Distinguish timeout from cancellation in logs

e.checks = checks is set before doing the SyncMeta,
so if it fails next time isCheckEquals compares true and bypasses
the update. This is to avoid another repeating the 15 seconds hang.
The checks will be synced on reconnect or posture checks changes
push from mgmt.

client/cmd/debug.go

@@ -130,7 +130,7 @@ func debugConfigDump(cmd *cobra.Command, _ []string) error {
 
 	client := proto.NewDaemonServiceClient(conn)
 	resp, err := client.GetConfig(cmd.Context(), &proto.GetConfigRequest{
-		ProfileName: string(activeProf.ID),
+		ProfileName: activeProf.Name,
 		Username:    currUser.Username,
 	})
 	if err != nil {

client/internal/engine.go

@@ -82,6 +82,12 @@ const (
 	PeerConnectionTimeoutMax = 45000 // ms
 	PeerConnectionTimeoutMin = 30000 // ms
 	disableAutoUpdate        = "disabled"
+
+	// systemInfoTimeout bounds how long the sync loop waits for system info / posture
+	// check gathering. The gathering runs uncancellable system calls (process scan,
+	// exec, os.Stat); without this bound a single stuck call freezes handleSync, and
+	// thus syncMsgMux, for as long as the call hangs (observed multi-minute freezes).
+	systemInfoTimeout = 15 * time.Second
 )
 
 var ErrResetConnection = fmt.Errorf("reset connection")
@@ -1066,11 +1072,23 @@ func (e *Engine) updateChecksIfNew(checks []*mgmProto.Checks) error {
 	}
 	e.checks = checks
 
-	info, err := system.GetInfoWithChecks(e.ctx, checks)
-	if err != nil {
-		log.Warnf("failed to get system info with checks: %v", err)
-		info = system.GetInfo(e.ctx)
+	info, ok := system.GetInfoWithChecksTimeout(e.ctx, systemInfoTimeout, checks)
+	if !ok {
+		// Gathering timed out; skip the meta sync this cycle rather than blocking the
+		// sync loop (and syncMsgMux) on a stuck system call. A later sync will retry.
+		return nil
 	}
+	e.applyInfoFlags(info)
+
+	if err := e.mgmClient.SyncMeta(info); err != nil {
+		log.Errorf("could not sync meta: error %s", err)
+		return err
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
+// applyInfoFlags sets the engine's config-derived feature flags on the gathered system info.
+func (e *Engine) applyInfoFlags(info *system.Info) {
 	info.SetFlags(
 		e.config.RosenpassEnabled,
 		e.config.RosenpassPermissive,
@@ -1089,12 +1107,6 @@ func (e *Engine) updateChecksIfNew(checks []*mgmProto.Checks) error {
 		e.config.EnableSSHRemotePortForwarding,
 		e.config.DisableSSHAuth,
 	)
-
-	if err := e.mgmClient.SyncMeta(info); err != nil {
-		log.Errorf("could not sync meta: error %s", err)
-		return err
-	}
-	return nil
 }
 
 func (e *Engine) updateConfig(conf *mgmProto.PeerConfig) error {
@@ -1240,31 +1252,15 @@ func (e *Engine) receiveManagementEvents() {
 	e.shutdownWg.Add(1)
 	go func() {
 		defer e.shutdownWg.Done()
-		info, err := system.GetInfoWithChecks(e.ctx, e.checks)
-		if err != nil {
-			log.Warnf("failed to get system info with checks: %v", err)
+		info, ok := system.GetInfoWithChecksTimeout(e.ctx, systemInfoTimeout, e.checks)
+		if !ok {
+			// Gathering timed out; connect the stream with base info so management
+			// connectivity still comes up rather than blocking here.
 			info = system.GetInfo(e.ctx)
 		}
-		info.SetFlags(
-			e.config.RosenpassEnabled,
-			e.config.RosenpassPermissive,
-			&e.config.ServerSSHAllowed,
-			e.config.DisableClientRoutes,
-			e.config.DisableServerRoutes,
-			e.config.DisableDNS,
-			e.config.DisableFirewall,
-			e.config.BlockLANAccess,
-			e.config.BlockInbound,
-			e.config.DisableIPv6,
-			e.config.LazyConnectionEnabled,
-			e.config.EnableSSHRoot,
-			e.config.EnableSSHSFTP,
-			e.config.EnableSSHLocalPortForwarding,
-			e.config.EnableSSHRemotePortForwarding,
-			e.config.DisableSSHAuth,
-		)
+		e.applyInfoFlags(info)
 
-		err = e.mgmClient.Sync(e.ctx, info, e.handleSync)
+		err := e.mgmClient.Sync(e.ctx, info, e.handleSync)
 		if err != nil {
 			// happens if management is unavailable for a long time.
 			// We want to cancel the operation of the whole client

client/system/info.go

@@ -2,8 +2,10 @@ package system
 
 import (
 	"context"
+	"errors"
 	"net/netip"
 	"strings"
+	"time"
 
 	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
 	"google.golang.org/grpc/metadata"
@@ -154,7 +156,7 @@ func GetInfoWithChecks(ctx context.Context, checks []*proto.Checks) (*Info, erro
 		processCheckPaths = append(processCheckPaths, check.GetFiles()...)
 	}
 
-	files, err := checkFileAndProcess(processCheckPaths)
+	files, err := checkFileAndProcess(ctx, processCheckPaths)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, err
 	}
@@ -166,3 +168,39 @@ func GetInfoWithChecks(ctx context.Context, checks []*proto.Checks) (*Info, erro
 	log.Debugf("all system information gathered successfully")
 	return info, nil
 }
+
+// GetInfoWithChecksTimeout is GetInfoWithChecks bounded by timeout. Posture-check gathering
+// runs uncancellable system calls (process enumeration, os.Stat), so calling it inline can
+// block the caller for as long as such a call hangs. It runs in a goroutine instead: if it
+// does not return within timeout the caller gets (nil, false) and should proceed with
+// degraded behavior rather than block. On a gathering error it falls back to base GetInfo.
+//
+// The buffered channel lets the abandoned goroutine finish and exit once its blocking call
+// returns, so it does not leak beyond the duration of that call.
+func GetInfoWithChecksTimeout(ctx context.Context, timeout time.Duration, checks []*proto.Checks) (*Info, bool) {
+	ctx, cancel := context.WithTimeout(ctx, timeout)
+	defer cancel()
+
+	infoCh := make(chan *Info, 1)
+	go func() {
+		info, err := GetInfoWithChecks(ctx, checks)
+		if err != nil {
+			log.Warnf("failed to get system info with checks: %v", err)
+			info = GetInfo(ctx)
+		}
+		infoCh <- info
+	}()
+
+	select {
+	case info := <-infoCh:
+		return info, true
+	case <-ctx.Done():
+		if errors.Is(ctx.Err(), context.DeadlineExceeded) {
+			log.Warnf("gathering system info with checks timed out after %s", timeout)
+		} else {
+			// Parent context canceled (e.g. shutdown), not a timeout.
+			log.Warnf("gathering system info with checks canceled: %v", ctx.Err())
+		}
+		return nil, false
+	}
+}

client/system/info_android.go

@@ -50,7 +50,7 @@ func GetInfo(ctx context.Context) *Info {
 }
 
 // checkFileAndProcess checks if the file path exists and if a process is running at that path.
-func checkFileAndProcess(paths []string) ([]File, error) {
+func checkFileAndProcess(_ context.Context, _ []string) ([]File, error) {
 	return []File{}, nil
 }
 

client/system/info_darwin.go

@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@ func GetInfo(ctx context.Context) *Info {
 	sysName := string(bytes.Split(utsname.Sysname[:], []byte{0})[0])
 	machine := string(bytes.Split(utsname.Machine[:], []byte{0})[0])
 	release := string(bytes.Split(utsname.Release[:], []byte{0})[0])
-	swVersion, err := exec.Command("sw_vers", "-productVersion").Output()
+	swVersion, err := exec.CommandContext(ctx, "sw_vers", "-productVersion").Output()
 	if err != nil {
 		log.Warnf("got an error while retrieving macOS version with sw_vers, error: %s. Using darwin version instead.\n", err)
 		swVersion = []byte(release)

client/system/info_ios.go

@@ -105,7 +105,7 @@ func isDuplicated(addresses []NetworkAddress, addr NetworkAddress) bool {
 }
 
 // checkFileAndProcess checks if the file path exists and if a process is running at that path.
-func checkFileAndProcess(paths []string) ([]File, error) {
+func checkFileAndProcess(_ context.Context, _ []string) ([]File, error) {
 	return []File{}, nil
 }
 

client/system/info_js.go

@@ -103,7 +103,7 @@ func collectLocationInfo(info *Info) {
 	}
 }
 
-func checkFileAndProcess(_ []string) ([]File, error) {
+func checkFileAndProcess(_ context.Context, _ []string) ([]File, error) {
 	return []File{}, nil
 }
 

client/system/info_test.go

@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@ package system
 import (
 	"context"
 	"testing"
+	"time"
 
 	"github.com/stretchr/testify/assert"
 	"google.golang.org/grpc/metadata"
@@ -34,6 +35,20 @@ func Test_CustomHostname(t *testing.T) {
 	assert.Equal(t, want, got.Hostname)
 }
 
+func TestGetInfoWithChecksTimeout_Success(t *testing.T) {
+	info, ok := GetInfoWithChecksTimeout(context.Background(), 30*time.Second, nil)
+	assert.True(t, ok, "expected gathering to complete within the timeout")
+	assert.NotNil(t, info)
+}
+
+func TestGetInfoWithChecksTimeout_Timeout(t *testing.T) {
+	// A 1ns budget expires before the (real) system-info gathering can finish, so the
+	// caller must get (nil, false) instead of blocking on the in-flight goroutine.
+	info, ok := GetInfoWithChecksTimeout(context.Background(), time.Nanosecond, nil)
+	assert.False(t, ok, "expected timeout to be reported")
+	assert.Nil(t, info)
+}
+
 func Test_NetAddresses(t *testing.T) {
 	addr, err := networkAddresses()
 	if err != nil {

client/system/process.go

@@ -3,24 +3,30 @@
 package system
 
 import (
+	"context"
 	"os"
 	"slices"
 
 	"github.com/shirou/gopsutil/v3/process"
 )
 
-// getRunningProcesses returns a list of running process paths.
-func getRunningProcesses() ([]string, error) {
-	processIDs, err := process.Pids()
+// getRunningProcesses returns a list of running process paths. The context bounds the work:
+// the per-PID loop bails as soon as ctx is done, and the gopsutil calls honor it where they
+// can, so a stuck enumeration cannot run unbounded.
+func getRunningProcesses(ctx context.Context) ([]string, error) {
+	processIDs, err := process.PidsWithContext(ctx)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, err
 	}
 
 	processMap := make(map[string]bool)
 	for _, pID := range processIDs {
+		if err := ctx.Err(); err != nil {
+			return nil, err
+		}
 		p := &process.Process{Pid: pID}
 
-		path, _ := p.Exe()
+		path, _ := p.ExeWithContext(ctx)
 		if path != "" {
 			processMap[path] = false
 		}
@@ -35,18 +41,21 @@ func getRunningProcesses() ([]string, error) {
 }
 
 // checkFileAndProcess checks if the file path exists and if a process is running at that path.
-func checkFileAndProcess(paths []string) ([]File, error) {
+func checkFileAndProcess(ctx context.Context, paths []string) ([]File, error) {
 	files := make([]File, len(paths))
 	if len(paths) == 0 {
 		return files, nil
 	}
 
-	runningProcesses, err := getRunningProcesses()
+	runningProcesses, err := getRunningProcesses(ctx)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, err
 	}
 
 	for i, path := range paths {
+		if err := ctx.Err(); err != nil {
+			return nil, err
+		}
 		file := File{Path: path}
 
 		_, err := os.Stat(path)

client/system/process_test.go

@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 package system
 
 import (
+	"context"
 	"testing"
 
 	"github.com/shirou/gopsutil/v3/process"
@@ -9,7 +10,7 @@ import (
 func Benchmark_getRunningProcesses(b *testing.B) {
 	b.Run("getRunningProcesses new", func(b *testing.B) {
 		for i := 0; i < b.N; i++ {
-			ps, err := getRunningProcesses()
+			ps, err := getRunningProcesses(context.Background())
 			if err != nil {
 				b.Fatalf("unexpected error: %v", err)
 			}
@@ -29,12 +30,38 @@ func Benchmark_getRunningProcesses(b *testing.B) {
 			}
 		}
 	})
-	s, _ := getRunningProcesses()
+	s, _ := getRunningProcesses(context.Background())
 	b.Logf("getRunningProcesses returned %d processes", len(s))
 	s, _ = getRunningProcessesOld()
 	b.Logf("getRunningProcessesOld returned %d processes", len(s))
 }
 
+func TestCheckFileAndProcess_ContextCanceled(t *testing.T) {
+	ctx, cancel := context.WithCancel(context.Background())
+	cancel()
+
+	// With a canceled context and non-empty paths the gathering must bail with an error
+	// instead of running the (potentially blocking) process scan / stat loop.
+	if _, err := checkFileAndProcess(ctx, []string{"/does/not/exist"}); err == nil {
+		t.Fatal("expected error on canceled context, got nil")
+	}
+}
+
+func TestCheckFileAndProcess_EmptyPaths(t *testing.T) {
+	// No check paths means no work to do: it must return immediately with no error,
+	// even on a canceled context (nothing to scan or stat).
+	ctx, cancel := context.WithCancel(context.Background())
+	cancel()
+
+	files, err := checkFileAndProcess(ctx, nil)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("unexpected error for empty paths: %v", err)
+	}
+	if len(files) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("expected no files, got %d", len(files))
+	}
+}
+
 func getRunningProcessesOld() ([]string, error) {
 	processes, err := process.Processes()
 	if err != nil {

management/internals/shared/grpc/server.go

@@ -1205,7 +1205,7 @@ func (s *Server) SyncMeta(ctx context.Context, req *proto.EncryptedMessage) (*pr
 		return nil, msg
 	}
 
-	err = s.accountManager.SyncPeerMeta(ctx, peerKey.String(), extractPeerMeta(ctx, syncMetaReq.GetMeta()), realIP)
+	err = s.accountManager.SyncPeerMeta(ctx, peerKey.String(), extractPeerMeta(ctx, syncMetaReq.GetMeta()))
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, mapError(ctx, err)
 	}
@@ -1254,10 +1254,7 @@ func (s *Server) Logout(ctx context.Context, req *proto.EncryptedMessage) (*prot
 func toProtocolChecks(ctx context.Context, postureChecks []*posture.Checks) []*proto.Checks {
 	protoChecks := make([]*proto.Checks, 0, len(postureChecks))
 	for _, postureCheck := range postureChecks {
-		check := toProtocolCheck(postureCheck)
-		if check != nil {
-			protoChecks = append(protoChecks, check)
-		}
+		protoChecks = append(protoChecks, toProtocolCheck(postureCheck))
 	}
 
 	return protoChecks
@@ -1281,9 +1278,5 @@ func toProtocolCheck(postureCheck *posture.Checks) *proto.Checks {
 		}
 	}
 
-	if len(protoCheck.Files) == 0 {
-		return nil
-	}
-
 	return protoCheck
 }

management/server/account.go

@@ -1889,12 +1889,12 @@ func domainIsUpToDate(domain string, domainCategory string, userAuth auth.UserAu
 // concurrent stream that started earlier loses the optimistic-lock race
 // in MarkPeerConnected and bails without writing.
 func (am *DefaultAccountManager) SyncAndMarkPeer(ctx context.Context, accountID string, peerPubKey string, meta nbpeer.PeerSystemMeta, realIP net.IP, syncTime time.Time) (*nbpeer.Peer, *types.NetworkMap, []*posture.Checks, int64, error) {
-	peer, netMap, postureChecks, dnsfwdPort, err := am.SyncPeer(ctx, types.PeerSync{WireGuardPubKey: peerPubKey, Meta: meta, RealIP: realIP}, accountID)
+	peer, netMap, postureChecks, dnsfwdPort, err := am.SyncPeer(ctx, types.PeerSync{WireGuardPubKey: peerPubKey, Meta: meta}, accountID)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, nil, nil, 0, fmt.Errorf("error syncing peer: %w", err)
 	}
 
-	if err := am.MarkPeerConnected(ctx, peerPubKey, accountID, syncTime.UnixNano(), netMap); err != nil {
+	if err := am.MarkPeerConnected(ctx, peerPubKey, realIP, accountID, syncTime.UnixNano(), netMap); err != nil {
 		log.WithContext(ctx).Warnf("failed marking peer as connected %s %v", peerPubKey, err)
 	}
 
@@ -1914,13 +1914,13 @@ func (am *DefaultAccountManager) OnPeerDisconnected(ctx context.Context, account
 	return nil
 }
 
-func (am *DefaultAccountManager) SyncPeerMeta(ctx context.Context, peerPubKey string, meta nbpeer.PeerSystemMeta, realIP net.IP) error {
+func (am *DefaultAccountManager) SyncPeerMeta(ctx context.Context, peerPubKey string, meta nbpeer.PeerSystemMeta) error {
 	accountID, err := am.Store.GetAccountIDByPeerPubKey(ctx, peerPubKey)
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
 
-	_, _, _, _, err = am.SyncPeer(ctx, types.PeerSync{WireGuardPubKey: peerPubKey, Meta: meta, RealIP: realIP, UpdateAccountPeers: true}, accountID)
+	_, _, _, _, err = am.SyncPeer(ctx, types.PeerSync{WireGuardPubKey: peerPubKey, Meta: meta, UpdateAccountPeers: true}, accountID)
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}

management/server/account/manager.go

@@ -62,7 +62,7 @@ type Manager interface {
 	GetUserFromUserAuth(ctx context.Context, userAuth auth.UserAuth) (*types.User, error)
 	ListUsers(ctx context.Context, accountID string) ([]*types.User, error)
 	GetPeers(ctx context.Context, accountID, userID, nameFilter, ipFilter string) ([]*nbpeer.Peer, error)
-	MarkPeerConnected(ctx context.Context, peerKey string, accountID string, sessionStartedAt int64, nmap *types.NetworkMap) error
+	MarkPeerConnected(ctx context.Context, peerKey string, realIP net.IP, accountID string, sessionStartedAt int64, nmap *types.NetworkMap) error
 	MarkPeerDisconnected(ctx context.Context, peerKey string, accountID string, sessionStartedAt int64) error
 	DeletePeer(ctx context.Context, accountID, peerID, userID string) error
 	UpdatePeer(ctx context.Context, accountID, userID string, p *nbpeer.Peer) (*nbpeer.Peer, error)
@@ -123,7 +123,7 @@ type Manager interface {
 	GetValidatedPeers(ctx context.Context, accountID string) (map[string]struct{}, map[string]string, error)
 	SyncAndMarkPeer(ctx context.Context, accountID string, peerPubKey string, meta nbpeer.PeerSystemMeta, realIP net.IP, syncTime time.Time) (*nbpeer.Peer, *types.NetworkMap, []*posture.Checks, int64, error)
 	OnPeerDisconnected(ctx context.Context, accountID string, peerPubKey string, streamStartTime time.Time) error
-	SyncPeerMeta(ctx context.Context, peerPubKey string, meta nbpeer.PeerSystemMeta, realIP net.IP) error
+	SyncPeerMeta(ctx context.Context, peerPubKey string, meta nbpeer.PeerSystemMeta) error
 	FindExistingPostureCheck(accountID string, checks *posture.ChecksDefinition) (*posture.Checks, error)
 	GetAccountIDForPeerKey(ctx context.Context, peerKey string) (string, error)
 	GetAccountSettings(ctx context.Context, accountID string, userID string) (*types.Settings, error)

management/server/account/manager_mock.go

@@ -1323,17 +1323,17 @@ func (mr *MockManagerMockRecorder) ExtendPeerSession(ctx, peerPubKey, userID int
 }
 
 // MarkPeerConnected mocks base method.
-func (m *MockManager) MarkPeerConnected(ctx context.Context, peerKey string, accountID string, sessionStartedAt int64, nmap *types.NetworkMap) error {
+func (m *MockManager) MarkPeerConnected(ctx context.Context, peerKey string, realIP net.IP, accountID string, sessionStartedAt int64, nmap *types.NetworkMap) error {
 	m.ctrl.T.Helper()
-	ret := m.ctrl.Call(m, "MarkPeerConnected", ctx, peerKey, accountID, sessionStartedAt, nmap)
+	ret := m.ctrl.Call(m, "MarkPeerConnected", ctx, peerKey, realIP, accountID, sessionStartedAt, nmap)
 	ret0, _ := ret[0].(error)
 	return ret0
 }
 
 // MarkPeerConnected indicates an expected call of MarkPeerConnected.
-func (mr *MockManagerMockRecorder) MarkPeerConnected(ctx, peerKey, accountID, sessionStartedAt, nmap interface{}) *gomock.Call {
+func (mr *MockManagerMockRecorder) MarkPeerConnected(ctx, peerKey, realIP, accountID, sessionStartedAt, nmap interface{}) *gomock.Call {
 	mr.mock.ctrl.T.Helper()
-	return mr.mock.ctrl.RecordCallWithMethodType(mr.mock, "MarkPeerConnected", reflect.TypeOf((*MockManager)(nil).MarkPeerConnected), ctx, peerKey, accountID, sessionStartedAt, nmap)
+	return mr.mock.ctrl.RecordCallWithMethodType(mr.mock, "MarkPeerConnected", reflect.TypeOf((*MockManager)(nil).MarkPeerConnected), ctx, peerKey, realIP, accountID, sessionStartedAt, nmap)
 }
 
 // MarkPeerDisconnected mocks base method.
@@ -1586,17 +1586,17 @@ func (mr *MockManagerMockRecorder) SyncPeer(ctx, sync, accountID interface{}) *g
 }
 
 // SyncPeerMeta mocks base method.
-func (m *MockManager) SyncPeerMeta(ctx context.Context, peerPubKey string, meta peer.PeerSystemMeta, realIP net.IP) error {
+func (m *MockManager) SyncPeerMeta(ctx context.Context, peerPubKey string, meta peer.PeerSystemMeta) error {
 	m.ctrl.T.Helper()
-	ret := m.ctrl.Call(m, "SyncPeerMeta", ctx, peerPubKey, meta, realIP)
+	ret := m.ctrl.Call(m, "SyncPeerMeta", ctx, peerPubKey, meta)
 	ret0, _ := ret[0].(error)
 	return ret0
 }
 
 // SyncPeerMeta indicates an expected call of SyncPeerMeta.
-func (mr *MockManagerMockRecorder) SyncPeerMeta(ctx, peerPubKey, meta, realIP interface{}) *gomock.Call {
+func (mr *MockManagerMockRecorder) SyncPeerMeta(ctx, peerPubKey, meta interface{}) *gomock.Call {
 	mr.mock.ctrl.T.Helper()
-	return mr.mock.ctrl.RecordCallWithMethodType(mr.mock, "SyncPeerMeta", reflect.TypeOf((*MockManager)(nil).SyncPeerMeta), ctx, peerPubKey, meta, realIP)
+	return mr.mock.ctrl.RecordCallWithMethodType(mr.mock, "SyncPeerMeta", reflect.TypeOf((*MockManager)(nil).SyncPeerMeta), ctx, peerPubKey, meta)
 }
 
 // SyncUserJWTGroups mocks base method.

management/server/account_test.go

@@ -1836,7 +1836,7 @@ func TestDefaultAccountManager_UpdatePeer_PeerLoginExpiration(t *testing.T) {
 	accountID, err := manager.GetAccountIDByUserID(context.Background(), auth.UserAuth{UserId: userID})
 	require.NoError(t, err, "unable to get the account")
 
-	err = manager.MarkPeerConnected(context.Background(), key.PublicKey().String(), accountID, time.Now().UTC().UnixNano(), nil)
+	err = manager.MarkPeerConnected(context.Background(), key.PublicKey().String(), nil, accountID, time.Now().UTC().UnixNano(), nil)
 	require.NoError(t, err, "unable to mark peer connected")
 
 	_, err = manager.UpdateAccountSettings(context.Background(), accountID, userID, &types.Settings{
@@ -1907,7 +1907,7 @@ func TestDefaultAccountManager_MarkPeerConnected_PeerLoginExpiration(t *testing.
 	require.NoError(t, err, "unable to get the account")
 
 	// when we mark peer as connected, the peer login expiration routine should trigger
-	err = manager.MarkPeerConnected(context.Background(), key.PublicKey().String(), accountID, time.Now().UTC().UnixNano(), nil)
+	err = manager.MarkPeerConnected(context.Background(), key.PublicKey().String(), nil, accountID, time.Now().UTC().UnixNano(), nil)
 	require.NoError(t, err, "unable to mark peer connected")
 
 	failed := waitTimeout(wg, time.Second)
@@ -1935,7 +1935,7 @@ func TestDefaultAccountManager_OnPeerDisconnected_LastSeenCheck(t *testing.T) {
 
 	t.Run("disconnect peer when session token matches", func(t *testing.T) {
 		streamStartTime := time.Now().UTC()
-		err = manager.MarkPeerConnected(context.Background(), peerPubKey, accountID, streamStartTime.UnixNano(), nil)
+		err = manager.MarkPeerConnected(context.Background(), peerPubKey, nil, accountID, streamStartTime.UnixNano(), nil)
 		require.NoError(t, err, "unable to mark peer connected")
 
 		peer, err := manager.Store.GetPeerByPeerPubKey(context.Background(), store.LockingStrengthNone, peerPubKey)
@@ -1956,7 +1956,7 @@ func TestDefaultAccountManager_OnPeerDisconnected_LastSeenCheck(t *testing.T) {
 	t.Run("skip disconnect when stored session is newer (zombie stream protection)", func(t *testing.T) {
 		// Newer stream wins on connect (sets SessionStartedAt = now ns).
 		streamStartTime := time.Now().UTC()
-		err = manager.MarkPeerConnected(context.Background(), peerPubKey, accountID, streamStartTime.UnixNano(), nil)
+		err = manager.MarkPeerConnected(context.Background(), peerPubKey, nil, accountID, streamStartTime.UnixNano(), nil)
 		require.NoError(t, err, "unable to mark peer connected")
 
 		peer, err := manager.Store.GetPeerByPeerPubKey(context.Background(), store.LockingStrengthNone, peerPubKey)
@@ -1980,7 +1980,7 @@ func TestDefaultAccountManager_OnPeerDisconnected_LastSeenCheck(t *testing.T) {
 
 	t.Run("skip stale connect when stored session is newer (blocked goroutine protection)", func(t *testing.T) {
 		node2SyncTime := time.Now().UTC()
-		err = manager.MarkPeerConnected(context.Background(), peerPubKey, accountID, node2SyncTime.UnixNano(), nil)
+		err = manager.MarkPeerConnected(context.Background(), peerPubKey, nil, accountID, node2SyncTime.UnixNano(), nil)
 		require.NoError(t, err, "node 2 should connect peer")
 
 		peer, err := manager.Store.GetPeerByPeerPubKey(context.Background(), store.LockingStrengthNone, peerPubKey)
@@ -1990,7 +1990,7 @@ func TestDefaultAccountManager_OnPeerDisconnected_LastSeenCheck(t *testing.T) {
 			"SessionStartedAt should equal node2SyncTime token")
 
 		node1StaleSyncTime := node2SyncTime.Add(-1 * time.Minute)
-		err = manager.MarkPeerConnected(context.Background(), peerPubKey, accountID, node1StaleSyncTime.UnixNano(), nil)
+		err = manager.MarkPeerConnected(context.Background(), peerPubKey, nil, accountID, node1StaleSyncTime.UnixNano(), nil)
 		require.NoError(t, err, "stale connect should not return error")
 
 		peer, err = manager.Store.GetPeerByPeerPubKey(context.Background(), store.LockingStrengthNone, peerPubKey)
@@ -2052,7 +2052,7 @@ func TestDefaultAccountManager_MarkPeerConnected_ConcurrentRace(t *testing.T) {
 			defer done.Done()
 			ready.Done()
 			start.Wait()
-			errs <- manager.MarkPeerConnected(context.Background(), peerPubKey, accountID, token, nil)
+			errs <- manager.MarkPeerConnected(context.Background(), peerPubKey, nil, accountID, token, nil)
 		}()
 	}
 
@@ -2093,7 +2093,7 @@ func TestDefaultAccountManager_UpdateAccountSettings_PeerLoginExpiration(t *test
 	account, err := manager.Store.GetAccount(context.Background(), accountID)
 	require.NoError(t, err, "unable to get the account")
 
-	err = manager.MarkPeerConnected(context.Background(), key.PublicKey().String(), accountID, time.Now().UTC().UnixNano(), nil)
+	err = manager.MarkPeerConnected(context.Background(), key.PublicKey().String(), nil, accountID, time.Now().UTC().UnixNano(), nil)
 	require.NoError(t, err, "unable to mark peer connected")
 
 	wg := &sync.WaitGroup{}

management/server/mock_server/account_mock.go

@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@ type MockAccountManager struct {
 	GetUserFromUserAuthFunc               func(ctx context.Context, userAuth auth.UserAuth) (*types.User, error)
 	ListUsersFunc                         func(ctx context.Context, accountID string) ([]*types.User, error)
 	GetPeersFunc                          func(ctx context.Context, accountID, userID, nameFilter, ipFilter string) ([]*nbpeer.Peer, error)
-	MarkPeerConnectedFunc                 func(ctx context.Context, peerKey string, accountID string, sessionStartedAt int64, nmap *types.NetworkMap) error
+	MarkPeerConnectedFunc                 func(ctx context.Context, peerKey string, realIP net.IP, accountID string, sessionStartedAt int64, nmap *types.NetworkMap) error
 	MarkPeerDisconnectedFunc              func(ctx context.Context, peerKey string, accountID string, sessionStartedAt int64) error
 	SyncAndMarkPeerFunc                   func(ctx context.Context, accountID string, peerPubKey string, meta nbpeer.PeerSystemMeta, realIP net.IP, syncTime time.Time) (*nbpeer.Peer, *types.NetworkMap, []*posture.Checks, int64, error)
 	DeletePeerFunc                        func(ctx context.Context, accountID, peerKey, userID string) error
@@ -114,7 +114,7 @@ type MockAccountManager struct {
 	GetIdpManagerFunc                     func() idp.Manager
 	UpdateIntegratedValidatorFunc         func(ctx context.Context, accountID, userID, validator string, groups []string) error
 	GroupValidationFunc                   func(ctx context.Context, accountId string, groups []string) (bool, error)
-	SyncPeerMetaFunc                      func(ctx context.Context, peerPubKey string, meta nbpeer.PeerSystemMeta, realIP net.IP) error
+	SyncPeerMetaFunc                      func(ctx context.Context, peerPubKey string, meta nbpeer.PeerSystemMeta) error
 	FindExistingPostureCheckFunc          func(accountID string, checks *posture.ChecksDefinition) (*posture.Checks, error)
 	GetAccountIDForPeerKeyFunc            func(ctx context.Context, peerKey string) (string, error)
 	GetAccountByIDFunc                    func(ctx context.Context, accountID string, userID string) (*types.Account, error)
@@ -345,9 +345,9 @@ func (am *MockAccountManager) GetAccountIDByUserID(ctx context.Context, userAuth
 }
 
 // MarkPeerConnected mock implementation of MarkPeerConnected from server.AccountManager interface
-func (am *MockAccountManager) MarkPeerConnected(ctx context.Context, peerKey string, accountID string, sessionStartedAt int64, nmap *types.NetworkMap) error {
+func (am *MockAccountManager) MarkPeerConnected(ctx context.Context, peerKey string, realIP net.IP, accountID string, sessionStartedAt int64, nmap *types.NetworkMap) error {
 	if am.MarkPeerConnectedFunc != nil {
-		return am.MarkPeerConnectedFunc(ctx, peerKey, accountID, sessionStartedAt, nmap)
+		return am.MarkPeerConnectedFunc(ctx, peerKey, realIP, accountID, sessionStartedAt, nmap)
 	}
 	return status.Errorf(codes.Unimplemented, "method MarkPeerConnected is not implemented")
 }
@@ -975,9 +975,9 @@ func (am *MockAccountManager) GroupValidation(ctx context.Context, accountId str
 }
 
 // SyncPeerMeta mocks SyncPeerMeta of the AccountManager interface
-func (am *MockAccountManager) SyncPeerMeta(ctx context.Context, peerPubKey string, meta nbpeer.PeerSystemMeta, realIP net.IP) error {
+func (am *MockAccountManager) SyncPeerMeta(ctx context.Context, peerPubKey string, meta nbpeer.PeerSystemMeta) error {
 	if am.SyncPeerMetaFunc != nil {
-		return am.SyncPeerMetaFunc(ctx, peerPubKey, meta, realIP)
+		return am.SyncPeerMetaFunc(ctx, peerPubKey, meta)
 	}
 	return status.Errorf(codes.Unimplemented, "method SyncPeerMeta is not implemented")
 }

management/server/peer.go

@@ -74,7 +74,7 @@ func (am *DefaultAccountManager) GetPeers(ctx context.Context, accountID, userID
 //
 // Disconnects use MarkPeerDisconnected and require the session to match
 // exactly; see PeerStatus.SessionStartedAt for the protocol.
-func (am *DefaultAccountManager) MarkPeerConnected(ctx context.Context, peerPubKey string, accountID string, sessionStartedAt int64, nmap *types.NetworkMap) error {
+func (am *DefaultAccountManager) MarkPeerConnected(ctx context.Context, peerPubKey string, realIP net.IP, accountID string, sessionStartedAt int64, nmap *types.NetworkMap) error {
 	start := time.Now()
 	defer func() {
 		am.metrics.AccountManagerMetrics().RecordPeerStatusUpdateDuration(telemetry.PeerStatusConnect, time.Since(start))
@@ -102,6 +102,10 @@ func (am *DefaultAccountManager) MarkPeerConnected(ctx context.Context, peerPubK
 	}
 	am.metrics.AccountManagerMetrics().CountPeerStatusUpdate(telemetry.PeerStatusConnect, telemetry.PeerStatusApplied)
 
+	if am.geo != nil && realIP != nil {
+		am.updatePeerLocationIfChanged(ctx, accountID, peer, realIP)
+	}
+
 	if err = am.schedulePeerExpirations(ctx, accountID, peer); err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
@@ -191,28 +195,24 @@ func (am *DefaultAccountManager) MarkPeerDisconnected(ctx context.Context, peerP
 	return nil
 }
 
-// resolvePeerLocation looks up the geo location for realIP, returning nil when
-// there is nothing to apply: geo disabled, no real IP, the IP is unchanged from
-// what the peer already has, or the lookup failed. Geo lookups are skipped on
-// same-IP reconnects since they are comparatively expensive. The returned value
-// is applied by Peer.UpdateMetaIfNew so the change is persisted by its peer save.
-func (am *DefaultAccountManager) resolvePeerLocation(ctx context.Context, peer *nbpeer.Peer, realIP net.IP) *nbpeer.Location {
-	if am.geo == nil || realIP == nil {
-		return nil
-	}
+// updatePeerLocationIfChanged refreshes the geolocation on a separate
+// row update, only when the connection IP actually changed. Geo lookups
+// are expensive so we skip same-IP reconnects.
+func (am *DefaultAccountManager) updatePeerLocationIfChanged(ctx context.Context, accountID string, peer *nbpeer.Peer, realIP net.IP) {
 	if peer.Location.ConnectionIP != nil && peer.Location.ConnectionIP.Equal(realIP) {
-		return nil
+		return
 	}
 	location, err := am.geo.Lookup(realIP)
 	if err != nil {
 		log.WithContext(ctx).Warnf("failed to get location for peer %s realip: [%s]: %v", peer.ID, realIP.String(), err)
-		return nil
+		return
 	}
-	return &nbpeer.Location{
-		ConnectionIP: realIP,
-		CountryCode:  location.Country.ISOCode,
-		CityName:     location.City.Names.En,
-		GeoNameID:    location.City.GeonameID,
+	peer.Location.ConnectionIP = realIP
+	peer.Location.CountryCode = location.Country.ISOCode
+	peer.Location.CityName = location.City.Names.En
+	peer.Location.GeoNameID = location.City.GeonameID
+	if err := am.Store.SavePeerLocation(ctx, accountID, peer); err != nil {
+		log.WithContext(ctx).Warnf("could not store location for peer %s: %s", peer.ID, err)
 	}
 }
 
@@ -980,8 +980,7 @@ func getPeerIPDNSLabel(ip netip.Addr, peerHostName string) (string, error) {
 // SyncPeer checks whether peer is eligible for receiving NetworkMap (authenticated) and returns its NetworkMap if eligible
 func (am *DefaultAccountManager) SyncPeer(ctx context.Context, sync types.PeerSync, accountID string) (*nbpeer.Peer, *types.NetworkMap, []*posture.Checks, int64, error) {
 	var peer *nbpeer.Peer
-	var ipv6CapabilityChanged bool
-	var metaDiff nbpeer.MetaDiff
+	var updated, versionChanged, ipv6CapabilityChanged bool
 	var err error
 
 	settings, err := am.Store.GetAccountSettings(ctx, store.LockingStrengthNone, accountID)
@@ -1011,10 +1010,9 @@ func (am *DefaultAccountManager) SyncPeer(ctx context.Context, sync types.PeerSy
 		}
 
 		oldHasIPv6Cap := peer.HasCapability(nbpeer.PeerCapabilityIPv6Overlay)
-		newLocation := am.resolvePeerLocation(ctx, peer, sync.RealIP)
-		metaDiff = peer.UpdateMetaIfNew(ctx, sync.Meta, newLocation)
+		updated, versionChanged = peer.UpdateMetaIfNew(ctx, sync.Meta)
 		ipv6CapabilityChanged = oldHasIPv6Cap != peer.HasCapability(nbpeer.PeerCapabilityIPv6Overlay)
-		if metaDiff.Updated() {
+		if updated {
 			am.metrics.AccountManagerMetrics().CountPeerMetUpdate()
 			log.WithContext(ctx).Tracef("peer %s metadata updated", peer.ID)
 			if err = transaction.SavePeer(ctx, accountID, peer); err != nil {
@@ -1042,10 +1040,9 @@ func (am *DefaultAccountManager) SyncPeer(ctx context.Context, sync types.PeerSy
 		return nil, nil, nil, 0, err
 	}
 
-	metaDiffAffectsPosture := posture.AffectsPosture(&metaDiff, resPostureChecks)
-	if isStatusChanged || sync.UpdateAccountPeers || ipv6CapabilityChanged || metaDiffAffectsPosture || metaDiff.VersionChanged || metaDiff.Hostname {
+	if isStatusChanged || sync.UpdateAccountPeers || ipv6CapabilityChanged || (updated && (len(resPostureChecks) > 0 || versionChanged)) {
 		changedPeerIDs := []string{peer.ID}
-		affectedPeerIDs := am.syncPeerAffectedPeers(ctx, accountID, peer.ID, nmap, peerNotValid, metaDiffAffectsPosture)
+		affectedPeerIDs := am.syncPeerAffectedPeers(ctx, accountID, peer.ID, nmap, peerNotValid, updated, len(resPostureChecks) > 0)
 		if err = am.networkMapController.OnPeersUpdated(ctx, accountID, changedPeerIDs, affectedPeerIDs); err != nil {
 			return nil, nil, nil, 0, fmt.Errorf("notify network map controller of peer update: %w", err)
 		}
@@ -1062,8 +1059,8 @@ func (am *DefaultAccountManager) SyncPeer(ctx context.Context, sync types.PeerSy
 // metadata change that flips a posture result removes this peer from others'
 // maps asymmetrically; that case (and an invalid peer, whose map is empty) falls
 // back to the resolver.
-func (am *DefaultAccountManager) syncPeerAffectedPeers(ctx context.Context, accountID, peerID string, nmap *types.NetworkMap, peerNotValid, metaChangeAffectedPosture bool) []string {
-	if peerNotValid || metaChangeAffectedPosture {
+func (am *DefaultAccountManager) syncPeerAffectedPeers(ctx context.Context, accountID, peerID string, nmap *types.NetworkMap, peerNotValid, metaUpdated, hasPostureChecks bool) []string {
+	if peerNotValid || (metaUpdated && hasPostureChecks) {
 		return am.resolveAffectedPeersForPeerChanges(ctx, am.Store, accountID, []string{peerID})
 	}
 	return affectedPeerIDsFromNetworkMap(nmap, peerID)

management/server/peer/peer.go

@@ -256,18 +256,14 @@ func (p *Peer) Copy() *Peer {
 	}
 }
 
-// UpdateMetaIfNew updates peer's system metadata and connection geo location if
-// new information is provided. newLocation is the geo location resolved from the
-// peer's current connection IP, or nil when there is nothing to apply (geo
-// disabled, no real IP, or the IP is unchanged); the caller owns the expensive
-// lookup and the same-IP guard. It returns a MetaDiff describing what changed;
-// diff.Updated() reports whether the peer needs to be persisted.
-func (p *Peer) UpdateMetaIfNew(ctx context.Context, meta PeerSystemMeta, newLocation *Location) MetaDiff {
+// UpdateMetaIfNew updates peer's system metadata if new information is provided
+// returns true if meta was updated, false otherwise
+func (p *Peer) UpdateMetaIfNew(ctx context.Context, meta PeerSystemMeta) (updated, versionChanged bool) {
 	if meta.isEmpty() {
-		return MetaDiff{}
+		return updated, versionChanged
 	}
 
-	versionChanged := p.Meta.WtVersion != meta.WtVersion
+	versionChanged = p.Meta.WtVersion != meta.WtVersion
 
 	// Avoid overwriting UIVersion if the update was triggered sole by the CLI client
 	if meta.UIVersion == "" {
@@ -276,177 +272,97 @@ func (p *Peer) UpdateMetaIfNew(ctx context.Context, meta PeerSystemMeta, newLoca
 
 	oldVersion := p.Meta.WtVersion
 
-	diff := diffMeta(p.Meta, meta)
-	if diff.Any() {
+	diff := metaDiff(p.Meta, meta)
+	if len(diff) != 0 {
 		p.Meta = meta
-	}
-	diff.VersionChanged = versionChanged
-
-	locationInfo := ""
-	if newLocation != nil {
-		p.Location = *newLocation
-		diff.LocationChanged = true
-		locationInfo = fmt.Sprintf("location changed to %s, ", newLocation.ConnectionIP)
+		updated = true
 	}
 
 	versionInfo := ""
-	if diff.VersionChanged {
+	if versionChanged {
 		versionInfo = fmt.Sprintf("version changed: %s -> %s, ", oldVersion, meta.WtVersion)
 	}
 
-	if diff.Any() || diff.VersionChanged || diff.LocationChanged {
+	if len(diff) > 0 || versionChanged {
 		log.WithContext(ctx).
-			Debugf("peer meta updated, %s%s%d field(s) changed: %s", versionInfo, locationInfo, len(diff.Changed), strings.Join(diff.Changed, ", "))
+			Debugf("peer meta updated, %s%d field(s) changed: %s", versionInfo, len(diff), strings.Join(diff, ", "))
 	}
 
-	return diff
-}
-
-// MetaDiff records which PeerSystemMeta fields differ between two metas. Each bool
-// maps to a single struct field, except Environment, which is split into Cloud and
-// Platform. Changed holds the human-readable `field: <old> -> <new>` entries so the
-// existing log line and isEqual can be derived from the same comparison.
-//
-// VersionChanged and LocationChanged sit outside the per-meta-field set:
-// VersionChanged tracks the WireGuard client version specifically (compared before
-// the UIVersion fixup, to signal client upgrades) and LocationChanged tracks the
-// peer's connection geo location, which lives on Peer rather than PeerSystemMeta.
-// Neither contributes an entry to Changed, so the field-coverage accounting stays
-// driven purely by the PeerSystemMeta comparison.
-type MetaDiff struct {
-	Hostname            bool
-	GoOS                bool
-	Kernel              bool
-	KernelVersion       bool
-	Core                bool
-	Platform            bool
-	OS                  bool
-	OSVersion           bool
-	WtVersion           bool
-	UIVersion           bool
-	SystemSerialNumber  bool
-	SystemProductName   bool
-	SystemManufacturer  bool
-	EnvironmentCloud    bool
-	EnvironmentPlatform bool
-	Flags               bool
-	Capabilities        bool
-	NetworkAddresses    bool
-	Files               bool
-
-	VersionChanged  bool
-	LocationChanged bool
-
-	Changed []string
-}
-
-// Any reports whether any PeerSystemMeta field changed.
-func (d MetaDiff) Any() bool {
-	return len(d.Changed) != 0
-}
-
-// Updated reports whether the peer needs to be persisted: any meta field changed
-// or the geo location changed. The version flag alone does not imply a write,
-// since a version change is also reflected in the WtVersion meta field.
-func (d MetaDiff) Updated() bool {
-	return d.Any() || d.LocationChanged || d.VersionChanged
+	return updated, versionChanged
 }
 
+// metaDiff returns a human-readable list of the fields that differ between the
+// old and new meta, each formatted as `field: <old> -> <new>`. It is the single
+// source of truth for meta comparison: isEqual reports equality as an empty
+// diff, so the log line can never disagree with the change decision. Slices are
+// cloned before sorting, so callers' meta is not mutated.
 func metaDiff(oldMeta, newMeta PeerSystemMeta) []string {
-	return diffMeta(oldMeta, newMeta).Changed
-}
-
-// diffMeta compares two metas field by field, returning both a per-field flag set
-// (for callers that need to know exactly what changed, e.g. matching against
-// posture checks) and the human-readable Changed list. It is the single source of
-// truth for meta comparison: isEqual reports equality as an empty diff, so the log
-// line, the change decision, and the flags can never disagree.
-func diffMeta(oldMeta, newMeta PeerSystemMeta) MetaDiff {
-	var d MetaDiff
+	var diff []string
 	add := func(field string, oldVal, newVal any) {
-		d.Changed = append(d.Changed, fmt.Sprintf("%s: %v -> %v", field, oldVal, newVal))
+		diff = append(diff, fmt.Sprintf("%s: %v -> %v", field, oldVal, newVal))
 	}
 
 	if oldMeta.Hostname != newMeta.Hostname {
-		d.Hostname = true
 		add("hostname", oldMeta.Hostname, newMeta.Hostname)
 	}
 	if oldMeta.GoOS != newMeta.GoOS {
-		d.GoOS = true
 		add("goos", oldMeta.GoOS, newMeta.GoOS)
 	}
 	if oldMeta.Kernel != newMeta.Kernel {
-		d.Kernel = true
 		add("kernel", oldMeta.Kernel, newMeta.Kernel)
 	}
 	if oldMeta.KernelVersion != newMeta.KernelVersion {
-		d.KernelVersion = true
 		add("kernel_version", oldMeta.KernelVersion, newMeta.KernelVersion)
 	}
 	if oldMeta.Core != newMeta.Core {
-		d.Core = true
 		add("core", oldMeta.Core, newMeta.Core)
 	}
 	if oldMeta.Platform != newMeta.Platform {
-		d.Platform = true
 		add("platform", oldMeta.Platform, newMeta.Platform)
 	}
 	if oldMeta.OS != newMeta.OS {
-		d.OS = true
 		add("os", oldMeta.OS, newMeta.OS)
 	}
 	if oldMeta.OSVersion != newMeta.OSVersion {
-		d.OSVersion = true
 		add("os_version", oldMeta.OSVersion, newMeta.OSVersion)
 	}
 	if oldMeta.WtVersion != newMeta.WtVersion {
-		d.WtVersion = true
 		add("wt_version", oldMeta.WtVersion, newMeta.WtVersion)
 	}
 	if oldMeta.UIVersion != newMeta.UIVersion {
-		d.UIVersion = true
 		add("ui_version", oldMeta.UIVersion, newMeta.UIVersion)
 	}
 	if oldMeta.SystemSerialNumber != newMeta.SystemSerialNumber {
-		d.SystemSerialNumber = true
 		add("system_serial_number", oldMeta.SystemSerialNumber, newMeta.SystemSerialNumber)
 	}
 	if oldMeta.SystemProductName != newMeta.SystemProductName {
-		d.SystemProductName = true
 		add("system_product_name", oldMeta.SystemProductName, newMeta.SystemProductName)
 	}
 	if oldMeta.SystemManufacturer != newMeta.SystemManufacturer {
-		d.SystemManufacturer = true
 		add("system_manufacturer", oldMeta.SystemManufacturer, newMeta.SystemManufacturer)
 	}
 	if oldMeta.Environment.Cloud != newMeta.Environment.Cloud {
-		d.EnvironmentCloud = true
 		add("environment_cloud", oldMeta.Environment.Cloud, newMeta.Environment.Cloud)
 	}
 	if oldMeta.Environment.Platform != newMeta.Environment.Platform {
-		d.EnvironmentPlatform = true
 		add("environment_platform", oldMeta.Environment.Platform, newMeta.Environment.Platform)
 	}
 	if !oldMeta.Flags.isEqual(newMeta.Flags) {
-		d.Flags = true
 		add("flags", fmt.Sprintf("%+v", oldMeta.Flags), fmt.Sprintf("%+v", newMeta.Flags))
 	}
 	if !capabilitiesEqual(oldMeta.Capabilities, newMeta.Capabilities) {
-		d.Capabilities = true
 		add("capabilities", oldMeta.Capabilities, newMeta.Capabilities)
 	}
 
 	if !sameMultiset(oldMeta.NetworkAddresses, newMeta.NetworkAddresses) {
-		d.NetworkAddresses = true
 		add("network_addresses", fmt.Sprintf("%v", oldMeta.NetworkAddresses), fmt.Sprintf("%v", newMeta.NetworkAddresses))
 	}
 
 	if !sameMultiset(oldMeta.Files, newMeta.Files) {
-		d.Files = true
 		add("files", fmt.Sprintf("%v", oldMeta.Files), fmt.Sprintf("%v", newMeta.Files))
 	}
 
-	return d
+	return diff
 }
 
 // sameMultiset reports whether two slices contain the same elements with the

management/server/posture/checks.go

@@ -7,7 +7,6 @@ import (
 	"regexp"
 
 	"github.com/hashicorp/go-version"
-
 	nbpeer "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/management/server/peer"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/shared/management/http/api"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/shared/management/status"
@@ -52,34 +51,6 @@ type Checks struct {
 	Checks ChecksDefinition `gorm:"serializer:json"`
 }
 
-// AffectsPosture reports whether the peer metadata changes described by diff can
-// alter the outcome of any of the given posture checks. It maps each check kind to
-// the metadata fields it inspects, so an unrelated change (e.g. a hostname update)
-// does not force a posture re-evaluation.
-func AffectsPosture(diff *nbpeer.MetaDiff, checks []*Checks) bool {
-	if diff == nil {
-		return false
-	}
-	for _, c := range checks {
-		if c.Checks.ProcessCheck != nil && diff.Files {
-			return true
-		}
-		if c.Checks.OSVersionCheck != nil && (diff.OSVersion || diff.OS || diff.KernelVersion) {
-			return true
-		}
-		if c.Checks.NBVersionCheck != nil && diff.WtVersion {
-			return true
-		}
-		if c.Checks.GeoLocationCheck != nil && diff.LocationChanged {
-			return true
-		}
-		if c.Checks.PeerNetworkRangeCheck != nil && diff.NetworkAddresses {
-			return true
-		}
-	}
-	return false
-}
-
 // ChecksDefinition contains definition of actual check
 type ChecksDefinition struct {
 	NBVersionCheck        *NBVersionCheck        `json:",omitempty"`

management/server/store/sql_store.go

@@ -581,6 +581,28 @@ func (s *SqlStore) MarkPeerDisconnectedIfSameSession(ctx context.Context, accoun
 	return result.RowsAffected > 0, nil
 }
 
+func (s *SqlStore) SavePeerLocation(ctx context.Context, accountID string, peerWithLocation *nbpeer.Peer) error {
+	// To maintain data integrity, we create a copy of the peer's location to prevent unintended updates to other fields.
+	var peerCopy nbpeer.Peer
+	// Since the location field has been migrated to JSON serialization,
+	// updating the struct ensures the correct data format is inserted into the database.
+	peerCopy.Location = peerWithLocation.Location
+
+	result := s.db.Model(&nbpeer.Peer{}).
+		Where(accountAndIDQueryCondition, accountID, peerWithLocation.ID).
+		Updates(peerCopy)
+
+	if result.Error != nil {
+		return status.Errorf(status.Internal, "failed to save peer locations to store: %v", result.Error)
+	}
+
+	if result.RowsAffected == 0 {
+		return status.Errorf(status.NotFound, peerNotFoundFMT, peerWithLocation.ID)
+	}
+
+	return nil
+}
+
 // ApproveAccountPeers marks all peers that currently require approval in the given account as approved.
 func (s *SqlStore) ApproveAccountPeers(ctx context.Context, accountID string) (int, error) {
 	result := s.db.Model(&nbpeer.Peer{}).

management/server/store/sql_store_test.go

@@ -618,6 +618,56 @@ func TestSqlStore_SavePeerStatus(t *testing.T) {
 	assert.WithinDurationf(t, newStatus.LastSeen, actual.LastSeen.UTC(), time.Millisecond, "LastSeen should be equal")
 }
 
+func TestSqlStore_SavePeerLocation(t *testing.T) {
+	store, cleanUp, err := NewTestStoreFromSQL(context.Background(), "../testdata/store.sql", t.TempDir())
+	t.Cleanup(cleanUp)
+	assert.NoError(t, err)
+
+	account, err := store.GetAccount(context.Background(), "bf1c8084-ba50-4ce7-9439-34653001fc3b")
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+
+	peer := &nbpeer.Peer{
+		AccountID: account.Id,
+		ID:        "testpeer",
+		Location: nbpeer.Location{
+			ConnectionIP: net.ParseIP("0.0.0.0"),
+			CountryCode:  "YY",
+			CityName:     "City",
+			GeoNameID:    1,
+		},
+		CreatedAt: time.Now().UTC(),
+		Meta:      nbpeer.PeerSystemMeta{},
+	}
+	// error is expected as peer is not in store yet
+	err = store.SavePeerLocation(context.Background(), account.Id, peer)
+	assert.Error(t, err)
+
+	account.Peers[peer.ID] = peer
+	err = store.SaveAccount(context.Background(), account)
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+
+	peer.Location.ConnectionIP = net.ParseIP("35.1.1.1")
+	peer.Location.CountryCode = "DE"
+	peer.Location.CityName = "Berlin"
+	peer.Location.GeoNameID = 2950159
+
+	err = store.SavePeerLocation(context.Background(), account.Id, account.Peers[peer.ID])
+	assert.NoError(t, err)
+
+	account, err = store.GetAccount(context.Background(), account.Id)
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+
+	actual := account.Peers[peer.ID].Location
+	assert.Equal(t, peer.Location, actual)
+
+	peer.ID = "non-existing-peer"
+	err = store.SavePeerLocation(context.Background(), account.Id, peer)
+	assert.Error(t, err)
+	parsedErr, ok := status.FromError(err)
+	require.True(t, ok)
+	require.Equal(t, status.NotFound, parsedErr.Type(), "should return not found error")
+}
+
 func Test_TestGetAccountByPrivateDomain(t *testing.T) {
 	if runtime.GOOS == "windows" {
 		t.Skip("The SQLite store is not properly supported by Windows yet")

management/server/store/store.go

@@ -185,6 +185,7 @@ type Store interface {
 	// recorded by the database. Returns true when the update happened,
 	// false when a newer session has taken over.
 	MarkPeerDisconnectedIfSameSession(ctx context.Context, accountID, peerID string, sessionStartedAt int64) (bool, error)
+	SavePeerLocation(ctx context.Context, accountID string, peer *nbpeer.Peer) error
 	ApproveAccountPeers(ctx context.Context, accountID string) (int, error)
 	DeletePeer(ctx context.Context, accountID string, peerID string) error
 

management/server/store/store_mock.go

@@ -2968,6 +2968,20 @@ func (mr *MockStoreMockRecorder) SavePeer(ctx, accountID, peer interface{}) *gom
 	return mr.mock.ctrl.RecordCallWithMethodType(mr.mock, "SavePeer", reflect.TypeOf((*MockStore)(nil).SavePeer), ctx, accountID, peer)
 }
 
+// SavePeerLocation mocks base method.
+func (m *MockStore) SavePeerLocation(ctx context.Context, accountID string, peer *peer.Peer) error {
+	m.ctrl.T.Helper()
+	ret := m.ctrl.Call(m, "SavePeerLocation", ctx, accountID, peer)
+	ret0, _ := ret[0].(error)
+	return ret0
+}
+
+// SavePeerLocation indicates an expected call of SavePeerLocation.
+func (mr *MockStoreMockRecorder) SavePeerLocation(ctx, accountID, peer interface{}) *gomock.Call {
+	mr.mock.ctrl.T.Helper()
+	return mr.mock.ctrl.RecordCallWithMethodType(mr.mock, "SavePeerLocation", reflect.TypeOf((*MockStore)(nil).SavePeerLocation), ctx, accountID, peer)
+}
+
 // SavePeerStatus mocks base method.
 func (m *MockStore) SavePeerStatus(ctx context.Context, accountID, peerID string, status peer.PeerStatus) error {
 	m.ctrl.T.Helper()

management/server/types/peer.go

@@ -12,9 +12,6 @@ type PeerSync struct {
 	WireGuardPubKey string
 	// Meta is the system information passed by peer, must be always present
 	Meta nbpeer.PeerSystemMeta
-	// RealIP is the peer's connection IP, used to refresh its geo location.
-	// May be nil when the request has no associated connection IP.
-	RealIP net.IP
 	// UpdateAccountPeers indicate updating account peers,
 	// which occurs when the peer's metadata is updated
 	UpdateAccountPeers bool