),
 		NetbirdVersion:     version.NetbirdVersion(),
 		UIVersion:          extractUserAgent(ctx),
-		KernelVersion:      kernelVersion,
+		KernelVersion:      osInfo[1],
 		NetworkAddresses:   addrs,
 		SystemSerialNumber: si.SystemSerialNumber,
 		SystemProductName:  si.SystemProductName,
@@ -69,12 +78,18 @@ func GetInfo(ctx context.Context) *Info {
 	return gio
 }
 
-func kernelInfo() (string, string, string) {
-	var uts unix.Utsname
-	if err := unix.Uname(&uts); err != nil {
-		return "", "", ""
+func _getInfo() string {
+	cmd := exec.Command("uname", "-srio")
+	cmd.Stdin = strings.NewReader("some")
+	var out bytes.Buffer
+	var stderr bytes.Buffer
+	cmd.Stdout = &out
+	cmd.Stderr = &stderr
+	err := cmd.Run()
+	if err != nil {
+		log.Warnf("getInfo: %s", err)
 	}
-	return unix.ByteSliceToString(uts.Sysname[:]), unix.ByteSliceToString(uts.Release[:]), unix.ByteSliceToString(uts.Machine[:])
+	return out.String()
 }
 
 func sysInfo() (string, string, string) {

client/ui/approval.go

@@ -0,0 +1,206 @@
+//go:build !(linux && 386)
+
+package main
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"fmt"
+	"strings"
+	"time"
+
+	"fyne.io/fyne/v2"
+	"fyne.io/fyne/v2/container"
+	"fyne.io/fyne/v2/widget"
+	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
+
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/approval"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/proto"
+)
+
+// handleApprovalEvent forks a netbird-ui child process to render the
+// dialog on its own fyne main loop. Top-level windows opened from a
+// background goroutine of the tray process don't render reliably on
+// Linux/GTK, so the rest of the UI (settings, login URL, update) uses
+// the same fork pattern.
+func (s *serviceClient) handleApprovalEvent(ev *proto.SystemEvent) {
+	if ev == nil || ev.Category != proto.SystemEvent_APPROVAL {
+		return
+	}
+	requestID := ev.Metadata["request_id"]
+	if requestID == "" {
+		log.Warnf("approval event missing request_id: %v", ev.Metadata)
+		return
+	}
+	args := []string{
+		"--approval-request-id=" + requestID,
+		"--approval-kind=" + ev.Metadata["kind"],
+		"--approval-initiator=" + ev.Metadata["initiator"],
+		"--approval-peer-name=" + ev.Metadata["peer_name"],
+		"--approval-source-ip=" + ev.Metadata["source_ip"],
+		"--approval-username=" + ev.Metadata["username"],
+		"--approval-expires-at=" + ev.Metadata["expires_at"],
+		"--approval-key-fingerprint=" + ev.Metadata["peer_pubkey"],
+		"--approval-subject=" + ev.UserMessage,
+	}
+	go s.eventHandler.runSelfCommand(s.ctx, "approval", args...)
+}
+
+// showApprovalUI runs the dialog on the forked process's fyne main loop
+// and forwards the user's decision to the daemon via RespondApproval.
+func (s *serviceClient) showApprovalUI(req approvalRequest) {
+	w := s.app.NewWindow(approvalTitle(req.kind))
+	w.Resize(fyne.NewSize(480, 260))
+	w.CenterOnScreen()
+	w.RequestFocus()
+
+	var rows []string
+	if req.initiator != "" {
+		// The display name comes from the management dashboard and is
+		// not cryptographically asserted by the connecting client. The
+		// key fingerprint that follows IS: it's the Noise_IK static
+		// public key the client just proved possession of. Show both
+		// so the user can sanity-check that "Alice" is really the
+		// Alice they trust.
+		rows = append(rows, "From user:  "+req.initiator)
+	}
+	if fp := approval.ShortKeyFingerprint(req.keyFingerprint); fp != "" {
+		rows = append(rows, "Key fp:     "+fp)
+	}
+	if req.peerName != "" {
+		rows = append(rows, "Via peer:   "+req.peerName)
+	}
+	if req.sourceIP != "" && req.sourceIP != req.peerName {
+		rows = append(rows, "Source IP:  "+req.sourceIP)
+	}
+	if req.username != "" {
+		rows = append(rows, "OS user:    "+req.username)
+	}
+	if len(rows) == 0 {
+		rows = []string{"Remote: " + req.displayPeer()}
+	}
+	body := strings.Join(rows, "\n")
+	bodyLabel := widget.NewLabel(body)
+	bodyLabel.Wrapping = fyne.TextWrapWord
+
+	countdown := widget.NewLabel("")
+	deadline := req.deadline()
+	updateCountdown := func() {
+		remaining := time.Until(deadline).Round(time.Second)
+		if remaining < 0 {
+			remaining = 0
+		}
+		countdown.SetText(fmt.Sprintf("Auto-deny in %s", remaining))
+	}
+	updateCountdown()
+
+	type outcome struct {
+		accept   bool
+		viewOnly bool
+	}
+	decided := make(chan outcome, 1)
+	decide := func(o outcome) {
+		select {
+		case decided <- o:
+		default:
+		}
+	}
+
+	allow := widget.NewButton("Allow", func() { decide(outcome{accept: true}) })
+	allow.Importance = widget.HighImportance
+	allowView := widget.NewButton("Allow (view only)", func() { decide(outcome{accept: true, viewOnly: true}) })
+	deny := widget.NewButton("Deny", func() { decide(outcome{accept: false}) })
+
+	header := widget.NewLabelWithStyle(req.subject, fyne.TextAlignLeading, fyne.TextStyle{Bold: true})
+	buttonRow := container.NewGridWithColumns(3, allow, allowView, deny)
+	info := container.NewVBox(header, widget.NewSeparator(), bodyLabel, widget.NewSeparator(), countdown)
+	w.SetContent(container.NewPadded(container.NewBorder(nil, buttonRow, nil, nil, info)))
+	w.SetCloseIntercept(func() { decide(outcome{}) })
+
+	go func() {
+		ticker := time.NewTicker(time.Second)
+		defer ticker.Stop()
+		for range ticker.C {
+			if time.Until(deadline) <= 0 {
+				decide(outcome{})
+				return
+			}
+			fyne.Do(updateCountdown)
+		}
+	}()
+
+	go func() {
+		o := <-decided
+		s.sendApprovalResponse(req.requestID, o.accept, o.viewOnly)
+		fyne.Do(func() {
+			w.Close()
+			s.app.Quit()
+		})
+	}()
+
+	w.Show()
+}
+
+func (s *serviceClient) sendApprovalResponse(requestID string, accept, viewOnly bool) {
+	conn, err := s.getSrvClient(defaultFailTimeout)
+	if err != nil {
+		log.Warnf("approval response: get daemon client: %v", err)
+		return
+	}
+	ctx, cancel := context.WithTimeout(s.ctx, defaultFailTimeout)
+	defer cancel()
+	if _, err := conn.RespondApproval(ctx, &proto.RespondApprovalRequest{
+		RequestId: requestID,
+		Accept:    accept,
+		ViewOnly:  viewOnly,
+	}); err != nil {
+		log.Warnf("approval response: %v", err)
+	}
+}
+
+// approvalRequest is the parsed --approval-* CLI args that the forked
+// dialog process consumes.
+type approvalRequest struct {
+	requestID      string
+	kind           string
+	initiator      string
+	peerName       string
+	sourceIP       string
+	username       string
+	subject        string
+	expiresAt      string
+	keyFingerprint string
+}
+
+func (r approvalRequest) displayPeer() string {
+	switch {
+	case r.initiator != "":
+		return r.initiator
+	case r.peerName != "":
+		return r.peerName
+	case r.sourceIP != "":
+		return r.sourceIP
+	default:
+		return "unknown peer"
+	}
+}
+
+// deadline returns the wall-clock auto-deny moment. Falls back to a short
+// local window when the daemon's expires_at is missing/unparsable, so a
+// stale value never leaves the dialog open indefinitely.
+func (r approvalRequest) deadline() time.Time {
+	if t, err := time.Parse(time.RFC3339, r.expiresAt); err == nil {
+		return t
+	}
+	return time.Now().Add(13 * time.Second)
+}
+
+func approvalTitle(kind string) string {
+	switch kind {
+	case "vnc":
+		return "Allow VNC Connection?"
+	case "ssh":
+		return "Allow SSH Connection?"
+	default:
+		return "Allow Incoming Connection?"
+	}
+}

client/ui/client_ui.go

@@ -97,13 +97,25 @@ func main() {
 		showQuickActions:  flags.showQuickActions,
 		showUpdate:        flags.showUpdate,
 		showUpdateVersion: flags.showUpdateVersion,
+		showApproval:      flags.showApproval,
+		approvalRequest: approvalRequest{
+			requestID:      flags.approvalRequestID,
+			kind:           flags.approvalKind,
+			initiator:      flags.approvalInitiator,
+			peerName:       flags.approvalPeerName,
+			sourceIP:       flags.approvalSourceIP,
+			username:       flags.approvalUsername,
+			subject:        flags.approvalSubject,
+			expiresAt:      flags.approvalExpiresAt,
+			keyFingerprint: flags.approvalKeyFingerprint,
+		},
 	})
 
 	// Watch for theme/settings changes to update the icon.
 	go watchSettingsChanges(a, client)
 
 	// Run in window mode if any UI flag was set.
-	if flags.showSettings || flags.showNetworks || flags.showDebug || flags.showLoginURL || flags.showProfiles || flags.showQuickActions || flags.showUpdate {
+	if flags.showSettings || flags.showNetworks || flags.showDebug || flags.showLoginURL || flags.showProfiles || flags.showQuickActions || flags.showUpdate || flags.showApproval {
 		a.Run()
 		return
 	}
@@ -140,6 +152,17 @@ type cliFlags struct {
 	saveLogsInFile    bool
 	showUpdate        bool
 	showUpdateVersion string
+	showApproval      bool
+
+	approvalRequestID      string
+	approvalKind           string
+	approvalInitiator      string
+	approvalPeerName       string
+	approvalSourceIP       string
+	approvalUsername       string
+	approvalSubject        string
+	approvalExpiresAt      string
+	approvalKeyFingerprint string
 }
 
 // parseFlags reads and returns all needed command-line flags.
@@ -161,6 +184,16 @@ func parseFlags() *cliFlags {
 	flag.BoolVar(&flags.showLoginURL, "login-url", false, "show login URL in a popup window")
 	flag.BoolVar(&flags.showUpdate, "update", false, "show update progress window")
 	flag.StringVar(&flags.showUpdateVersion, "update-version", "", "version to update to")
+	flag.BoolVar(&flags.showApproval, "approval", false, "show inbound-connection approval prompt window")
+	flag.StringVar(&flags.approvalRequestID, "approval-request-id", "", "approval prompt: daemon-issued request id")
+	flag.StringVar(&flags.approvalKind, "approval-kind", "", "approval prompt: subsystem kind (vnc, ssh, ...)")
+	flag.StringVar(&flags.approvalInitiator, "approval-initiator", "", "approval prompt: display name of the user who initiated the connection")
+	flag.StringVar(&flags.approvalPeerName, "approval-peer-name", "", "approval prompt: remote peer FQDN")
+	flag.StringVar(&flags.approvalSourceIP, "approval-source-ip", "", "approval prompt: remote source IP")
+	flag.StringVar(&flags.approvalUsername, "approval-username", "", "approval prompt: requested OS username")
+	flag.StringVar(&flags.approvalSubject, "approval-subject", "", "approval prompt: human-readable subject line")
+	flag.StringVar(&flags.approvalExpiresAt, "approval-expires-at", "", "approval prompt: RFC3339 deadline at which the daemon auto-denies")
+	flag.StringVar(&flags.approvalKeyFingerprint, "approval-key-fingerprint", "", "approval prompt: hex-encoded Noise static pubkey of the connecting client")
 	flag.Parse()
 	return &flags
 }
@@ -249,6 +282,7 @@ type serviceClient struct {
 	mQuit              *systray.MenuItem
 	mNetworks          *systray.MenuItem
 	mAllowSSH          *systray.MenuItem
+	mAllowVNC          *systray.MenuItem
 	mAutoConnect       *systray.MenuItem
 	mEnableRosenpass   *systray.MenuItem
 	mLazyConnEnabled   *systray.MenuItem
@@ -287,6 +321,8 @@ type serviceClient struct {
 	sEnableSSHRemotePortForward *widget.Check
 	sDisableSSHAuth             *widget.Check
 	iSSHJWTCacheTTL             *widget.Entry
+	sServerVNCAllowed           *widget.Check
+	sDisableVNCApproval         *widget.Check
 
 	// observable settings over corresponding iMngURL and iPreSharedKey values.
 	managementURL string
@@ -308,6 +344,8 @@ type serviceClient struct {
 	enableSSHRemotePortForward bool
 	disableSSHAuth             bool
 	sshJWTCacheTTL             int
+	serverVNCAllowed           bool
+	disableVNCApproval         bool
 
 	connected            bool
 	daemonVersion        string
@@ -355,6 +393,8 @@ type newServiceClientArgs struct {
 	showQuickActions  bool
 	showUpdate        bool
 	showUpdateVersion string
+	showApproval      bool
+	approvalRequest   approvalRequest
 }
 
 // newServiceClient instance constructor
@@ -395,6 +435,8 @@ func newServiceClient(args *newServiceClientArgs) *serviceClient {
 		s.showQuickActionsUI()
 	case args.showUpdate:
 		s.showUpdateProgress(ctx, args.showUpdateVersion)
+	case args.showApproval:
+		s.showApprovalUI(args.approvalRequest)
 	}
 
 	return s
@@ -478,6 +520,8 @@ func (s *serviceClient) showSettingsUI() {
 	s.sEnableSSHRemotePortForward = widget.NewCheck("Enable SSH Remote Port Forwarding", nil)
 	s.sDisableSSHAuth = widget.NewCheck("Disable SSH Authentication", nil)
 	s.iSSHJWTCacheTTL = widget.NewEntry()
+	s.sServerVNCAllowed = widget.NewCheck("Allow embedded VNC server on this peer", nil)
+	s.sDisableVNCApproval = widget.NewCheck("Skip per-connection approval prompt for VNC", nil)
 
 	s.wSettings.SetContent(s.getSettingsForm())
 	s.wSettings.Resize(fyne.NewSize(600, 400))
@@ -590,7 +634,8 @@ func (s *serviceClient) hasSettingsChanged(iMngURL string, port, mtu int64) bool
 		s.disableServerRoutes != s.sDisableServerRoutes.Checked ||
 		s.disableIPv6 != s.sDisableIPv6.Checked ||
 		s.blockLANAccess != s.sBlockLANAccess.Checked ||
-		s.hasSSHChanges()
+		s.hasSSHChanges() ||
+		s.hasVNCChanges()
 }
 
 func (s *serviceClient) applySettingsChanges(iMngURL string, port, mtu int64) error {
@@ -649,6 +694,8 @@ func (s *serviceClient) buildSetConfigRequest(iMngURL string, port, mtu int64) (
 	req.EnableSSHLocalPortForwarding = &s.sEnableSSHLocalPortForward.Checked
 	req.EnableSSHRemotePortForwarding = &s.sEnableSSHRemotePortForward.Checked
 	req.DisableSSHAuth = &s.sDisableSSHAuth.Checked
+	req.ServerVNCAllowed = &s.sServerVNCAllowed.Checked
+	req.DisableVNCApproval = &s.sDisableVNCApproval.Checked
 
 	sshJWTCacheTTLText := strings.TrimSpace(s.iSSHJWTCacheTTL.Text)
 	if sshJWTCacheTTLText != "" {
@@ -709,10 +756,12 @@ func (s *serviceClient) getSettingsForm() fyne.CanvasObject {
 	connectionForm := s.getConnectionForm()
 	networkForm := s.getNetworkForm()
 	sshForm := s.getSSHForm()
+	vncForm := s.getVNCForm()
 	tabs := container.NewAppTabs(
 		container.NewTabItem("Connection", connectionForm),
 		container.NewTabItem("Network", networkForm),
 		container.NewTabItem("SSH", sshForm),
+		container.NewTabItem("VNC", vncForm),
 	)
 	saveButton := widget.NewButtonWithIcon("Save", theme.ConfirmIcon(), s.saveSettings)
 	saveButton.Importance = widget.HighImportance
@@ -753,6 +802,15 @@ func (s *serviceClient) getSSHForm() *widget.Form {
 	}
 }
 
+func (s *serviceClient) getVNCForm() *widget.Form {
+	return &widget.Form{
+		Items: []*widget.FormItem{
+			{Text: "Allow VNC Server", Widget: s.sServerVNCAllowed},
+			{Text: "Disable Connection Approval Prompt", Widget: s.sDisableVNCApproval},
+		},
+	}
+}
+
 func (s *serviceClient) hasSSHChanges() bool {
 	currentSSHJWTCacheTTL := s.sshJWTCacheTTL
 	if text := strings.TrimSpace(s.iSSHJWTCacheTTL.Text); text != "" {
@@ -771,6 +829,11 @@ func (s *serviceClient) hasSSHChanges() bool {
 		s.sshJWTCacheTTL != currentSSHJWTCacheTTL
 }
 
+func (s *serviceClient) hasVNCChanges() bool {
+	return s.serverVNCAllowed != s.sServerVNCAllowed.Checked ||
+		s.disableVNCApproval != s.sDisableVNCApproval.Checked
+}
+
 func (s *serviceClient) login(ctx context.Context, openURL bool) (*proto.LoginResponse, error) {
 	conn, err := s.getSrvClient(defaultFailTimeout)
 	if err != nil {
@@ -1045,6 +1108,7 @@ func (s *serviceClient) onTrayReady() {
 
 	s.mSettings = systray.AddMenuItem("Settings", disabledMenuDescr)
 	s.mAllowSSH = s.mSettings.AddSubMenuItemCheckbox("Allow SSH", allowSSHMenuDescr, false)
+	s.mAllowVNC = s.mSettings.AddSubMenuItemCheckbox("Allow VNC", allowVNCMenuDescr, false)
 	s.mAutoConnect = s.mSettings.AddSubMenuItemCheckbox("Connect on Startup", autoConnectMenuDescr, false)
 	s.mEnableRosenpass = s.mSettings.AddSubMenuItemCheckbox("Enable Quantum-Resistance", quantumResistanceMenuDescr, false)
 	s.mLazyConnEnabled = s.mSettings.AddSubMenuItemCheckbox("Enable Lazy Connections", lazyConnMenuDescr, false)
@@ -1118,6 +1182,7 @@ func (s *serviceClient) onTrayReady() {
 
 	s.eventManager = event.NewManager(s.notifier, s.addr)
 	s.eventManager.SetNotificationsEnabled(s.mNotifications.Checked())
+	s.eventManager.AddHandler(s.handleApprovalEvent)
 	s.eventManager.AddHandler(func(event *proto.SystemEvent) {
 		if event.Category == proto.SystemEvent_SYSTEM {
 			s.updateExitNodes()
@@ -1353,6 +1418,12 @@ func (s *serviceClient) getSrvConfig() {
 	if cfg.SSHJWTCacheTTL != nil {
 		s.sshJWTCacheTTL = *cfg.SSHJWTCacheTTL
 	}
+	if cfg.ServerVNCAllowed != nil {
+		s.serverVNCAllowed = *cfg.ServerVNCAllowed
+	}
+	if cfg.DisableVNCApproval != nil {
+		s.disableVNCApproval = *cfg.DisableVNCApproval
+	}
 
 	if s.showAdvancedSettings {
 		s.iMngURL.SetText(s.managementURL)
@@ -1393,6 +1464,12 @@ func (s *serviceClient) getSrvConfig() {
 		if cfg.SSHJWTCacheTTL != nil {
 			s.iSSHJWTCacheTTL.SetText(strconv.Itoa(*cfg.SSHJWTCacheTTL))
 		}
+		if cfg.ServerVNCAllowed != nil {
+			s.sServerVNCAllowed.SetChecked(*cfg.ServerVNCAllowed)
+		}
+		if cfg.DisableVNCApproval != nil {
+			s.sDisableVNCApproval.SetChecked(*cfg.DisableVNCApproval)
+		}
 	}
 
 	if s.mNotifications == nil {
@@ -1452,6 +1529,8 @@ func protoConfigToConfig(cfg *proto.GetConfigResponse) *profilemanager.Config {
 
 	config.DisableAutoConnect = cfg.DisableAutoConnect
 	config.ServerSSHAllowed = &cfg.ServerSSHAllowed
+	config.ServerVNCAllowed = &cfg.ServerVNCAllowed
+	config.DisableVNCApproval = &cfg.DisableVNCApproval
 	config.RosenpassEnabled = cfg.RosenpassEnabled
 	config.RosenpassPermissive = cfg.RosenpassPermissive
 	config.DisableNotifications = &cfg.DisableNotifications
@@ -1547,6 +1626,12 @@ func (s *serviceClient) loadSettings() {
 		s.mAllowSSH.Uncheck()
 	}
 
+	if cfg.ServerVNCAllowed {
+		s.mAllowVNC.Check()
+	} else {
+		s.mAllowVNC.Uncheck()
+	}
+
 	if cfg.DisableAutoConnect {
 		s.mAutoConnect.Uncheck()
 	} else {
@@ -1586,6 +1671,7 @@ func (s *serviceClient) loadSettings() {
 func (s *serviceClient) updateConfig() error {
 	disableAutoStart := !s.mAutoConnect.Checked()
 	sshAllowed := s.mAllowSSH.Checked()
+	vncAllowed := s.mAllowVNC.Checked()
 	rosenpassEnabled := s.mEnableRosenpass.Checked()
 	lazyConnectionEnabled := s.mLazyConnEnabled.Checked()
 	blockInbound := s.mBlockInbound.Checked()
@@ -1614,6 +1700,7 @@ func (s *serviceClient) updateConfig() error {
 		Username:              currUser.Username,
 		DisableAutoConnect:    &disableAutoStart,
 		ServerSSHAllowed:      &sshAllowed,
+		ServerVNCAllowed:      &vncAllowed,
 		RosenpassEnabled:      &rosenpassEnabled,
 		LazyConnectionEnabled: &lazyConnectionEnabled,
 		BlockInbound:          &blockInbound,

client/ui/const.go

@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@ package main
 
 const (
 	allowSSHMenuDescr          = "Allow SSH connections"
+	allowVNCMenuDescr          = "Allow embedded VNC server"
 	autoConnectMenuDescr       = "Connect automatically when the service starts"
 	quantumResistanceMenuDescr = "Enable post-quantum security via Rosenpass"
 	lazyConnMenuDescr          = "[Experimental] Enable lazy connections"

client/ui/event/event.go

@@ -112,7 +112,7 @@ func (e *Manager) handleEvent(event *proto.SystemEvent) {
 	handlers := slices.Clone(e.handlers)
 	e.mu.Unlock()
 
-	if event.UserMessage != "" && (enabled || event.Severity == proto.SystemEvent_CRITICAL) && !isV6DefaultRoutePartner(event) {
+	if event.UserMessage != "" && (enabled || event.Severity == proto.SystemEvent_CRITICAL) && !isV6DefaultRoutePartner(event) && event.Category != proto.SystemEvent_APPROVAL {
 		title := e.getEventTitle(event)
 		body := event.UserMessage
 		id := event.Metadata["id"]

client/ui/event_handler.go

@@ -39,6 +39,8 @@ func (h *eventHandler) listen(ctx context.Context) {
 			h.handleDisconnectClick()
 		case <-h.client.mAllowSSH.ClickedCh:
 			h.handleAllowSSHClick()
+		case <-h.client.mAllowVNC.ClickedCh:
+			h.handleAllowVNCClick()
 		case <-h.client.mAutoConnect.ClickedCh:
 			h.handleAutoConnectClick()
 		case <-h.client.mEnableRosenpass.ClickedCh:
@@ -134,6 +136,15 @@ func (h *eventHandler) handleAllowSSHClick() {
 
 }
 
+func (h *eventHandler) handleAllowVNCClick() {
+	h.toggleCheckbox(h.client.mAllowVNC)
+	if err := h.updateConfigWithErr(); err != nil {
+		h.toggleCheckbox(h.client.mAllowVNC) // revert checkbox state on error
+		log.Errorf("failed to update config: %v", err)
+		h.client.notifier.Send("Error", "Failed to update VNC settings")
+	}
+}
+
 func (h *eventHandler) handleAutoConnectClick() {
 	h.toggleCheckbox(h.client.mAutoConnect)
 	if err := h.updateConfigWithErr(); err != nil {

client/vnc/ports.go

@@ -0,0 +1,31 @@
+// Package vnc holds shared constants for the NetBird embedded VNC stack
+// so non-server consumers (CLI capture, debug tooling) can refer to the
+// well-known ports without depending on internal engine packages.
+package vnc
+
+// External and internal listen ports for the embedded VNC server.
+// ExternalPort is what dashboard / browser clients see; the daemon
+// DNATs it to InternalPort, where the in-process VNC server actually
+// listens. Both flow over the WireGuard interface. AgentLegacyPort is
+// the TCP port the per-session agent used before it switched to Unix
+// sockets; kept here so packet captures from older builds still get
+// tagged, and so any future on-wire agent variant has a reserved port.
+const (
+	ExternalPort     uint16 = 5900
+	InternalPort     uint16 = 25900
+	AgentLegacyPort  uint16 = 15900
+)
+
+// WellKnownPorts is the unordered set of ports a packet capture should
+// treat as carrying NetBird VNC traffic.
+var WellKnownPorts = [...]uint16{ExternalPort, InternalPort, AgentLegacyPort}
+
+// IsWellKnownPort reports whether port matches any of WellKnownPorts.
+func IsWellKnownPort(port uint16) bool {
+	for _, p := range WellKnownPorts {
+		if port == p {
+			return true
+		}
+	}
+	return false
+}

client/vnc/server/agent_darwin.go

@@ -0,0 +1,434 @@
+//go:build darwin && !ios
+
+package server
+
+import (
+	"bytes"
+	"context"
+	"errors"
+	"fmt"
+	"net"
+	"os"
+	"os/exec"
+	"strconv"
+	"sync"
+	"syscall"
+	"time"
+
+	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
+	"golang.org/x/sys/unix"
+
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/configs"
+)
+
+// darwinAgentManager spawns a per-user VNC agent on demand and keeps it
+// alive across multiple client connections within the same console-user
+// session. A new agent is spawned the first time a client connects, or
+// whenever the console user changes underneath us.
+//
+// Lifecycle is lazy by design: a daemon that never receives a VNC
+// connection never spawns anything. The trade-off versus an eager spawn
+// (the Windows model) is that the first VNC client pays the launchctl
+// asuser + listen-readiness wait, ~hundreds of milliseconds in practice.
+// That cost only repeats on user switch.
+type darwinAgentManager struct {
+	mu         sync.Mutex
+	authToken  string
+	socketPath string
+	uid        uint32
+	running    bool
+}
+
+func newDarwinAgentManager(ctx context.Context) *darwinAgentManager {
+	m := &darwinAgentManager{}
+	go m.watchConsoleUser(ctx)
+	return m
+}
+
+// agentSocketName is the file name inside the per-uid socket directory
+// the agent binds. The directory itself is created and chowned by the
+// daemon (see prepareAgentSocketDir) so a non-root local user cannot
+// pre-create or symlink the path before the agent listens.
+const agentSocketName = "agent.sock"
+
+// watchConsoleUser kills the cached agent whenever the console user
+// changes (logout, fast user switch, login window). Without it the daemon
+// keeps proxying to an agent whose TCC grant and WindowServer access
+// belong to a user who is no longer at the screen, so the new user only
+// ever sees the locked-screen wallpaper. Killing the agent breaks the
+// loopback TCP that the daemon proxies into, the client disconnects, and
+// the next reconnect runs ensure() against the new console uid.
+func (m *darwinAgentManager) watchConsoleUser(ctx context.Context) {
+	t := time.NewTicker(2 * time.Second)
+	defer t.Stop()
+	for {
+		select {
+		case <-ctx.Done():
+			return
+		case <-t.C:
+			uid, err := consoleUserID()
+			m.mu.Lock()
+			if !m.running {
+				m.mu.Unlock()
+				continue
+			}
+			if err != nil || uid != m.uid {
+				prev := m.uid
+				m.killLocked()
+				m.mu.Unlock()
+				if err != nil {
+					log.Infof("console user gone (was uid=%d): %v; agent stopped", prev, err)
+				} else {
+					log.Infof("console user changed %d -> %d; agent stopped, will respawn on next connect", prev, uid)
+				}
+				continue
+			}
+			m.mu.Unlock()
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// Resolve spawns or respawns the per-user agent process as needed and
+// returns its Unix-socket path, shared token, and the uid the agent was
+// spawned under (so the daemon can validate peer credentials before
+// dispatching the token). Each call is serialized so concurrent VNC
+// clients share the same agent.
+func (m *darwinAgentManager) Resolve(ctx context.Context) (string, string, uint32, error) {
+	consoleUID, err := consoleUserID()
+	if err != nil {
+		return "", "", 0, fmt.Errorf("no console user: %w", err)
+	}
+	m.mu.Lock()
+	defer m.mu.Unlock()
+	if m.running && m.uid == consoleUID && vncAgentRunning() {
+		return m.socketPath, m.authToken, m.uid, nil
+	}
+	m.killLocked()
+	// Reap stray agents so the new token is the only accepted one.
+	killAllVNCAgents()
+
+	socketDir, err := prepareAgentSocketDir(consoleUID)
+	if err != nil {
+		return "", "", 0, fmt.Errorf("prepare agent socket dir: %w", err)
+	}
+	socketPath := socketDir + "/" + agentSocketName
+	if err := os.Remove(socketPath); err != nil && !errors.Is(err, os.ErrNotExist) {
+		log.Debugf("clear stale agent socket %s: %v", socketPath, err)
+	}
+
+	token, err := generateAuthToken()
+	if err != nil {
+		return "", "", 0, fmt.Errorf("generate agent auth token: %w", err)
+	}
+	if err := spawnAgentForUser(consoleUID, socketPath, token); err != nil {
+		return "", "", 0, err
+	}
+	if err := waitForAgent(ctx, socketPath, 5*time.Second); err != nil {
+		killAllVNCAgents()
+		return "", "", 0, fmt.Errorf("agent did not start listening: %w", err)
+	}
+	m.authToken = token
+	m.socketPath = socketPath
+	m.uid = consoleUID
+	m.running = true
+	log.Infof("spawned VNC agent for console uid=%d on %s", consoleUID, socketPath)
+	return socketPath, token, consoleUID, nil
+}
+
+// prepareAgentSocketDir creates a per-uid subdirectory under the netbird
+// runtime directory where the agent will bind its Unix socket. The leaf is
+// owned by uid with mode 0700, so only the target user and root can write
+// there. The parent is created root-owned with mode 0755 if missing.
+// Symlinks at the per-uid level are refused (replaced with a fresh
+// directory) so a low-priv user cannot redirect the chown that follows.
+func prepareAgentSocketDir(uid uint32) (string, error) {
+	parent := configs.RuntimeDir
+	if err := ensureAgentSocketParent(parent); err != nil {
+		return "", err
+	}
+	subdir := fmt.Sprintf("%s/vnc-%d", parent, uid)
+	if err := purgeStaleAgentSubdir(subdir, uid); err != nil {
+		return "", err
+	}
+	if err := os.Mkdir(subdir, 0o700); err != nil && !errors.Is(err, os.ErrExist) {
+		return "", fmt.Errorf("mkdir %s: %w", subdir, err)
+	}
+	if err := os.Chmod(subdir, 0o700); err != nil {
+		return "", fmt.Errorf("chmod %s: %w", subdir, err)
+	}
+	if err := os.Chown(subdir, int(uid), -1); err != nil {
+		return "", fmt.Errorf("chown %s -> uid %d: %w", subdir, uid, err)
+	}
+	return subdir, nil
+}
+
+// ensureAgentSocketParent verifies the runtime parent dir exists, is not a
+// symlink, and is owned by root.
+func ensureAgentSocketParent(parent string) error {
+	if parent == "" {
+		return fmt.Errorf("no runtime directory configured for this platform")
+	}
+	if err := os.MkdirAll(parent, 0o755); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("mkdir %s: %w", parent, err)
+	}
+	info, err := os.Lstat(parent)
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("lstat %s: %w", parent, err)
+	}
+	if info.Mode()&os.ModeSymlink != 0 {
+		return fmt.Errorf("%s is a symlink", parent)
+	}
+	if st, ok := info.Sys().(*syscall.Stat_t); ok && st.Uid != 0 {
+		return fmt.Errorf("%s not owned by root (uid=%d)", parent, st.Uid)
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
+// purgeStaleAgentSubdir removes a leftover subdir unless it is a real dir
+// owned by uid with mode 0700. Lstat (not Stat) so a symlink is detected.
+func purgeStaleAgentSubdir(subdir string, uid uint32) error {
+	info, err := os.Lstat(subdir)
+	if errors.Is(err, os.ErrNotExist) {
+		return nil
+	}
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("lstat %s: %w", subdir, err)
+	}
+	if agentSubdirOK(info, uid) {
+		return nil
+	}
+	if err := os.RemoveAll(subdir); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("remove stale %s: %w", subdir, err)
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
+func agentSubdirOK(info os.FileInfo, uid uint32) bool {
+	if info.Mode()&os.ModeSymlink != 0 || !info.IsDir() {
+		return false
+	}
+	st, ok := info.Sys().(*syscall.Stat_t)
+	if !ok {
+		return false
+	}
+	return st.Uid == uid && info.Mode().Perm() == 0o700
+}
+
+// stop terminates the spawned agent, if any. Intended for daemon shutdown.
+func (m *darwinAgentManager) stop() {
+	m.mu.Lock()
+	defer m.mu.Unlock()
+	m.killLocked()
+}
+
+func (m *darwinAgentManager) killLocked() {
+	if !m.running {
+		return
+	}
+	killAllVNCAgents()
+	if m.socketPath != "" {
+		if err := os.Remove(m.socketPath); err != nil && !errors.Is(err, os.ErrNotExist) {
+			log.Debugf("remove agent socket %s: %v", m.socketPath, err)
+		}
+	}
+	m.running = false
+	m.authToken = ""
+	m.socketPath = ""
+	m.uid = 0
+}
+
+// consoleUserID returns the uid of the user currently sitting at the
+// console (the one whose Aqua session is active). Returns
+// errNoConsoleUser when nobody is logged in: at the login window
+// /dev/console is owned by root.
+func consoleUserID() (uint32, error) {
+	info, err := os.Stat("/dev/console")
+	if err != nil {
+		return 0, fmt.Errorf("stat /dev/console: %w", err)
+	}
+	st, ok := info.Sys().(*syscall.Stat_t)
+	if !ok {
+		return 0, fmt.Errorf("/dev/console stat has unexpected type")
+	}
+	if st.Uid == 0 {
+		return 0, errNoConsoleUser
+	}
+	return st.Uid, nil
+}
+
+// spawnAgentForUser uses launchctl asuser to start a netbird vnc-agent
+// process inside the target user's launchd bootstrap namespace. That is
+// the only spawn mode on macOS that gives the child access to the user's
+// WindowServer. The agent's stderr is relogged into the daemon log so
+// startup failures are not silently lost when the readiness check times
+// out.
+func spawnAgentForUser(uid uint32, socketPath, token string) error {
+	exe, err := os.Executable()
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("resolve own executable: %w", err)
+	}
+	cmd := exec.Command(
+		"/bin/launchctl", "asuser", strconv.FormatUint(uint64(uid), 10),
+		exe, vncAgentSubcommand,
+		"--socket", socketPath,
+		// Drop privs inside the agent: launchctl asuser preserves the
+		// daemon's uid (root), so without this the capture/input/
+		// encoder paths would run as root for the lifetime of the
+		// session. validateAgentPeer on the daemon side also relies on
+		// the agent's effective uid matching consoleUID.
+		"--target-uid", strconv.FormatUint(uint64(uid), 10),
+	)
+	cmd.Env = append(os.Environ(), agentTokenEnvVar+"="+token)
+	stderr, err := cmd.StderrPipe()
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("agent stderr pipe: %w", err)
+	}
+	if err := cmd.Start(); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("launchctl asuser: %w", err)
+	}
+	go func() {
+		defer stderr.Close()
+		relogAgentStream(stderr)
+	}()
+	go func() { _ = cmd.Wait() }()
+	return nil
+}
+
+// waitForAgent dials the agent's Unix socket until it answers. Used to
+// gate proxy attempts until the spawned process has finished its Start.
+func waitForAgent(ctx context.Context, socketPath string, wait time.Duration) error {
+	var d net.Dialer
+	deadline := time.Now().Add(wait)
+	for time.Now().Before(deadline) {
+		if ctx.Err() != nil {
+			return ctx.Err()
+		}
+		dialCtx, cancel := context.WithTimeout(ctx, 200*time.Millisecond)
+		c, err := d.DialContext(dialCtx, "unix", socketPath)
+		cancel()
+		if err == nil {
+			_ = c.Close()
+			return nil
+		}
+		time.Sleep(100 * time.Millisecond)
+	}
+	return fmt.Errorf("timeout dialing %s", socketPath)
+}
+
+// vncAgentRunning reports whether any vnc-agent process exists on the
+// system. There is at most one agent per machine, so any match is "the"
+// agent.
+func vncAgentRunning() bool {
+	pids, err := vncAgentPIDs()
+	if err != nil {
+		log.Debugf("scan for vnc-agent: %v", err)
+		return false
+	}
+	return len(pids) > 0
+}
+
+// killAllVNCAgents sends SIGTERM to every process whose argv contains
+// "vnc-agent", waits briefly for them to exit, and escalates to SIGKILL
+// for any that remain. We enumerate kern.proc.all rather than
+// kern.proc.uid because launchctl asuser preserves the caller's uid
+// (root) on the spawned child, so a uid-scoped filter would never match.
+func killAllVNCAgents() {
+	pids, err := vncAgentPIDs()
+	if err != nil {
+		log.Debugf("scan for vnc-agent: %v", err)
+		return
+	}
+	for _, pid := range pids {
+		_ = syscall.Kill(pid, syscall.SIGTERM)
+	}
+	if len(pids) == 0 {
+		return
+	}
+	deadline := time.Now().Add(2 * time.Second)
+	for time.Now().Before(deadline) {
+		remaining, _ := vncAgentPIDs()
+		if len(remaining) == 0 {
+			return
+		}
+		time.Sleep(100 * time.Millisecond)
+	}
+	leftover, _ := vncAgentPIDs()
+	for _, pid := range leftover {
+		_ = syscall.Kill(pid, syscall.SIGKILL)
+	}
+}
+
+// vncAgentPIDs returns the pids of vnc-agent subprocesses spawned from
+// this binary. Matches exactly on argv[0] == our own executable path
+// AND argv[1] == "vnc-agent" so unrelated processes that happen to have
+// the same name elsewhere in argv are not targeted. Skips pid 0 and 1
+// defensively.
+func vncAgentPIDs() ([]int, error) {
+	procs, err := unix.SysctlKinfoProcSlice("kern.proc.all")
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("sysctl kern.proc.all: %w", err)
+	}
+	ownExe, err := os.Executable()
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("resolve own executable: %w", err)
+	}
+	var out []int
+	for i := range procs {
+		pid := int(procs[i].Proc.P_pid)
+		if pid <= 1 {
+			continue
+		}
+		argv, err := procArgv(pid)
+		if err != nil || !argvIsVNCAgent(argv, ownExe) {
+			continue
+		}
+		out = append(out, pid)
+	}
+	return out, nil
+}
+
+// procArgv reads the kernel's stored argv for pid via the kern.procargs2
+// sysctl. Format: 4-byte argc, then argv[0..argc) each NUL-terminated,
+// then envp, then padding. We only need argv so we stop after argc.
+func procArgv(pid int) ([]string, error) {
+	raw, err := unix.SysctlRaw("kern.procargs2", pid)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	if len(raw) < 4 {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("procargs2 truncated")
+	}
+	argc := int(raw[0]) | int(raw[1])<<8 | int(raw[2])<<16 | int(raw[3])<<24
+	body := raw[4:]
+	// Skip the executable path (NUL-terminated) and any zero padding that
+	// follows before argv[0].
+	end := bytes.IndexByte(body, 0)
+	if end < 0 {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("procargs2 path unterminated")
+	}
+	body = body[end+1:]
+	for len(body) > 0 && body[0] == 0 {
+		body = body[1:]
+	}
+	args := make([]string, 0, argc)
+	for i := 0; i < argc; i++ {
+		end := bytes.IndexByte(body, 0)
+		if end < 0 {
+			break
+		}
+		args = append(args, string(body[:end]))
+		body = body[end+1:]
+	}
+	return args, nil
+}
+
+// argvIsVNCAgent reports whether argv belongs to a vnc-agent subprocess
+// spawned from our binary. Requires argv[0] to match ownExe exactly and
+// argv[1] to be the vnc-agent subcommand. Matches the spawn shape in
+// spawnAgentForUser and rejects anything else.
+func argvIsVNCAgent(argv []string, ownExe string) bool {
+	if len(argv) < 2 || ownExe == "" {
+		return false
+	}
+	return argv[0] == ownExe && argv[1] == vncAgentSubcommand
+}

client/vnc/server/agent_ipc.go

@@ -0,0 +1,305 @@
+//go:build darwin || windows
+
+package server
+
+import (
+	"bufio"
+	"bytes"
+	"context"
+	crand "crypto/rand"
+	"encoding/hex"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"errors"
+	"fmt"
+	"io"
+	"net"
+	"time"
+
+	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
+)
+
+// errNoConsoleUser is the sentinel returned by sessionAgent.Resolve when
+// the platform has no interactive user to attach a capture agent to (the
+// macOS loginwindow state). Mapped to a distinct RFB reject code so the
+// browser can show a meaningful message.
+var errNoConsoleUser = errors.New("no user logged into console")
+
+// sessionAgent abstracts the per-platform manager that spawns and tracks
+// the user-session VNC agent. Resolve returns the agent's Unix-socket
+// path, the shared per-spawn token, and the uid the agent was spawned
+// under (used to validate peer credentials before the daemon hands the
+// token to whoever is on the other end of the socket). Resolve may spawn
+// the agent lazily.
+type sessionAgent interface {
+	Resolve(ctx context.Context) (socketPath, token string, peerUID uint32, err error)
+}
+
+// prefixConn replays already-consumed header bytes ahead of the proxy
+// stream by swapping in a different Reader on the same underlying Conn.
+type prefixConn struct {
+	io.Reader
+	net.Conn
+}
+
+func (p *prefixConn) Read(b []byte) (int, error) { return p.Reader.Read(b) }
+
+// handleServiceConnection runs the connection-header handshake (source
+// check, Noise_IK auth) on conn, resolves the right per-session agent
+// via sa, and proxies to it. Every accepted connection emits exactly one
+// outcome line on the daemon log.
+func (s *Server) handleServiceConnection(conn net.Conn, sa sessionAgent) {
+	start := time.Now()
+	connLog := s.log.WithField("remote", conn.RemoteAddr().String())
+
+	if !s.isAllowedSource(conn.RemoteAddr()) {
+		connLog.Info("VNC connection rejected: source not allowed")
+		_ = conn.Close()
+		return
+	}
+
+	var headerBuf bytes.Buffer
+	tee := io.TeeReader(conn, &headerBuf)
+	teeConn := &prefixConn{Reader: tee, Conn: conn}
+
+	header, err := s.readConnectionHeader(teeConn)
+	if err != nil {
+		connLog.Infof("VNC connection rejected: header read failed: %v", err)
+		_ = conn.Close()
+		return
+	}
+
+	authedLog, sessionUserID, ok := s.authorizeSession(conn, header, connLog)
+	if !ok {
+		authedLog.Info("VNC connection rejected: auth failed")
+		return
+	}
+	if err := s.registerConnAuth(conn, header); err != nil {
+		rejectConnection(conn, codeMessage(RejectCodeAuthForbidden, err.Error()))
+		authedLog.Warnf("VNC connection rejected: %v", err)
+		return
+	}
+
+	decision, err := s.gateApproval(conn, header)
+	if err != nil {
+		authedLog.Infof("VNC connection rejected: %v", err)
+		return
+	}
+	if decision.ViewOnly {
+		authedLog.Info("VNC connection approved by user (view-only)")
+	} else if s.requireApproval {
+		authedLog.Info("VNC connection approved by user")
+	}
+
+	socketPath, token, peerUID, err := sa.Resolve(s.ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		code := RejectCodeCapturerError
+		if errors.Is(err, errNoConsoleUser) {
+			code = RejectCodeNoConsoleUser
+		}
+		rejectConnection(conn, codeMessage(code, err.Error()))
+		authedLog.Warnf("VNC connection rejected: agent unavailable: %v", err)
+		return
+	}
+
+	var initiator string
+	if s.authorizer != nil {
+		initiator = s.authorizer.LookupSessionDisplayName(header.clientStatic)
+	}
+	sessionID := s.addSession(ActiveSessionInfo{
+		RemoteAddress: conn.RemoteAddr().String(),
+		Mode:          modeString(header.mode),
+		Username:      header.username,
+		UserID:        sessionUserID,
+		Initiator:     initiator,
+	}, conn)
+	defer s.removeSession(sessionID)
+
+	replayConn := &prefixConn{
+		Reader: io.MultiReader(&headerBuf, conn),
+		Conn:   conn,
+	}
+	if err := proxyToAgent(s.ctx, replayConn, socketPath, token, peerUID, decision.ViewOnly, authedLog); err != nil {
+		rejectConnection(conn, codeMessage(RejectCodeCapturerError, err.Error()))
+		authedLog.Warnf("VNC connection rejected: agent unreachable: %v", err)
+		return
+	}
+	authedLog.Infof("VNC connection closed (%dms)", time.Since(start).Milliseconds())
+}
+
+const (
+	// agentTokenLen is the size of the random per-spawn token in bytes.
+	agentTokenLen = 32
+
+	// agentTokenEnvVar names the environment variable the daemon uses to
+	// hand the per-spawn token to the agent child. Out-of-band channels
+	// like this keep the secret out of the command line, where listings
+	// such as `ps` or Windows tasklist would expose it.
+	agentTokenEnvVar = "NB_VNC_AGENT_TOKEN" // #nosec G101 -- env var name, not a credential
+
+	// vncAgentSubcommand is the CLI subcommand the daemon invokes to start
+	// the per-session agent process. Must match cmd.vncAgentCmd.Use in
+	// client/cmd/vnc_agent.go.
+	vncAgentSubcommand = "vnc-agent"
+)
+
+// generateAuthToken returns a fresh hex-encoded random token for one
+// daemon→agent session. The daemon hands this to the spawned agent
+// out-of-band (env var on Windows) and verifies it on every connection
+// the agent accepts.
+func generateAuthToken() (string, error) {
+	b := make([]byte, agentTokenLen)
+	if _, err := crand.Read(b); err != nil {
+		return "", fmt.Errorf("read random: %w", err)
+	}
+	return hex.EncodeToString(b), nil
+}
+
+// proxyToAgent dials the per-session agent's Unix socket, validates the
+// peer's kernel-asserted uid (so the daemon never hands its per-spawn
+// token to an impostor that won the listen race), writes the raw token
+// bytes plus a single view-only flag byte, then copies bytes both ways
+// until either side closes. The token + flag prefix must precede any RFB
+// byte so the agent's verifyAgentToken can run first. Returns nil once a
+// stream is established; the caller is responsible for sending an
+// RFB-level rejection on error so the client sees a reason instead of a
+// bare timeout. authedLog receives one audit line per dispatched
+// preamble so an operator can correlate daemon→agent traffic with the
+// remote session that triggered it.
+func proxyToAgent(ctx context.Context, client net.Conn, socketPath, authToken string, peerUID uint32, viewOnly bool, authedLog *log.Entry) error {
+	tokenBytes, err := hex.DecodeString(authToken)
+	if err != nil || len(tokenBytes) != agentTokenLen {
+		return fmt.Errorf("invalid auth token (len=%d): %w", len(tokenBytes), err)
+	}
+
+	agentConn, err := dialAgentWithRetry(ctx, socketPath)
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("dial agent at %s: %w", socketPath, err)
+	}
+
+	if err := validateAgentPeer(agentConn, peerUID); err != nil {
+		_ = agentConn.Close()
+		return fmt.Errorf("agent peer validation failed: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	preamble := make([]byte, len(tokenBytes)+1)
+	copy(preamble, tokenBytes)
+	if viewOnly {
+		preamble[len(tokenBytes)] = 1
+	}
+	if _, err := agentConn.Write(preamble); err != nil {
+		_ = agentConn.Close()
+		return fmt.Errorf("send auth preamble to agent: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	// Audit: one line per successfully-dispatched daemon→agent preamble.
+	// Token printed as its first 8 hex chars (enough to correlate, not
+	// enough to use). Kept at Info so the default deployment captures it.
+	tokenFp := authToken
+	if len(tokenFp) > 8 {
+		tokenFp = tokenFp[:8]
+	}
+	if authedLog != nil {
+		authedLog.Infof("VNC IPC: dispatched preamble to agent socket=%s peer_uid=%d view_only=%v token_fp=%s", socketPath, peerUID, viewOnly, tokenFp)
+	}
+
+	defer client.Close()
+	defer agentConn.Close()
+	log.Debugf("proxy connected to agent, starting bidirectional copy")
+	done := make(chan struct{}, 2)
+	cp := func(label string, dst, src net.Conn) {
+		n, err := io.Copy(dst, src)
+		log.Debugf("proxy %s: %d bytes, err=%v", label, n, err)
+		done <- struct{}{}
+	}
+	go cp("client->agent", agentConn, client)
+	go cp("agent->client", client, agentConn)
+	<-done
+	return nil
+}
+
+// relogAgentStream reads log lines from the agent's stderr and re-emits
+// them through the daemon's logrus, so the merged log keeps a single
+// format. JSON lines (the agent's normal output) are parsed and dispatched
+// by level; plain-text lines (cobra errors, panic traces) are forwarded
+// verbatim so early-startup failures stay visible.
+func relogAgentStream(r io.Reader) {
+	entry := log.WithField("component", "vnc-agent")
+	scanner := bufio.NewScanner(r)
+	scanner.Buffer(make([]byte, 0, 64*1024), 1024*1024)
+	for scanner.Scan() {
+		line := scanner.Bytes()
+		if len(line) == 0 {
+			continue
+		}
+		if line[0] != '{' {
+			entry.Warn(string(line))
+			continue
+		}
+		var m map[string]any
+		if err := json.Unmarshal(line, &m); err != nil {
+			entry.Warn(string(line))
+			continue
+		}
+		msg, _ := m["msg"].(string)
+		if msg == "" {
+			continue
+		}
+		fields := make(log.Fields)
+		for k, v := range m {
+			switch k {
+			case "msg", "level", "time", "func":
+				continue
+			case "caller":
+				fields["source"] = v
+			default:
+				fields[k] = v
+			}
+		}
+		e := entry.WithFields(fields)
+		switch m["level"] {
+		case "error":
+			e.Error(msg)
+		case "warning":
+			e.Warn(msg)
+		case "debug":
+			e.Debug(msg)
+		case "trace":
+			e.Trace(msg)
+		default:
+			e.Info(msg)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// dialAgentWithRetry retries the loopback connect for up to ~10 s so the
+// daemon does not race the agent's first listen. Returns the live conn or
+// the final error. Aborts early when ctx is cancelled so a Stop() during
+// service-mode startup doesn't leave a goroutine sleeping for 10 s.
+func dialAgentWithRetry(ctx context.Context, addr string) (net.Conn, error) {
+	var d net.Dialer
+	var lastErr error
+	for range 50 {
+		if err := ctx.Err(); err != nil {
+			if lastErr == nil {
+				lastErr = err
+			}
+			return nil, lastErr
+		}
+		dialCtx, cancel := context.WithTimeout(ctx, time.Second)
+		c, err := d.DialContext(dialCtx, "unix", addr)
+		cancel()
+		if err == nil {
+			return c, nil
+		}
+		lastErr = err
+		select {
+		case <-ctx.Done():
+			if errors.Is(lastErr, context.Canceled) || errors.Is(lastErr, context.DeadlineExceeded) {
+				lastErr = ctx.Err()
+			}
+			return nil, lastErr
+		case <-time.After(200 * time.Millisecond):
+		}
+	}
+	return nil, lastErr
+}

client/vnc/server/agent_peercred_darwin.go

@@ -0,0 +1,46 @@
+//go:build darwin && !ios
+
+package server
+
+import (
+	"fmt"
+	"net"
+
+	"golang.org/x/sys/unix"
+)
+
+// validateAgentPeer enforces that the peer behind the just-connected Unix
+// socket is the agent we expect it to be: a process running under
+// expectedUID, with the right effective uid stamped by the kernel on the
+// socket. Refuses (with a non-nil error) if anything else is listening on
+// the path (an unrelated local process that won the listen race or
+// squatted the path before us). Defends against the daemon shipping its
+// per-spawn auth token to a process that isn't the spawned agent.
+func validateAgentPeer(conn net.Conn, expectedUID uint32) error {
+	uconn, ok := conn.(*net.UnixConn)
+	if !ok {
+		return fmt.Errorf("peer cred: expected *net.UnixConn, got %T", conn)
+	}
+	raw, err := uconn.SyscallConn()
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("peer cred: syscall conn: %w", err)
+	}
+	var cred *unix.Xucred
+	var inner error
+	ctlErr := raw.Control(func(fd uintptr) {
+		cred, inner = unix.GetsockoptXucred(int(fd), unix.SOL_LOCAL, unix.LOCAL_PEERCRED)
+	})
+	if ctlErr != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("peer cred: control: %w", ctlErr)
+	}
+	if inner != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("peer cred: getsockopt LOCAL_PEERCRED: %w", inner)
+	}
+	if cred == nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("peer cred: nil xucred")
+	}
+	if cred.Uid != expectedUID {
+		return fmt.Errorf("peer cred: agent uid %d does not match expected %d", cred.Uid, expectedUID)
+	}
+	return nil
+}

client/vnc/server/agent_peercred_darwin_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,115 @@
+//go:build darwin && !ios
+
+package server
+
+import (
+	"net"
+	"os"
+	"path/filepath"
+	"strings"
+	"sync"
+	"testing"
+)
+
+// TestValidateAgentPeerAcceptsOwnUID confirms the happy path: a Unix
+// socket whose peer is the current process must validate when the
+// expected uid matches the process's own. Both sides of a unix-socket
+// pair share the same kernel cred, so this exercises the real getsockopt
+// LOCAL_PEERCRED path.
+func TestValidateAgentPeerAcceptsOwnUID(t *testing.T) {
+	dir := t.TempDir()
+	sockPath := filepath.Join(dir, "test.sock")
+	ln, err := net.Listen("unix", sockPath)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("listen: %v", err)
+	}
+	defer ln.Close()
+
+	var wg sync.WaitGroup
+	wg.Add(1)
+	go func() {
+		defer wg.Done()
+		c, err := ln.Accept()
+		if err == nil {
+			_ = c.Close()
+		}
+	}()
+	c, err := net.Dial("unix", sockPath)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("dial: %v", err)
+	}
+	defer c.Close()
+
+	if err := validateAgentPeer(c, uint32(os.Getuid())); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("validateAgentPeer rejected own uid: %v", err)
+	}
+	wg.Wait()
+}
+
+// TestValidateAgentPeerRejectsWrongUID ensures the validator fails when
+// the expected uid differs from the kernel-reported peer uid. This is
+// the path that catches a hostile process that won the listen race.
+func TestValidateAgentPeerRejectsWrongUID(t *testing.T) {
+	dir := t.TempDir()
+	sockPath := filepath.Join(dir, "test.sock")
+	ln, err := net.Listen("unix", sockPath)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("listen: %v", err)
+	}
+	defer ln.Close()
+
+	var wg sync.WaitGroup
+	wg.Add(1)
+	go func() {
+		defer wg.Done()
+		c, err := ln.Accept()
+		if err == nil {
+			_ = c.Close()
+		}
+	}()
+	c, err := net.Dial("unix", sockPath)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("dial: %v", err)
+	}
+	defer c.Close()
+
+	// Pick a uid the test process certainly isn't running as.
+	wrongUID := uint32(os.Getuid()) + 1
+	err = validateAgentPeer(c, wrongUID)
+	if err == nil {
+		t.Fatal("expected mismatch error, got nil")
+	}
+	if !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "does not match expected") {
+		t.Fatalf("error should mention uid mismatch, got: %v", err)
+	}
+	wg.Wait()
+}
+
+// TestValidateAgentPeerRejectsNonUnix protects against being handed a
+// non-Unix-socket connection (the validator can't enforce anything on
+// e.g. a *net.TCPConn so it must refuse rather than silently pass).
+func TestValidateAgentPeerRejectsNonUnix(t *testing.T) {
+	ln, err := net.Listen("tcp", "127.0.0.1:0")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("listen tcp: %v", err)
+	}
+	defer ln.Close()
+	var wg sync.WaitGroup
+	wg.Add(1)
+	go func() {
+		defer wg.Done()
+		c, err := ln.Accept()
+		if err == nil {
+			_ = c.Close()
+		}
+	}()
+	c, err := net.Dial("tcp", ln.Addr().String())
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("dial tcp: %v", err)
+	}
+	defer c.Close()
+	if err := validateAgentPeer(c, 0); err == nil {
+		t.Fatal("expected refusal on non-unix conn, got nil")
+	}
+	wg.Wait()
+}

client/vnc/server/agent_peercred_windows.go

@@ -0,0 +1,19 @@
+//go:build windows
+
+package server
+
+import (
+	"net"
+)
+
+// validateAgentPeer is a best-effort no-op on Windows: AF_UNIX sockets on
+// Windows do not expose SO_PEERCRED equivalents, and both the daemon and
+// the spawned agent run as SYSTEM in distinct sessions. The remaining
+// trust comes from the location of the socket file (under
+// C:\Windows\Temp, writable only by SYSTEM/Administrators) and from the
+// per-spawn auth token preamble that follows this call. Documented as a
+// known gap; a future hardening pass could interrogate the connected
+// pipe's PID via process-token APIs.
+func validateAgentPeer(_ net.Conn, _ uint32) error {
+	return nil
+}