Ask for Screen Recording from the agent and Accessibility on first input

# Conflicts:
#	client/internal/engine.go

.goreleaser_ui.yaml

@@ -92,11 +92,6 @@ nfpms:
         dst: /usr/share/applications/org.wails.netbird.desktop
       - src: client/ui/build/appicon.png
         dst: /usr/share/pixmaps/netbird.png
-      # Names the polkit action for the elevation prompt the app raises when an
-      # unprivileged user changes a privileged setting; without it the dialog
-      # shows a raw command line.
-      - src: client/ui/build/linux/polkit/io.netbird.settings.policy
-        dst: /usr/share/polkit-1/actions/io.netbird.settings.policy
     dependencies:
       - netbird (>= 0.75.0)
       - libgtk-4-1 (>= 4.14)
@@ -120,11 +115,6 @@ nfpms:
         dst: /usr/share/applications/org.wails.netbird.desktop
       - src: client/ui/build/appicon.png
         dst: /usr/share/pixmaps/netbird.png
-      # Names the polkit action for the elevation prompt the app raises when an
-      # unprivileged user changes a privileged setting; without it the dialog
-      # shows a raw command line.
-      - src: client/ui/build/linux/polkit/io.netbird.settings.policy
-        dst: /usr/share/polkit-1/actions/io.netbird.settings.policy
     dependencies:
       - netbird >= 0.75.0
       - (gtk4 >= 4.14 or libgtk-4-1 >= 4.14)

client/cmd/up.go

@@ -421,6 +421,12 @@ 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
 	}
@@ -523,30 +529,14 @@ 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 {
@@ -619,6 +609,49 @@ 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,
@@ -648,31 +681,14 @@ 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 +1,25 @@
+//go:build darwin && !ios
+
+package cmd
+
+import (
+	"fmt"
+
+	vncserver "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/vnc/server"
+)
+
+func newAgentResources() (vncserver.ScreenCapturer, vncserver.InputInjector, error) {
+	// Ask for Screen Recording here and nowhere else: this process runs as the
+	// console user, which is what TCC requires for a user-scope service, and it
+	// is the point where somebody is demonstrably trying to view the screen.
+	// Granting it also requires the capturing process to restart, which comes
+	// for free since the agent is respawned per session.
+	vncserver.PrimeScreenCapturePermission()
+
+	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 +1,77 @@
+//go:build darwin && !ios
+
+package cmd
+
+import (
+	"fmt"
+	"os"
+	"os/user"
+	"strconv"
+	"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)
+	}
+	// Resolve the target user's real primary group rather than reusing
+	// targetUID as the gid: a user's primary group on macOS is typically
+	// staff(20), not gid==uid. Fail closed if the lookup fails.
+	targetGID, err := primaryGroupID(targetUID)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	// 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(targetGID); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("setgid(%d): %w", targetGID, err)
+	}
+	if os.Getgid() != targetGID || os.Getegid() != targetGID {
+		return fmt.Errorf("setgid verification: gid=%d egid=%d, expected %d", os.Getgid(), os.Getegid(), targetGID)
+	}
+	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
+}
+
+// primaryGroupID resolves the real primary group id of the user with the
+// given uid. Fails closed: a lookup or parse error returns an error so the
+// caller never falls back to using uid as the gid.
+func primaryGroupID(targetUID uint32) (int, error) {
+	u, err := user.LookupId(strconv.Itoa(int(targetUID)))
+	if err != nil {
+		return 0, fmt.Errorf("look up uid %d: %w", targetUID, err)
+	}
+	gid, err := strconv.Atoi(u.Gid)
+	if err != nil {
+		return 0, fmt.Errorf("parse gid %q for uid %d: %w", u.Gid, targetUID, err)
+	}
+	return gid, 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 DACL-restricted socket
+// directory, the unpredictable per-spawn socket name, the listen-readiness
+// gate, 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

@@ -11,19 +11,30 @@ import (
 // bundle collector all share one definition.
 const UILogFile = "gui-client.log"
 
-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/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

@@ -344,6 +344,7 @@ 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/connect.go

@@ -614,6 +614,8 @@ 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,
@@ -697,6 +699,7 @@ 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/daemonaddr/identity.go

@@ -1,17 +0,0 @@
-package daemonaddr
-
-import "strings"
-
-// CarriesIdentity reports whether the control channel at addr conveys the
-// connecting process's identity to the daemon. A Unix socket carries peer
-// credentials and a named pipe carries the client's token. Nothing else does, TCP
-// included, and there the daemon can authorize a privileged operation for nobody
-// at all: see ResolveDaemonAddr, which says as much to anyone still reaching the
-// Windows daemon on the address it served before it had a pipe.
-//
-// A client uses this to tell whether becoming privileged would get it anywhere.
-// It answers from the scheme and nothing else, so an address it does not
-// recognise counts as carrying no identity.
-func CarriesIdentity(addr string) bool {
-	return strings.HasPrefix(addr, "unix://") || strings.HasPrefix(addr, pipeScheme)
-}

client/internal/daemonaddr/identity_test.go

@@ -1,29 +0,0 @@
-package daemonaddr
-
-import (
-	"testing"
-
-	"github.com/stretchr/testify/assert"
-)
-
-func TestCarriesIdentity(t *testing.T) {
-	tests := []struct {
-		addr string
-		want bool
-	}{
-		{"unix:///var/run/netbird.sock", true},
-		{"unix:///var/run/netbird/default.sock", true},
-		{"npipe://netbird", true},
-		{`npipe://\\.\pipe\ProtectedPrefix\Administrators\netbird`, true},
-		{"tcp://127.0.0.1:41731", false},
-		{"tcp://localhost:41731", false},
-		{"", false},
-		{"/var/run/netbird.sock", false},
-	}
-
-	for _, tt := range tests {
-		t.Run(tt.addr, func(t *testing.T) {
-			assert.Equal(t, tt.want, CarriesIdentity(tt.addr), "address %q", tt.addr)
-		})
-	}
-}

client/internal/debug/debug.go

@@ -694,6 +694,12 @@ 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

@@ -864,6 +864,8 @@ func TestAddConfig_AllFieldsCovered(t *testing.T) {
 		RosenpassEnabled:              true,
 		RosenpassPermissive:           true,
 		ServerSSHAllowed:              &bTrue,
+		ServerVNCAllowed:              &bTrue,
+		DisableVNCApproval:            &bTrue,
 		EnableSSHRoot:                 &bTrue,
 		EnableSSHSFTP:                 &bTrue,
 		EnableSSHLocalPortForwarding:  &bTrue,

client/internal/elevate/elevate.go

@@ -1,74 +0,0 @@
-// Package elevate re-runs this very executable under the operating system's own
-// privilege-elevation mechanism and waits for it to finish.
-//
-// It exists so that a change the daemon restricts to root/administrator can be
-// authorized from the GUI, by the user, at the moment they ask for it: Windows
-// shows the UAC consent dialog, macOS the system authentication dialog, and
-// Linux/FreeBSD the session's polkit agent. The credentials, where any are
-// asked for, are collected by the operating system and never pass through
-// NetBird.
-//
-// What the elevated process then does is the caller's business: it is the same
-// binary, in a one-shot mode, and it is authorized by the daemon exactly like
-// any other privileged caller, from the identity the kernel reports on the
-// control channel. Nothing here grants privilege, and the daemon gains no new
-// way to be talked into something: elevation only changes who is calling it.
-package elevate
-
-import (
-	"context"
-	"errors"
-
-	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
-)
-
-// AppliedMarker is what the elevated process prints on standard output once it has
-// done what it was run for.
-//
-// macOS's AuthorizationExecuteWithPrivileges reports no exit status and does not
-// say which process it started, so there this line is the only evidence that the
-// change was applied. The other platforms have an exit code and ignore it.
-const AppliedMarker = "netbird-elevated: applied"
-
-var (
-	// ErrDeclined reports that the user dismissed the prompt or did not
-	// authenticate. Nothing happened and nothing is wrong: a caller undoes its
-	// optimistic update and stays quiet.
-	ErrDeclined = errors.New("authorization declined")
-
-	// ErrUnavailable reports that this host has no elevation mechanism we can
-	// drive: no polkit on a Unix desktop, or an executable we decline to run as
-	// root. A caller falls back to telling the user which command to run.
-	ErrUnavailable = errors.New("no privilege elevation mechanism available")
-)
-
-// Run runs this executable with args under the platform's elevation mechanism
-// and waits for it to exit. A non-zero exit is returned as an error, so the
-// caller can treat a completed Run as the operation having succeeded.
-//
-// The args are the caller's own command line, so they cross no privilege
-// boundary: only a user who has just authenticated as an administrator can get
-// them run at all.
-func Run(ctx context.Context, args ...string) error {
-	self, err := trustedSelf()
-	if err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
-	return run(ctx, self, args)
-}
-
-// Available reports whether Run has a mechanism to use on this host, so a caller
-// can offer the prompt only when there is one and otherwise fall back to
-// guidance the user can act on. It answers from what is installed, not from what
-// the user is allowed to do: an administrator's password may still be required
-// and may still not be given, which is ErrDeclined from Run.
-func Available() bool {
-	if _, err := trustedSelf(); err != nil {
-		// Worth a line: this is also what a build run from a group-writable
-		// directory hits, and there is nothing in the UI to say why the offer is
-		// missing.
-		log.Debugf("not offering privilege elevation: %v", err)
-		return false
-	}
-	return mechanismAvailable()
-}

client/internal/elevate/output.go

@@ -1,18 +0,0 @@
-package elevate
-
-import "strings"
-
-// noOutput stands in for a process that said nothing, so that a report of what it
-// said still reads as a sentence.
-const noOutput = "no output"
-
-func firstLine(s string) string {
-	s = strings.TrimSpace(s)
-	if s == "" {
-		return noOutput
-	}
-	if i := strings.IndexByte(s, '\n'); i >= 0 {
-		return s[:i]
-	}
-	return s
-}

client/internal/elevate/output_test.go

@@ -1,21 +0,0 @@
-package elevate
-
-import (
-	"testing"
-
-	"github.com/stretchr/testify/assert"
-)
-
-func TestFirstLine(t *testing.T) {
-	tests := []struct{ in, want string }{
-		{in: "", want: noOutput},
-		{in: "  \n ", want: noOutput},
-		{in: "one line", want: "one line"},
-		{in: "first\nsecond", want: "first"},
-		{in: "\nsecond\n", want: "second"},
-	}
-
-	for _, tt := range tests {
-		assert.Equal(t, tt.want, firstLine(tt.in), "input %q", tt.in)
-	}
-}

client/internal/elevate/run_darwin.go

@@ -1,359 +0,0 @@
-package elevate
-
-import (
-	"context"
-	"errors"
-	"fmt"
-	"os"
-	"runtime"
-	"strings"
-	"sync"
-	"syscall"
-	"unsafe"
-
-	"github.com/ebitengine/purego"
-	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
-)
-
-// Authorization Services, reached through purego rather than cgo so the released
-// binaries keep building with CGO_ENABLED=0.
-//
-// The prompt belongs to this process, which is what makes it carry the
-// application's name and our own explanation. Going through osascript instead puts
-// the very same trampoline behind a dialog attributed to osascript, and means
-// handing a shell a command line to re-parse.
-//
-// # On AuthorizationExecuteWithPrivileges
-//
-// It is deprecated, and Apple's guidance (Quinn, "BSD Privilege Escalation on
-// macOS", developer.apple.com/forums/thread/708765) is "while it still works, it's
-// been deprecated for many years. Do not use it in a widely distributed product."
-// It is used here anyway, knowingly, because the alternatives Apple offers are for
-// *obtaining* ongoing privileges — an installer package, SMAppService, SMJobBless —
-// and NetBird already has what they would install: a launchd daemon running as
-// root. What is missing is only a way for an unprivileged client to ask it to act.
-//
-// The way to that without a deprecated call is to authorize the client instead of
-// elevating one: the app takes the right with AuthorizationCreate, passes the
-// AuthorizationExternalForm to the daemon, and the daemon checks it with
-// AuthorizationCopyRights before acting — none of which is deprecated. It is the
-// better design and it is where this should end up. It also means the daemon
-// accepting an authorization over its control socket, which is a new way to be
-// asked for privileged work and wants reviewing as such, so it is deliberately not
-// bundled in with the rest of this.
-//
-// Until then, three things keep the deprecation from being a trap. Every symbol is
-// resolved with an error rather than a panic, so a macOS that has dropped this
-// function leaves the app offering the user a command instead of crashing on the
-// way to a prompt. A failure to run the tool is reported as ErrUnavailable, so the
-// fallback is the same one an agent-less Linux session gets. And the whole path
-// runs under guard, which turns a panic out of the FFI layer into that same
-// fallback.
-//
-// The trampoline passes on the environment it was given, so what it starts as root
-// must be an executable this user's peers cannot influence: that is what
-// trustedSelf refuses, and what signing the binary settles for the loader.
-
-const (
-	securityFramework = "/System/Library/Frameworks/Security.framework/Security"
-	libSystem         = "/usr/lib/libSystem.B.dylib"
-
-	// trampoline is what the framework hands the tool to. Present on every macOS,
-	// and worth confirming before offering a prompt rather than mid-prompt.
-	trampoline = "/usr/libexec/security_authtrampoline"
-)
-
-// rightExecute is the right an administrator holds, and what
-// AuthorizationExecuteWithPrivileges requires of us.
-const rightExecute = "system.privilege.admin"
-
-// promptKey is kAuthorizationEnvironmentPrompt, which puts a sentence of ours above
-// the system's in the dialog. It is about the change rather than the mechanism.
-const (
-	promptKey  = "prompt"
-	promptText = "NetBird needs to change a setting that grants SSH access to this computer."
-)
-
-// OSStatus values from SecBase.h that mean something to us; anything else is
-// reported as it comes.
-const (
-	errAuthorizationSuccess               = 0
-	errAuthorizationDenied                = -60005
-	errAuthorizationCanceled              = -60006
-	errAuthorizationInteractionNotAllowed = -60007
-	errAuthorizationToolExecuteFailure    = -60031
-	errAuthorizationToolEnvironmentError  = -60032
-)
-
-// AuthorizationFlags from Authorization.h.
-const (
-	flagDefaults           = 0
-	flagInteractionAllowed = 1 << 0
-	flagExtendRights       = 1 << 1
-	flagDestroyRights      = 1 << 3
-	flagPreAuthorize       = 1 << 4
-)
-
-// authorizationItem mirrors AuthorizationItem: a name, and a value the name gives
-// meaning to. 32 bytes on both amd64 and arm64.
-type authorizationItem struct {
-	name        *byte
-	valueLength uintptr
-	value       unsafe.Pointer
-	// flags is reserved by the API and always zero. Declared because the layout
-	// is the contract: without it the struct is 24 bytes where C reads 32.
-	flags uint32 //nolint:unused // part of the C layout
-}
-
-// authorizationItemSet mirrors AuthorizationItemSet, which serves as both an
-// AuthorizationRights and an AuthorizationEnvironment.
-type authorizationItemSet struct {
-	count uint32
-	items *authorizationItem
-}
-
-var (
-	authorizationCreate                func(rights, environment *authorizationItemSet, flags uint32, authorization *uintptr) int32
-	authorizationExecuteWithPrivileges func(authorization uintptr, pathToTool string, options uint32, arguments *uintptr, communicationsPipe *uintptr) int32
-	authorizationFree                  func(authorization uintptr, flags uint32) int32
-	fileno                             func(stream uintptr) int32
-	fclose                             func(stream uintptr) int32
-
-	loadOnce sync.Once
-	loadErr  error
-)
-
-// load resolves the functions once. A framework that cannot be opened, or a symbol
-// that is no longer there, leaves the host without a mechanism rather than taking
-// the process down with it: see the note on deprecation above.
-func load() error {
-	loadOnce.Do(func() { loadErr = guard("loading Security.framework", resolve) })
-	return loadErr
-}
-
-// guard turns a panic out of the FFI layer into an error, so an API that has
-// changed under us costs the user a prompt rather than the window they were
-// clicking in. purego panics on a signature it cannot map, and this is the one
-// place in the client that calls a deprecated system function.
-//
-// It catches Go panics, which is what purego raises. A fault inside the framework
-// itself is not a panic and not recoverable; the layout the tests pin down is what
-// stands between us and that.
-func guard(what string, fn func() error) (err error) {
-	defer func() {
-		r := recover()
-		if r == nil {
-			return
-		}
-		log.Errorf("%s panicked: %v", what, r)
-		err = fmt.Errorf("%w: %s: %v", ErrUnavailable, what, r)
-	}()
-	return fn()
-}
-
-func resolve() error {
-	security, err := purego.Dlopen(securityFramework, purego.RTLD_LAZY|purego.RTLD_GLOBAL)
-	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("open %s: %w", securityFramework, err)
-	}
-	system, err := purego.Dlopen(libSystem, purego.RTLD_LAZY|purego.RTLD_GLOBAL)
-	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("open %s: %w", libSystem, err)
-	}
-
-	// purego.RegisterLibFunc panics on a symbol it cannot find, which is not how a
-	// deprecated function's disappearance should reach the user.
-	for _, fn := range []struct {
-		ptr    any
-		handle uintptr
-		name   string
-	}{
-		{&authorizationCreate, security, "AuthorizationCreate"},
-		{&authorizationExecuteWithPrivileges, security, "AuthorizationExecuteWithPrivileges"},
-		{&authorizationFree, security, "AuthorizationFree"},
-		{&fileno, system, "fileno"},
-		{&fclose, system, "fclose"},
-	} {
-		symbol, err := purego.Dlsym(fn.handle, fn.name)
-		if err != nil {
-			return fmt.Errorf("resolve %s: %w", fn.name, err)
-		}
-		if symbol == 0 {
-			return fmt.Errorf("resolve %s: not present on this system", fn.name)
-		}
-		purego.RegisterFunc(fn.ptr, symbol)
-	}
-	return nil
-}
-
-// run asks the system to run self as root: first for the right, which is what puts
-// up the authentication dialog and collects the password or takes the Touch ID,
-// then for the tool. The credentials go to the system's authorization trampoline
-// and never to us.
-//
-// The context bounds only our own waiting; the dialog belongs to the system and
-// closes when the user answers it.
-func run(ctx context.Context, self string, args []string) error {
-	if err := load(); err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("%w: %v", ErrUnavailable, err)
-	}
-
-	return guard("asking for privileges", func() error {
-		authorization, err := authorize()
-		if err != nil {
-			return err
-		}
-		defer authorizationFree(authorization, flagDestroyRights)
-
-		return execute(ctx, authorization, self, args)
-	})
-}
-
-func mechanismAvailable() bool {
-	if err := load(); err != nil {
-		return false
-	}
-	info, err := os.Stat(trampoline)
-	return err == nil && !info.IsDir()
-}
-
-// authorize obtains the right, prompting for it. A dismissed dialog comes back as
-// errAuthorizationCanceled and a password given up on as errAuthorizationDenied;
-// both are the user's answer rather than a failure.
-func authorize() (uintptr, error) {
-	var pinner runtime.Pinner
-	defer pinner.Unpin()
-
-	rights := itemSet(&pinner, authorizationItem{name: cString(&pinner, rightExecute)})
-	environment := itemSet(&pinner, promptItem(&pinner))
-
-	var authorization uintptr
-	status := authorizationCreate(rights, environment,
-		flagDefaults|flagInteractionAllowed|flagPreAuthorize|flagExtendRights, &authorization)
-
-	switch status {
-	case errAuthorizationSuccess:
-		return authorization, nil
-	case errAuthorizationCanceled, errAuthorizationDenied:
-		return 0, ErrDeclined
-	case errAuthorizationInteractionNotAllowed:
-		// Nowhere to put a dialog, so there is nobody to ask: a launch daemon, or
-		// a session with no window server.
-		return 0, fmt.Errorf("%w: this session cannot show an authorization prompt", ErrUnavailable)
-	default:
-		return 0, fmt.Errorf("request %s: OSStatus %d", rightExecute, status)
-	}
-}
-
-// execute runs the tool with the right in hand and waits for it by reading the pipe
-// it is given until the tool closes it.
-//
-// AuthorizationExecuteWithPrivileges reports no exit status and does not say what
-// process it started, which is why the one-shot says so itself: what it prints is
-// the only evidence that the change was applied.
-func execute(ctx context.Context, authorization uintptr, self string, args []string) error {
-	var pinner runtime.Pinner
-	defer pinner.Unpin()
-
-	argv := make([]uintptr, 0, len(args)+1)
-	for _, arg := range args {
-		argv = append(argv, uintptr(unsafe.Pointer(cString(&pinner, arg))))
-	}
-	argv = append(argv, 0)
-	pinner.Pin(&argv[0])
-
-	var pipe uintptr
-	status := authorizationExecuteWithPrivileges(authorization, self, flagDefaults, &argv[0], &pipe)
-	switch status {
-	case errAuthorizationSuccess:
-	case errAuthorizationCanceled:
-		return ErrDeclined
-	case errAuthorizationToolExecuteFailure, errAuthorizationToolEnvironmentError:
-		// The right was granted and the tool still did not start. Nothing the user
-		// can do about it from here, so point them at the command instead.
-		return fmt.Errorf("%w: the system would not run %s elevated (OSStatus %d)", ErrUnavailable, self, status)
-	default:
-		return fmt.Errorf("run %s elevated: OSStatus %d", self, status)
-	}
-
-	out, err := readPipe(ctx, pipe)
-	if err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
-	return checkApplied(out)
-}
-
-// checkApplied reads the one-shot's report, which stands in for the exit status
-// there is no way to ask for here. A run that said nothing did not apply the
-// change, whatever else went on.
-func checkApplied(out string) error {
-	if !strings.Contains(out, AppliedMarker) {
-		return fmt.Errorf("elevated netbird did not report the change as applied: %s", firstLine(out))
-	}
-	return nil
-}
-
-// readPipe drains the tool's output, which ends when the tool exits and is
-// therefore also how we wait for it.
-func readPipe(ctx context.Context, pipe uintptr) (string, error) {
-	if pipe == 0 {
-		return "", nil
-	}
-	defer fclose(pipe)
-
-	fd := int(fileno(pipe))
-	if fd < 0 {
-		return "", nil
-	}
-
-	var out strings.Builder
-	buf := make([]byte, 4096)
-	for {
-		if err := ctx.Err(); err != nil {
-			return out.String(), err
-		}
-		n, err := syscall.Read(fd, buf)
-		if n > 0 {
-			out.Write(buf[:n])
-		}
-		switch {
-		case errors.Is(err, syscall.EINTR):
-			// A signal landed mid-read, which says nothing about the tool.
-			continue
-		case err != nil:
-			log.Debugf("read the elevated process's output: %v", err)
-			return out.String(), nil
-		case n <= 0:
-			// End of file: the tool closed the pipe, which is how it exiting
-			// reaches us.
-			return out.String(), nil
-		}
-	}
-}
-
-// itemSet builds an AuthorizationItemSet over items, pinned for the call.
-func itemSet(pinner *runtime.Pinner, items ...authorizationItem) *authorizationItemSet {
-	pinner.Pin(&items[0])
-	set := &authorizationItemSet{count: uint32(len(items)), items: &items[0]}
-	pinner.Pin(set)
-	return set
-}
-
-// promptItem is the environment entry carrying our sentence for the dialog.
-func promptItem(pinner *runtime.Pinner) authorizationItem {
-	value := []byte(promptText)
-	pinner.Pin(&value[0])
-	return authorizationItem{
-		name:        cString(pinner, promptKey),
-		valueLength: uintptr(len(value)),
-		value:       unsafe.Pointer(&value[0]),
-	}
-}
-
-// cString returns a NUL-terminated copy of s, pinned so the C side may hold it for
-// the duration of the call.
-func cString(pinner *runtime.Pinner, s string) *byte {
-	b := append([]byte(s), 0)
-	pinner.Pin(&b[0])
-	return &b[0]
-}

client/internal/elevate/run_darwin_test.go

@@ -1,111 +0,0 @@
-package elevate
-
-import (
-	"errors"
-	"runtime"
-	"testing"
-
-	"github.com/stretchr/testify/assert"
-	"github.com/stretchr/testify/require"
-)
-
-// The framework has to load and the symbols have to resolve, or nothing else here
-// means anything.
-func TestSecurityFrameworkLoads(t *testing.T) {
-	require.NoError(t, load(), "Security.framework must open")
-
-	for name, fn := range map[string]any{
-		"AuthorizationCreate":                authorizationCreate,
-		"AuthorizationExecuteWithPrivileges": authorizationExecuteWithPrivileges,
-		"AuthorizationFree":                  authorizationFree,
-		"fileno":                             fileno,
-		"fclose":                             fclose,
-	} {
-		assert.NotNil(t, fn, "%s must resolve", name)
-	}
-}
-
-// A request with no interaction allowed exercises the whole call — the rights and
-// environment structs, and the OSStatus that comes back — without a dialog anybody
-// has to answer. What the system decides is its business; that it decides at all is
-// what this asserts.
-func TestAuthorizationCreateWithoutInteraction(t *testing.T) {
-	if err := load(); err != nil {
-		t.Skipf("Security.framework did not open: %v", err)
-	}
-
-	var pinner runtime.Pinner
-	defer pinner.Unpin()
-
-	rights := itemSet(&pinner, authorizationItem{name: cString(&pinner, rightExecute)})
-	environment := itemSet(&pinner, promptItem(&pinner))
-	require.EqualValues(t, 1, rights.count, "the rights struct layout must match the C one")
-
-	var authorization uintptr
-	status := authorizationCreate(rights, environment, flagDefaults|flagExtendRights, &authorization)
-
-	switch status {
-	case errAuthorizationSuccess:
-		// Credentials were already cached for this session.
-		authorizationFree(authorization, flagDestroyRights)
-	case errAuthorizationDenied, errAuthorizationInteractionNotAllowed:
-		// The expected answers when nobody may be asked.
-	default:
-		require.Failf(t, "unknown OSStatus", "AuthorizationCreate returned %d, want a status we recognise", status)
-	}
-}
-
-// Asking with a right nobody has must not be mistaken for a declined prompt: the
-// caller would report nothing at all.
-func TestAuthorizeUnknownRightIsNotDeclined(t *testing.T) {
-	if err := load(); err != nil {
-		t.Skipf("Security.framework did not open: %v", err)
-	}
-
-	var pinner runtime.Pinner
-	defer pinner.Unpin()
-
-	rights := itemSet(&pinner, authorizationItem{name: cString(&pinner, "io.netbird.right.that.does.not.exist")})
-
-	var authorization uintptr
-	status := authorizationCreate(rights, nil, flagDefaults|flagExtendRights, &authorization)
-	if status == errAuthorizationSuccess {
-		authorizationFree(authorization, flagDestroyRights)
-	}
-	assert.NotEqual(t, int32(errAuthorizationSuccess), status, "a right that does not exist must not be granted")
-}
-
-func TestMechanismAvailable(t *testing.T) {
-	assert.True(t, mechanismAvailable(), "the trampoline exists on every macOS")
-}
-
-// The one-shot's report is what stands in for an exit status here, so a run that
-// says nothing must not read as success.
-func TestCheckApplied(t *testing.T) {
-	require.NoError(t, checkApplied(AppliedMarker+"\n"), "the report the one-shot prints")
-	require.NoError(t, checkApplied("some warning\n"+AppliedMarker+"\n"), "the report after other output")
-
-	assert.Error(t, checkApplied(""), "a run that printed nothing did not apply the change")
-	assert.Error(t, checkApplied("dyld: library not loaded\n"), "output that is not the report")
-}
-
-// A panic out of the FFI layer has to reach the caller as "no mechanism", which is
-// the outcome that offers the user the command instead of taking the window down.
-func TestGuardTurnsAPanicIntoUnavailable(t *testing.T) {
-	err := guard("pretending to call something", func() error {
-		panic("purego: signature it cannot map")
-	})
-
-	require.ErrorIs(t, err, ErrUnavailable, "a panic must read as a missing mechanism")
-	assert.Contains(t, err.Error(), "pretending to call something", "what panicked")
-}
-
-// guard wraps every darwin path, so what a caller switches on has to survive it.
-func TestGuardPassesErrorsThrough(t *testing.T) {
-	sentinel := errors.New("the call itself failed")
-	assert.ErrorIs(t, guard("calling", func() error { return sentinel }), sentinel,
-		"the error it was given")
-	assert.ErrorIs(t, guard("calling", func() error { return ErrDeclined }), ErrDeclined,
-		"a declined prompt stays declined")
-	assert.NoError(t, guard("calling", func() error { return nil }), "a call that worked")
-}

client/internal/elevate/run_unix.go

@@ -1,117 +0,0 @@
-//go:build linux
-
-package elevate
-
-import (
-	"context"
-	"errors"
-	"fmt"
-	"io"
-	"os"
-	"os/exec"
-	"strings"
-)
-
-// pkexec exit codes that are about the authorization rather than about the program
-// we asked it to run. The manual page reserves both.
-const (
-	// exitDismissed is returned when the user dismissed the authentication
-	// dialog.
-	exitDismissed = 126
-	// exitNotAuthorized is returned when the authorization was not obtained. That
-	// covers the user saying no as well as pkexec having had nobody to ask: see
-	// noAgentMarkers.
-	exitNotAuthorized = 127
-)
-
-// exitNotAuthorized covers three different endings that only pkexec's own words
-// tell apart, so they are matched here. Read with LC_ALL=C so the words are the
-// ones written below.
-//
-// refusedMarker is a refusal: the user said no, gave up on the password, or holds
-// an account that may not elevate at all.
-const refusedMarker = "Not authorized"
-
-// noAgentMarkers say pkexec had no way to ask: no agent registered for the
-// session, and no controlling terminal for the textual agent it falls back to.
-var noAgentMarkers = []string{"authentication agent", "controlling terminal"}
-
-// run asks polkit to run self as root. pkexec hands the request to the session's
-// polkit agent, which is what prompts and what collects any password; we see only
-// its verdict.
-//
-// The environment is otherwise deliberately not passed through: pkexec clears it
-// bar a small allowlist, and the one-shot needs nothing from it.
-func run(ctx context.Context, self string, args []string) error {
-	pkexec, err := exec.LookPath("pkexec")
-	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("%w: pkexec is not installed", ErrUnavailable)
-	}
-
-	cmd := exec.CommandContext(ctx, pkexec, append([]string{self}, args...)...)
-	// C locale so pkexec's own diagnostics are the ones noAgentMarkers knows.
-	cmd.Env = append(os.Environ(), "LC_ALL=C")
-	var stderr strings.Builder
-	cmd.Stderr = &stderr
-	// The one-shot reports itself on stdout for macOS's sake, where there is no
-	// exit status to read. Here there is one, so that line is noise.
-	cmd.Stdout = io.Discard
-
-	err = cmd.Run()
-	if err == nil {
-		return nil
-	}
-
-	var exitErr *exec.ExitError
-	if !errors.As(err, &exitErr) {
-		return fmt.Errorf("run pkexec: %w", err)
-	}
-
-	// Matched against everything pkexec said, reported as one line: a complaint
-	// that is not the first thing printed still has to be recognised, and reading
-	// it as a refusal would swallow it.
-	full := stderr.String()
-	out := firstLine(full)
-
-	switch exitErr.ExitCode() {
-	case exitDismissed:
-		return ErrDeclined
-	case exitNotAuthorized:
-		return notAuthorized(full, out)
-	default:
-		return fmt.Errorf("elevated netbird exited with %d: %s", exitErr.ExitCode(), out)
-	}
-}
-
-// notAuthorized sorts out the three endings pkexec reports as exitNotAuthorized.
-//
-// It also returns that code when the authorization succeeded and it then could
-// not run the program, so a refusal has to be recognised rather than assumed:
-// reading every one of these as "the user said no" would revert the control in
-// silence on a host where elevation is broken.
-func notAuthorized(full, out string) error {
-	switch {
-	case hasAny(full, noAgentMarkers):
-		return fmt.Errorf("%w: polkit had no way to ask: %s", ErrUnavailable, out)
-	case out == noOutput, strings.Contains(full, refusedMarker):
-		// The user said no, which needs no message; that an account barred from
-		// elevating altogether lands here too is why the reason is kept.
-		return fmt.Errorf("%w: %s", ErrDeclined, out)
-	default:
-		return fmt.Errorf("pkexec could not run elevated netbird: %s", out)
-	}
-}
-
-func hasAny(s string, markers []string) bool {
-	for _, marker := range markers {
-		if strings.Contains(s, marker) {
-			return true
-		}
-	}
-	return false
-}
-
-func mechanismAvailable() bool {
-	_, err := exec.LookPath("pkexec")
-	return err == nil
-}

client/internal/elevate/run_unix_test.go

@@ -1,110 +0,0 @@
-//go:build linux
-
-package elevate
-
-import (
-	"context"
-	"fmt"
-	"os"
-	"path/filepath"
-	"strings"
-	"testing"
-
-	"github.com/stretchr/testify/assert"
-	"github.com/stretchr/testify/require"
-)
-
-// fakePkexec puts a pkexec on PATH that exits with the given code, so the
-// mapping from polkit's exit codes onto our errors can be exercised without a
-// polkit agent.
-func fakePkexec(t *testing.T, exitCode int, stderr string) {
-	t.Helper()
-
-	dir := t.TempDir()
-	script := fmt.Sprintf("#!/bin/sh\necho %s >&2\nexit %d\n", shellQuote(stderr), exitCode)
-	require.NoError(t, os.WriteFile(filepath.Join(dir, "pkexec"), []byte(script), 0o700), "write the fake pkexec")
-	t.Setenv("PATH", dir)
-}
-
-func shellQuote(s string) string {
-	return "'" + strings.ReplaceAll(s, "'", `'\''`) + "'"
-}
-
-func TestRunMapsPkexecExitCodes(t *testing.T) {
-	tests := []struct {
-		name     string
-		exitCode int
-		stderr   string
-		wantErr  error
-	}{
-		{name: "applied", exitCode: 0},
-		{
-			name:     "dialog dismissed",
-			exitCode: exitDismissed,
-			stderr:   "Error executing command as another user: Request dismissed",
-			wantErr:  ErrDeclined,
-		},
-		{
-			// What a graphical agent reports for a cancelled prompt. Not a
-			// failure: the user was asked and answered.
-			name:     "prompt cancelled",
-			exitCode: exitNotAuthorized,
-			stderr:   "Error executing command as another user: Not authorized",
-			wantErr:  ErrDeclined,
-		},
-		{
-			// The same status, but pkexec never got to ask anybody.
-			name:     "no agent and no terminal to fall back on",
-			exitCode: exitNotAuthorized,
-			stderr:   "Error creating textual authentication agent: Error opening current controlling terminal for the process (`/dev/tty'): No such device or address",
-			wantErr:  ErrUnavailable,
-		},
-		{
-			// And the same status again once the authorization succeeded and
-			// pkexec could not run what it had been authorized to run. Reading
-			// that as a refusal would revert the control in silence on a host
-			// where elevation is broken.
-			name:     "authorized but not runnable",
-			exitCode: exitNotAuthorized,
-			stderr:   "Error executing command as another user: No such file or directory",
-		},
-	}
-
-	for _, tt := range tests {
-		t.Run(tt.name, func(t *testing.T) {
-			fakePkexec(t, tt.exitCode, tt.stderr)
-
-			err := run(context.Background(), "/nonexistent/netbird-ui", []string{"--flag"})
-			switch {
-			case tt.wantErr != nil:
-				require.ErrorIs(t, err, tt.wantErr, "exit %d said %q", tt.exitCode, tt.stderr)
-			case tt.exitCode == 0:
-				require.NoError(t, err, "a pkexec that exited cleanly applied the change")
-			default:
-				require.Error(t, err, "exit %d said %q", tt.exitCode, tt.stderr)
-				assert.NotErrorIs(t, err, ErrDeclined, "not the user's answer")
-				assert.NotErrorIs(t, err, ErrUnavailable, "not a missing mechanism")
-			}
-		})
-	}
-}
-
-// An exit code that is not polkit's is the one-shot's own failure, and has to
-// stay distinguishable from a declined prompt: the caller reports it.
-func TestRunReportsOneShotFailure(t *testing.T) {
-	fakePkexec(t, 3, "the one-shot said no")
-
-	err := run(context.Background(), "/nonexistent/netbird-ui", nil)
-
-	require.Error(t, err, "a one-shot that failed is not a prompt that was answered")
-	assert.NotErrorIs(t, err, ErrDeclined, "not the user's answer")
-	assert.NotErrorIs(t, err, ErrUnavailable, "not a missing mechanism")
-}
-
-func TestRunWithoutPkexecIsUnavailable(t *testing.T) {
-	t.Setenv("PATH", t.TempDir())
-
-	err := run(context.Background(), "/nonexistent/netbird-ui", nil)
-	require.ErrorIs(t, err, ErrUnavailable, "no pkexec means no mechanism")
-	assert.False(t, mechanismAvailable(), "mechanismAvailable without pkexec on PATH")
-}

client/internal/elevate/run_unsupported.go

@@ -1,19 +0,0 @@
-//go:build !windows && !darwin && !linux
-
-package elevate
-
-import "context"
-
-// run reports that this platform has no elevation prompt to drive.
-//
-// The desktop app is the only caller and is not built for any of these: mobile
-// and WASM have no local user to ask, and the FreeBSD client ships without a UI.
-// pkexec would be the mechanism there, and run_unix.go is what to widen if that
-// changes.
-func run(context.Context, string, []string) error {
-	return ErrUnavailable
-}
-
-func mechanismAvailable() bool {
-	return false
-}

client/internal/elevate/run_windows.go

@@ -1,193 +0,0 @@
-package elevate
-
-import (
-	"context"
-	"errors"
-	"fmt"
-	"runtime"
-	"unsafe"
-
-	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
-	"golang.org/x/sys/windows"
-)
-
-const (
-	// seeMaskNoCloseProcess keeps the started process's handle open in
-	// hProcess so we can wait for it.
-	seeMaskNoCloseProcess = 0x00000040
-	// seeMaskNoAsync makes ShellExecuteExW finish its work before returning,
-	// which it must when the calling thread does not pump messages.
-	seeMaskNoAsync = 0x00000100
-	// seeMaskFlagNoUI suppresses the shell's own error dialogs; the UAC consent
-	// dialog is not one of them and still appears.
-	seeMaskFlagNoUI = 0x00000400
-
-	// swHide: the one-shot has no window to show.
-	swHide = 0
-
-	// sFalse (S_FALSE) answers CoInitializeEx when COM is already up on this
-	// thread in the mode we asked for; rpcChangedMode (RPC_E_CHANGED_MODE) when
-	// it is up in the other one.
-	sFalse         = 1
-	rpcChangedMode = 0x80010106
-)
-
-// shellExecuteInfoW mirrors SHELLEXECUTEINFOW. The field order and Go's own
-// padding match the C layout on both 386 and amd64.
-type shellExecuteInfoW struct {
-	cbSize         uint32
-	fMask          uint32
-	hwnd           windows.HWND
-	lpVerb         *uint16
-	lpFile         *uint16
-	lpParameters   *uint16
-	lpDirectory    *uint16
-	nShow          int32
-	hInstApp       windows.Handle
-	lpIDList       uintptr
-	lpClass        *uint16
-	hkeyClass      windows.Handle
-	dwHotKey       uint32
-	hIconOrMonitor windows.Handle
-	hProcess       windows.Handle
-}
-
-var (
-	shell32            = windows.NewLazySystemDLL("shell32.dll")
-	procShellExecuteEx = shell32.NewProc("ShellExecuteExW")
-)
-
-// run starts self elevated with the "runas" verb, which is what raises the UAC
-// consent dialog, and waits for it to finish. Windows decides whether consent is
-// enough or an administrator's credentials are needed, and collects them itself.
-func run(ctx context.Context, self string, args []string) error {
-	verb, err := windows.UTF16PtrFromString("runas")
-	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("encode verb: %w", err)
-	}
-	file, err := windows.UTF16PtrFromString(self)
-	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("encode %s: %w", self, err)
-	}
-	params, err := windows.UTF16PtrFromString(windows.ComposeCommandLine(args))
-	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("encode arguments: %w", err)
-	}
-
-	info := shellExecuteInfoW{
-		fMask:        seeMaskNoCloseProcess | seeMaskNoAsync | seeMaskFlagNoUI,
-		hwnd:         ownerWindow(),
-		lpVerb:       verb,
-		lpFile:       file,
-		lpParameters: params,
-		nShow:        swHide,
-	}
-	info.cbSize = uint32(unsafe.Sizeof(info))
-
-	process, err := shellExecute(&info)
-	if err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
-	defer func() {
-		if err := windows.CloseHandle(process); err != nil {
-			log.Debugf("close elevated process handle: %v", err)
-		}
-	}()
-
-	return waitForProcess(ctx, process)
-}
-
-// shellExecute performs the call itself. ShellExecuteExW wants COM initialised on
-// the calling thread, so the goroutine is pinned to one for the duration and COM
-// is set up on it; an "already initialised, different mode" answer is fine,
-// because then somebody else has done it for us.
-func shellExecute(info *shellExecuteInfoW) (windows.Handle, error) {
-	runtime.LockOSThread()
-	defer runtime.UnlockOSThread()
-
-	switch err := windows.CoInitializeEx(0, windows.COINIT_APARTMENTTHREADED); {
-	case err == nil, isHResult(err, sFalse):
-		// Ours, or already initialised in the same mode: either way this call
-		// counts and has to be balanced.
-		defer windows.CoUninitialize()
-	case isHResult(err, rpcChangedMode):
-		// The thread is already in the other apartment model. ShellExecuteExW
-		// works there too, and there is nothing of ours to balance.
-	default:
-		return 0, fmt.Errorf("initialise COM: %w", err)
-	}
-
-	ret, _, lastErr := procShellExecuteEx.Call(uintptr(unsafe.Pointer(info)))
-	if ret != 0 {
-		return info.hProcess, nil
-	}
-
-	if errors.Is(lastErr, windows.ERROR_CANCELLED) {
-		return 0, ErrDeclined
-	}
-	return 0, fmt.Errorf("run elevated: %w", lastErr)
-}
-
-// ownerWindow returns this process's foreground window, and 0 when the window in
-// front belongs to somebody else or cannot be attributed. ShellExecuteExW takes it
-// as the parent for the UI it raises, which is what keeps the consent dialog in
-// front of the window the user was just clicking in instead of behind it. It is
-// also what a remote-desktop session needs to place the dialog at all when the
-// secure desktop is switched off.
-func ownerWindow() windows.HWND {
-	hwnd := windows.GetForegroundWindow()
-	if hwnd == 0 {
-		return 0
-	}
-
-	var pid uint32
-	if _, err := windows.GetWindowThreadProcessId(hwnd, &pid); err != nil {
-		log.Debugf("cannot attribute the foreground window, raising the prompt without an owner: %v", err)
-		return 0
-	}
-	if pid != windows.GetCurrentProcessId() {
-		return 0
-	}
-	return hwnd
-}
-
-// isHResult reports whether err carries the given HRESULT. CoInitializeEx
-// returns its HRESULT as an Errno, so the comparison is on the raw value.
-func isHResult(err error, hresult uintptr) bool {
-	var errno windows.Errno
-	return errors.As(err, &errno) && uintptr(errno) == hresult
-}
-
-func waitForProcess(ctx context.Context, process windows.Handle) error {
-	// The wait is interruptible so a cancelled context stops us waiting on a
-	// consent dialog nobody is going to answer. The elevated process is not
-	// ours to kill, and it either applies the change or does not.
-	for {
-		event, err := windows.WaitForSingleObject(process, 250)
-		if err != nil {
-			return fmt.Errorf("wait for the elevated process: %w", err)
-		}
-		if event == uint32(windows.WAIT_OBJECT_0) {
-			break
-		}
-		if err := ctx.Err(); err != nil {
-			return err
-		}
-	}
-
-	var code uint32
-	if err := windows.GetExitCodeProcess(process, &code); err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("read the elevated process's exit code: %w", err)
-	}
-	if code != 0 {
-		return fmt.Errorf("elevated netbird exited with %d", code)
-	}
-	return nil
-}
-
-// mechanismAvailable is true on Windows: UAC prompts for consent when the user
-// is an administrator and for an administrator's credentials when they are not,
-// so there is always something to ask.
-func mechanismAvailable() bool {
-	return true
-}

client/internal/elevate/trusted.go

@@ -1,40 +0,0 @@
-package elevate
-
-import (
-	"fmt"
-	"os"
-	"path/filepath"
-)
-
-// trustedSelf returns the path of this executable, provided it is one we are
-// willing to have run as root.
-//
-// The check is what keeps elevation from becoming a way to launder someone
-// else's code into a root process: the user consents to NetBird being elevated,
-// having been shown NetBird's name, so what runs must be the file NetBird was
-// installed as and not something a third party could have swapped for it. An
-// executable only its owner can write is that; anything wider is refused, and
-// the caller falls back to showing the command instead.
-//
-// The owner writing to their own executable is not part of that threat: code
-// running as the user can already prompt them for anything, and could just as
-// well ask them to run the command by hand. What matters is that no *other*
-// unprivileged account can reach it.
-func trustedSelf() (string, error) {
-	exe, err := os.Executable()
-	if err != nil {
-		return "", fmt.Errorf("locate this executable: %w", err)
-	}
-
-	// Resolve symlinks so the checks below apply to the file that would actually
-	// be executed, not to a link somebody else may control.
-	resolved, err := filepath.EvalSymlinks(exe)
-	if err != nil {
-		return "", fmt.Errorf("resolve %s: %w", exe, err)
-	}
-
-	if err := checkOnlyOwnerWritable(resolved); err != nil {
-		return "", fmt.Errorf("%w: %s cannot be trusted to run as root: %w", ErrUnavailable, resolved, err)
-	}
-	return resolved, nil
-}

client/internal/elevate/trusted_group_darwin.go

@@ -1,10 +0,0 @@
-package elevate
-
-// adminWriteGIDs are the groups whose write access to an executable does not
-// widen who could authorize elevating it.
-//
-// macOS installs applications as root:admin, mode 0775, /Applications included,
-// so requiring owner-only write would reject every normal install. Group admin
-// (gid 80) is exactly the set of accounts that can answer the authentication
-// dialog, so its write access grants nothing the prompt would not.
-var adminWriteGIDs = []uint32{0, 80}

client/internal/elevate/trusted_group_unix.go

@@ -1,9 +0,0 @@
-//go:build !windows && !darwin
-
-package elevate
-
-// adminWriteGIDs are the groups whose write access to an executable does not
-// widen who could authorize elevating it. Only root's own group qualifies here:
-// a distribution installs into root-owned directories, and there is no
-// system-wide administrators group that both writes them and answers polkit.
-var adminWriteGIDs = []uint32{0}

client/internal/elevate/trusted_unix.go

@@ -1,146 +0,0 @@
-//go:build !windows
-
-package elevate
-
-import (
-	"bufio"
-	"errors"
-	"fmt"
-	"os"
-	"os/user"
-	"path/filepath"
-	"slices"
-	"strconv"
-	"strings"
-	"syscall"
-
-	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
-)
-
-// groupFile lists which accounts are in which group, for the membership a user
-// private group's name does not state: see groupHasOtherMembers.
-const groupFile = "/etc/group"
-
-// checkOnlyOwnerWritable reports an error unless path, and every directory leading
-// to it, is owned by either root or this user and writable by nobody who could not
-// already act as its owner. A writable directory is as good as a writable file,
-// since anything in it can be replaced, so the whole chain is checked.
-func checkOnlyOwnerWritable(path string) error {
-	self := uint32(os.Getuid())
-
-	for dir := path; ; dir = filepath.Dir(dir) {
-		info, err := os.Lstat(dir)
-		if err != nil {
-			return fmt.Errorf("stat %s: %w", dir, err)
-		}
-
-		stat, ok := info.Sys().(*syscall.Stat_t)
-		if !ok {
-			return errors.New("file ownership is unavailable on this platform")
-		}
-		if stat.Uid != 0 && stat.Uid != self {
-			return fmt.Errorf("%s is owned by uid %d, neither root nor this user", dir, stat.Uid)
-		}
-
-		if err := checkWriteBits(dir, info, stat.Uid, stat.Gid); err != nil {
-			return err
-		}
-
-		if parent := filepath.Dir(dir); parent == dir {
-			return nil
-		}
-	}
-}
-
-func checkWriteBits(path string, info os.FileInfo, uid, gid uint32) error {
-	// On a directory the sticky bit stands in for the write bits: whoever may
-	// write there still cannot replace an entry they do not own, which is the
-	// only thing that would matter to us. /tmp is the usual example.
-	sticky := info.IsDir() && info.Mode()&os.ModeSticky != 0
-
-	return writeBitsAllow(path, info.Mode().Perm(), sticky, groupWriteAllowed(uid, gid))
-}
-
-// writeBitsAllow decides on the permission bits alone, given whether the group's
-// write access has been vouched for.
-func writeBitsAllow(path string, perm os.FileMode, sticky, groupAllowed bool) error {
-	if sticky {
-		return nil
-	}
-	if perm&0o020 != 0 && !groupAllowed {
-		return fmt.Errorf("%s is writable by a group with members other than its owner (%v)", path, perm)
-	}
-	if perm&0o002 != 0 {
-		return fmt.Errorf("%s is world-writable (%v)", path, perm)
-	}
-	return nil
-}
-
-// groupWriteAllowed reports whether a group's write access to a file owned by uid
-// puts it in reach of anyone who could not already act as that owner.
-//
-// Two ways it does not. A group in adminWriteGIDs holds the accounts that can
-// answer the elevation prompt anyway. And a user private group is how Debian,
-// Ubuntu and Fedora ship: their umask of 002 makes a home directory and
-// everything built in it group-writable, so refusing that would refuse every
-// build not installed from a package.
-func groupWriteAllowed(uid, gid uint32) bool {
-	if slices.Contains(adminWriteGIDs, gid) {
-		return true
-	}
-
-	group, err := user.LookupGroupId(strconv.FormatUint(uint64(gid), 10))
-	if err != nil {
-		log.Debugf("cannot look up group %d, treating it as shared: %v", gid, err)
-		return false
-	}
-	owner, err := user.LookupId(strconv.FormatUint(uint64(uid), 10))
-	if err != nil {
-		log.Debugf("cannot look up uid %d, treating its group as shared: %v", uid, err)
-		return false
-	}
-
-	if group.Name != owner.Username {
-		return false
-	}
-	return !groupHasOtherMembers(groupFile, group.Name, owner.Username)
-}
-
-// groupHasOtherMembers reports whether the group lists a member besides owner.
-//
-// Sharing the owner's name is what a user private group is recognised by, and it
-// says nothing about who is in it: a group that has since gained a member is
-// still named that way, and that member can write whatever the group can. So the
-// membership is read rather than assumed. A group this file does not describe,
-// because it comes from LDAP or another NSS source, cannot be answered here and
-// leaves the name as the only thing to go on.
-func groupHasOtherMembers(path, name, owner string) bool {
-	file, err := os.Open(path)
-	if err != nil {
-		log.Debugf("cannot read %s for the members of group %q: %v", path, name, err)
-		return false
-	}
-	defer func() {
-		if err := file.Close(); err != nil {
-			log.Debugf("close %s: %v", path, err)
-		}
-	}()
-
-	scanner := bufio.NewScanner(file)
-	for scanner.Scan() {
-		// name:password:gid:member,member
-		fields := strings.Split(scanner.Text(), ":")
-		if len(fields) < 4 || fields[0] != name {
-			continue
-		}
-		for member := range strings.SplitSeq(fields[3], ",") {
-			if member != "" && member != owner {
-				return true
-			}
-		}
-	}
-	if err := scanner.Err(); err != nil {
-		log.Debugf("read %s: %v", path, err)
-	}
-	return false
-}

client/internal/elevate/trusted_unix_test.go

@@ -1,177 +0,0 @@
-//go:build !windows
-
-package elevate
-
-import (
-	"os"
-	"os/user"
-	"path/filepath"
-	"strconv"
-	"testing"
-
-	"github.com/stretchr/testify/assert"
-	"github.com/stretchr/testify/require"
-)
-
-// ownerOnlyDir is t.TempDir() with the write bits tightened. testing creates its
-// numbered directory with 0777 minus the umask, so under the common 002 umask it
-// is group-writable and would fail the check under test on its own.
-func ownerOnlyDir(t *testing.T) string {
-	t.Helper()
-	dir := t.TempDir()
-	require.NoError(t, os.Chmod(dir, 0o755), "tighten the temporary directory")
-	return dir
-}
-
-// writeExecutable creates a plain executable file, the shape trustedSelf checks.
-func writeExecutable(t *testing.T, dir string) string {
-	t.Helper()
-	path := filepath.Join(dir, "netbird-ui")
-	require.NoError(t, os.WriteFile(path, []byte("#!/bin/sh\n"), 0o755), "write the executable")
-	require.NoError(t, os.Chmod(path, 0o755), "set the executable's mode")
-	return path
-}
-
-func TestCheckOnlyOwnerWritableAcceptsOwnerOnly(t *testing.T) {
-	err := checkOnlyOwnerWritable(writeExecutable(t, ownerOnlyDir(t)))
-	assert.NoError(t, err, "an owner-only writable executable is trustworthy")
-}
-
-func TestCheckOnlyOwnerWritableRejectsWorldWritableFile(t *testing.T) {
-	path := writeExecutable(t, ownerOnlyDir(t))
-	require.NoError(t, os.Chmod(path, 0o777), "make the executable world-writable")
-
-	assert.Error(t, checkOnlyOwnerWritable(path), "a world-writable executable must be refused")
-}
-
-// The permission policy on its own, without a filesystem to arrange: whether the
-// group has been vouched for is the only thing that makes group write acceptable.
-func TestWriteBitsAllow(t *testing.T) {
-	tests := []struct {
-		name         string
-		perm         os.FileMode
-		sticky       bool
-		groupAllowed bool
-		wantErr      bool
-	}{
-		{name: "owner only", perm: 0o755},
-		{name: "group write in a private group", perm: 0o775, groupAllowed: true},
-		{name: "group write in a shared group", perm: 0o775, wantErr: true},
-		{name: "world write", perm: 0o777, groupAllowed: true, wantErr: true},
-		{name: "world write on a sticky directory", perm: 0o777, sticky: true},
-		{name: "group write on a sticky directory", perm: 0o775, sticky: true},
-	}
-
-	for _, tt := range tests {
-		t.Run(tt.name, func(t *testing.T) {
-			err := writeBitsAllow("/path", tt.perm, tt.sticky, tt.groupAllowed)
-			if tt.wantErr {
-				assert.Error(t, err, "perm %v, sticky %v, group allowed %v", tt.perm, tt.sticky, tt.groupAllowed)
-				return
-			}
-			assert.NoError(t, err, "perm %v, sticky %v, group allowed %v", tt.perm, tt.sticky, tt.groupAllowed)
-		})
-	}
-}
-
-// A build under a home directory on a distribution with a 002 umask, which is what
-// a locally built or tarball-installed binary looks like. Its group has no members
-// but its owner, so it is as good as owner-only.
-//
-// Whether this host is such a distribution is read from the environment rather than
-// from groupWriteAllowed: asking the function under test whether to run would let
-// it skip its own coverage away if it regressed to refusing everything.
-func TestCheckOnlyOwnerWritableAcceptsOwnPrivateGroup(t *testing.T) {
-	requirePrivatePrimaryGroup(t)
-
-	dir := ownerOnlyDir(t)
-	path := writeExecutable(t, dir)
-	require.NoError(t, os.Chmod(dir, 0o775), "make the directory group-writable")
-	require.NoError(t, os.Chmod(path, 0o775), "make the executable group-writable")
-
-	err := checkOnlyOwnerWritable(path)
-	assert.NoError(t, err, "group write in the owner's own private group reaches nobody else")
-}
-
-// A group that shares its owner's name but has gained another member is no longer
-// private, and its write access reaches an account that could not elevate.
-func TestGroupHasOtherMembers(t *testing.T) {
-	tests := []struct {
-		name  string
-		entry string
-		want  bool
-	}{
-		{name: "no members", entry: "vma:x:1000:"},
-		{name: "only the owner", entry: "vma:x:1000:vma"},
-		{name: "another member", entry: "vma:x:1000:bob", want: true},
-		{name: "the owner and another", entry: "vma:x:1000:vma,bob", want: true},
-	}
-
-	for _, tt := range tests {
-		t.Run(tt.name, func(t *testing.T) {
-			path := filepath.Join(t.TempDir(), "group")
-			body := "root:x:0:\n" + tt.entry + "\nsudo:x:27:vma\n"
-			require.NoError(t, os.WriteFile(path, []byte(body), 0o644), "write the group file")
-
-			assert.Equal(t, tt.want, groupHasOtherMembers(path, "vma", "vma"), "entry %q", tt.entry)
-		})
-	}
-}
-
-// A group file that says nothing about the group leaves the name as the only thing
-// to go on, so the private-group allowance stands rather than collapsing on every
-// host whose groups come from LDAP.
-func TestGroupHasOtherMembersTolerantOfAnUnknownGroup(t *testing.T) {
-	path := filepath.Join(t.TempDir(), "group")
-	require.NoError(t, os.WriteFile(path, []byte("root:x:0:\n"), 0o644), "write the group file")
-
-	assert.False(t, groupHasOtherMembers(path, "vma", "vma"), "a group the file does not describe")
-	assert.False(t, groupHasOtherMembers(filepath.Join(t.TempDir(), "absent"), "vma", "vma"),
-		"no group file at all")
-}
-
-// A writable directory is as good as a writable file: whoever can write the
-// directory can put a different binary at the same path.
-func TestCheckOnlyOwnerWritableRejectsWritableDirectory(t *testing.T) {
-	dir := filepath.Join(ownerOnlyDir(t), "bin")
-	require.NoError(t, os.Mkdir(dir, 0o755), "create the directory")
-	path := writeExecutable(t, dir)
-	require.NoError(t, os.Chmod(dir, 0o777), "make the directory world-writable")
-
-	assert.Error(t, checkOnlyOwnerWritable(path), "an executable in a world-writable directory must be refused")
-}
-
-// A sticky world-writable directory is exempt: the sticky bit is what stops one
-// user replacing another's entries. /tmp is why this matters.
-func TestCheckOnlyOwnerWritableAcceptsStickyDirectory(t *testing.T) {
-	dir := filepath.Join(ownerOnlyDir(t), "sticky")
-	require.NoError(t, os.Mkdir(dir, 0o755), "create the directory")
-	path := writeExecutable(t, dir)
-	require.NoError(t, os.Chmod(dir, 0o777|os.ModeSticky), "make the directory sticky and world-writable")
-
-	err := checkOnlyOwnerWritable(path)
-	assert.NoError(t, err, "the sticky bit stops another user replacing the executable")
-}
-
-func TestCheckOnlyOwnerWritableRejectsMissingFile(t *testing.T) {
-	err := checkOnlyOwnerWritable(filepath.Join(ownerOnlyDir(t), "absent"))
-	assert.Error(t, err, "an executable that is not there must be refused")
-}
-
-// requirePrivatePrimaryGroup skips unless this user's primary group is their own,
-// which is what the user-private-group allowance is about.
-func requirePrivatePrimaryGroup(t *testing.T) {
-	t.Helper()
-
-	self, err := user.Current()
-	require.NoError(t, err, "look up the test user")
-	group, err := user.LookupGroupId(strconv.Itoa(os.Getgid()))
-	require.NoError(t, err, "look up the test user's primary group")
-
-	if group.Name != self.Username {
-		t.Skipf("the test user's primary group is %q, not their own, so there is nothing to assert here", group.Name)
-	}
-	if groupHasOtherMembers(groupFile, group.Name, self.Username) {
-		t.Skipf("group %q has other members, so it is not a private group", group.Name)
-	}
-}

client/internal/elevate/trusted_windows.go

@@ -1,215 +0,0 @@
-package elevate
-
-import (
-	"errors"
-	"fmt"
-	"path/filepath"
-	"slices"
-	"unsafe"
-
-	"golang.org/x/sys/windows"
-)
-
-const (
-	// fileDeleteChild is FILE_DELETE_CHILD, which x/sys does not define: the
-	// right to delete an entry of a directory without holding DELETE on it.
-	fileDeleteChild = 0x00000040
-
-	// accessAllowedCallbackACEType is an allow ACE with a condition appended to
-	// the ACCESS_ALLOWED_ACE layout, so its trustee is still at SidStart.
-	accessAllowedCallbackACEType = 0x9
-
-	// The allow ACE types that carry object GUIDs ahead of the trustee, so the
-	// SID is not at SidStart. They occur on directory-service objects rather
-	// than files, and are refused rather than skipped: see aceTrustee.
-	accessAllowedObjectACEType         = 0x5
-	accessAllowedCallbackObjectACEType = 0xB
-)
-
-// fileWriteAccess are the rights that let a trustee rewrite or replace a file,
-// or take it over and then do so.
-const fileWriteAccess = windows.FILE_WRITE_DATA | windows.FILE_APPEND_DATA |
-	windows.DELETE | windows.WRITE_DAC | windows.WRITE_OWNER |
-	windows.GENERIC_WRITE | windows.GENERIC_ALL
-
-// dirWriteAccess are the rights over a directory that let a trustee replace an
-// entry somebody else owns. Creating a new entry is not one of them, which is
-// what the Unix sticky bit says in one bit: the root of every volume grants
-// BUILTIN\Users the right to add directories under it, and that reaches nothing
-// already there.
-const dirWriteAccess = fileDeleteChild | windows.DELETE |
-	windows.WRITE_DAC | windows.WRITE_OWNER | windows.GENERIC_ALL
-
-// trustedInstallerSID owns much of what Windows itself installs. x/sys has no
-// well-known constant for it.
-const trustedInstallerSID = "S-1-5-80-956008885-3418522649-1831038044-1853292631-2271478464"
-
-// checkOnlyOwnerWritable reports an error unless path, and every directory
-// leading to it, is owned by an account that can elevate (or by this user) and
-// grants write access to nobody else. A writable directory is as good as a
-// writable file, since an entry in it can be replaced, so the whole chain is
-// checked.
-func checkOnlyOwnerWritable(path string) error {
-	owners, err := trustedOwners()
-	if err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
-	writers, err := trustedWriters(owners)
-	if err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
-
-	writeAccess := windows.ACCESS_MASK(fileWriteAccess)
-	for target := path; ; target = filepath.Dir(target) {
-		if err := checkSecurity(target, writeAccess, owners, writers); err != nil {
-			return err
-		}
-		if parent := filepath.Dir(target); parent == target {
-			return nil
-		}
-		writeAccess = dirWriteAccess
-	}
-}
-
-// trustedOwners are the accounts we accept as the owner of the executable and of
-// the directories above it: the ones that can already answer the UAC prompt,
-// plus this user, whose own executable is theirs to write. Code running as the
-// user could prompt them for anything anyway; what matters is that no *other*
-// unprivileged account can reach it.
-func trustedOwners() ([]*windows.SID, error) {
-	self, err := currentUserSID()
-	if err != nil {
-		return nil, err
-	}
-
-	owners := []*windows.SID{self}
-	for _, wellKnown := range []windows.WELL_KNOWN_SID_TYPE{
-		windows.WinLocalSystemSid,
-		windows.WinBuiltinAdministratorsSid,
-	} {
-		sid, err := windows.CreateWellKnownSid(wellKnown)
-		if err != nil {
-			return nil, fmt.Errorf("build well-known SID %d: %w", wellKnown, err)
-		}
-		owners = append(owners, sid)
-	}
-
-	installer, err := windows.StringToSid(trustedInstallerSID)
-	if err != nil {
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("parse TrustedInstaller SID: %w", err)
-	}
-	return append(owners, installer), nil
-}
-
-// trustedWriters are the trustees whose write access does not widen who could
-// decide what runs behind the prompt. The owners, and CREATOR OWNER, which
-// resolves to the object's owner and is therefore already vetted.
-func trustedWriters(owners []*windows.SID) ([]*windows.SID, error) {
-	creatorOwner, err := windows.CreateWellKnownSid(windows.WinCreatorOwnerSid)
-	if err != nil {
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("build the CREATOR OWNER SID: %w", err)
-	}
-	return append(slices.Clone(owners), creatorOwner), nil
-}
-
-func checkSecurity(path string, writeAccess windows.ACCESS_MASK, owners, writers []*windows.SID) error {
-	sd, err := windows.GetNamedSecurityInfo(path, windows.SE_FILE_OBJECT,
-		windows.OWNER_SECURITY_INFORMATION|windows.DACL_SECURITY_INFORMATION)
-	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("read security descriptor of %s: %w", path, err)
-	}
-
-	owner, _, err := sd.Owner()
-	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("read owner of %s: %w", path, err)
-	}
-	if !containsSID(owners, owner) {
-		return fmt.Errorf("%s is owned by %s, which is neither this user nor an account that can elevate", path, owner)
-	}
-
-	dacl, _, err := sd.DACL()
-	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("read DACL of %s: %w", path, err)
-	}
-	// A NULL DACL grants everyone everything; only an absent security
-	// descriptor would have got us here without one, and neither is trustworthy.
-	if dacl == nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("%s has no DACL, so it grants write access to everyone", path)
-	}
-
-	return checkDACL(path, dacl, writeAccess, writers)
-}
-
-// checkDACL refuses an ACL that grants write access to a trustee outside
-// writers.
-//
-// An allowlist, because the trustees that must not have it cannot be listed: an
-// ACE naming an ordinary user account hands that account the same power as one
-// naming Everyone, and only the accounts that may hold it are knowable.
-func checkDACL(path string, dacl *windows.ACL, writeAccess windows.ACCESS_MASK, writers []*windows.SID) error {
-	for i := uint32(0); i < uint32(dacl.AceCount); i++ {
-		var ace *windows.ACCESS_ALLOWED_ACE
-		if err := windows.GetAce(dacl, i, &ace); err != nil {
-			return fmt.Errorf("read ACE %d of %s: %w", i, path, err)
-		}
-		// An inherit-only ACE says what children of this object get, not what
-		// this object grants.
-		if ace.Header.AceFlags&windows.INHERIT_ONLY_ACE != 0 {
-			continue
-		}
-		if ace.Mask&writeAccess == 0 {
-			continue
-		}
-		// Only an allow ACE grants anything; a deny ACE narrows what one gave.
-		if !isAllowACE(ace.Header.AceType) {
-			continue
-		}
-
-		trustee, err := aceTrustee(ace)
-		if err != nil {
-			return fmt.Errorf("read the trustee of ACE %d of %s: %w", i, path, err)
-		}
-		if !containsSID(writers, trustee) {
-			return fmt.Errorf("%s grants write access to %s", path, trustee)
-		}
-	}
-	return nil
-}
-
-// isAllowACE reports whether an ACE type grants rights, rather than denying,
-// auditing or labelling them.
-func isAllowACE(aceType uint8) bool {
-	switch aceType {
-	case windows.ACCESS_ALLOWED_ACE_TYPE, accessAllowedCallbackACEType,
-		accessAllowedObjectACEType, accessAllowedCallbackObjectACEType:
-		return true
-	default:
-		return false
-	}
-}
-
-// aceTrustee returns who an allow ACE grants its rights to. An ACE whose trustee
-// cannot be located is an error rather than something to skip past: being unable
-// to read who is being given write access is a refusal.
-func aceTrustee(ace *windows.ACCESS_ALLOWED_ACE) (*windows.SID, error) {
-	switch ace.Header.AceType {
-	case windows.ACCESS_ALLOWED_ACE_TYPE, accessAllowedCallbackACEType:
-		//nolint:gosec // SidStart is the first uint32 of the variable-length SID that follows the ACE header.
-		return (*windows.SID)(unsafe.Pointer(&ace.SidStart)), nil
-	default:
-		return nil, errors.New("an object-type allow ACE does not carry its trustee where we can read it")
-	}
-}
-
-func containsSID(sids []*windows.SID, sid *windows.SID) bool {
-	return slices.ContainsFunc(sids, sid.Equals)
-}
-
-func currentUserSID() (*windows.SID, error) {
-	token := windows.GetCurrentProcessToken()
-	user, err := token.GetTokenUser()
-	if err != nil {
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("read this process's user: %w", err)
-	}
-	return user.User.Sid, nil
-}

client/internal/elevate/trusted_windows_test.go

@@ -1,126 +0,0 @@
-package elevate
-
-import (
-	"os"
-	"path/filepath"
-	"testing"
-
-	"github.com/stretchr/testify/assert"
-	"github.com/stretchr/testify/require"
-	"golang.org/x/sys/windows"
-)
-
-// A file the test user created under their own profile, which is what a per-user
-// install looks like. The whole chain up to the volume root is walked, so this is
-// also what says the walk does not refuse an ordinary Windows installation: the
-// root of every volume grants BUILTIN\Users rights that are not ours to worry
-// about.
-func TestCheckOnlyOwnerWritableAcceptsOwnFile(t *testing.T) {
-	err := checkOnlyOwnerWritable(writeExecutable(t))
-	assert.NoError(t, err, "a file the test user owns, under directories only administrators can write")
-}
-
-// Write access held by an account that cannot answer the UAC prompt means that
-// account decides what runs behind it, whoever the ACE names. The trustees that
-// must not have it cannot be listed, so the check names the ones that may.
-func TestCheckOnlyOwnerWritableRejectsUntrustedWriters(t *testing.T) {
-	tests := []struct {
-		name      string
-		wellKnown windows.WELL_KNOWN_SID_TYPE
-	}{
-		{name: "everyone", wellKnown: windows.WinWorldSid},
-		{name: "authenticated users", wellKnown: windows.WinAuthenticatedUserSid},
-		{name: "builtin users", wellKnown: windows.WinBuiltinUsersSid},
-		// A service account, which no denylist of the obvious groups would name
-		// and which cannot elevate any more than Everyone can.
-		{name: "local service", wellKnown: windows.WinLocalServiceSid},
-	}
-
-	for _, tt := range tests {
-		t.Run(tt.name, func(t *testing.T) {
-			path := writeExecutable(t)
-			grantWrite(t, path, tt.wellKnown)
-
-			assert.Error(t, checkOnlyOwnerWritable(path),
-				"write access for %s must be refused", tt.name)
-		})
-	}
-}
-
-// The masks are the policy: on a file any write reaches its contents, while on a
-// directory only deleting or taking over an entry reaches something already
-// there. Adding an entry does not, which is why the walk survives a volume root.
-func TestWriteAccessMasks(t *testing.T) {
-	assert.NotZero(t, fileWriteAccess&windows.FILE_WRITE_DATA, "writing a file's data reaches its contents")
-	assert.NotZero(t, fileWriteAccess&windows.FILE_APPEND_DATA, "appending to a file reaches its contents")
-
-	assert.Zero(t, dirWriteAccess&windows.FILE_WRITE_DATA, "adding a file to a directory replaces nothing")
-	assert.Zero(t, dirWriteAccess&windows.FILE_APPEND_DATA, "adding a subdirectory replaces nothing")
-	assert.NotZero(t, dirWriteAccess&fileDeleteChild, "deleting an entry replaces it")
-	assert.NotZero(t, dirWriteAccess&windows.DELETE, "deleting the directory takes its entries with it")
-}
-
-func TestIsAllowACE(t *testing.T) {
-	tests := []struct {
-		name    string
-		aceType uint8
-		want    bool
-	}{
-		{name: "allowed", aceType: windows.ACCESS_ALLOWED_ACE_TYPE, want: true},
-		{name: "allowed callback", aceType: accessAllowedCallbackACEType, want: true},
-		{name: "allowed object", aceType: accessAllowedObjectACEType, want: true},
-		{name: "allowed callback object", aceType: accessAllowedCallbackObjectACEType, want: true},
-		{name: "denied", aceType: windows.ACCESS_DENIED_ACE_TYPE},
-		// SYSTEM_AUDIT_ACE_TYPE, which x/sys does not define: an ACE that records
-		// access rather than granting it.
-		{name: "audit", aceType: 0x2},
-	}
-
-	for _, tt := range tests {
-		t.Run(tt.name, func(t *testing.T) {
-			assert.Equal(t, tt.want, isAllowACE(tt.aceType), "ACE type %#x", tt.aceType)
-		})
-	}
-}
-
-// writeExecutable creates a plain file under the test's own directory, the shape
-// trustedSelf checks.
-func writeExecutable(t *testing.T) string {
-	t.Helper()
-	path := filepath.Join(t.TempDir(), "netbird-ui.exe")
-	require.NoError(t, os.WriteFile(path, []byte("MZ"), 0o755), "write the executable")
-	return path
-}
-
-// grantWrite replaces the file's DACL with one that grants a well-known trustee
-// everything, keeping the test user's own access so the file stays deletable.
-func grantWrite(t *testing.T, path string, wellKnown windows.WELL_KNOWN_SID_TYPE) {
-	t.Helper()
-
-	trustee, err := windows.CreateWellKnownSid(wellKnown)
-	require.NoError(t, err, "build the trustee SID")
-	self, err := currentUserSID()
-	require.NoError(t, err, "read the test user's SID")
-
-	acl, err := windows.ACLFromEntries([]windows.EXPLICIT_ACCESS{
-		fullControl(self, windows.TRUSTEE_IS_USER),
-		fullControl(trustee, windows.TRUSTEE_IS_WELL_KNOWN_GROUP),
-	}, nil)
-	require.NoError(t, err, "build the ACL")
-
-	require.NoError(t, windows.SetNamedSecurityInfo(path, windows.SE_FILE_OBJECT,
-		windows.DACL_SECURITY_INFORMATION|windows.PROTECTED_DACL_SECURITY_INFORMATION,
-		nil, nil, acl, nil), "set the DACL")
-}
-
-func fullControl(sid *windows.SID, trusteeType uint32) windows.EXPLICIT_ACCESS {
-	return windows.EXPLICIT_ACCESS{
-		AccessPermissions: windows.GENERIC_ALL,
-		AccessMode:        windows.GRANT_ACCESS,
-		Trustee: windows.TRUSTEE{
-			TrusteeForm:  windows.TRUSTEE_IS_SID,
-			TrusteeType:  windows.TRUSTEE_TYPE(trusteeType),
-			TrusteeValue: windows.TrusteeValueFromSID(sid),
-		},
-	}
-}

client/internal/engine.go

@@ -34,6 +34,7 @@ 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"
@@ -135,6 +136,8 @@ type EngineConfig struct {
 	RosenpassPermissive bool
 
 	ServerSSHAllowed              bool
+	ServerVNCAllowed              bool
+	DisableVNCApproval            *bool
 	EnableSSHRoot                 *bool
 	EnableSSHSFTP                 *bool
 	EnableSSHLocalPortForwarding  *bool
@@ -233,7 +236,9 @@ type Engine struct {
 
 	networkMonitor *networkmonitor.NetworkMonitor
 
-	sshServer sshServer
+	sshServer      sshServer
+	vncSrv         vncServer
+	approvalBroker *approval.Broker
 
 	statusRecorder *peer.Status
 
@@ -340,6 +345,7 @@ func NewEngine(
 		TURNs:              []*stun.URI{},
 		networkSerial:      0,
 		statusRecorder:     services.StatusRecorder,
+		approvalBroker:     approval.New(services.StatusRecorder),
 		stateManager:       services.StateManager,
 		portForwardManager: portforward.NewManager(),
 		checks:             services.Checks,
@@ -414,6 +420,10 @@ func (e *Engine) stopLocked() {
 		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 {
@@ -1237,6 +1247,7 @@ func (e *Engine) applyInfoFlags(info *system.Info) {
 		e.config.RosenpassEnabled,
 		e.config.RosenpassPermissive,
 		&e.config.ServerSSHAllowed,
+		&e.config.ServerVNCAllowed,
 		e.config.DisableClientRoutes,
 		e.config.DisableServerRoutes,
 		e.config.DisableDNS,
@@ -1292,6 +1303,10 @@ 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()
@@ -1592,6 +1607,11 @@ func (e *Engine) reconcilePeers(networkMap *mgmProto.NetworkMap) ([]*mgmProto.Re
 		}
 	}
 
+	// 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())
+
 	// cleanup request, most likely our peer has been deleted
 	if networkMap.GetRemotePeersIsEmpty() {
 		err := e.removeAllPeers()
@@ -2873,3 +2893,16 @@ 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

@@ -12,10 +12,10 @@ 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"
 	sshconfig "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/ssh/config"
 	sshserver "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/ssh/server"
 	mgmProto "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/shared/management/proto"
+	sshauth "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/shared/sessionauth"
 	sshuserhash "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/shared/sshauth"
 )
 
@@ -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_vnc.go

@@ -0,0 +1,329 @@
+//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"
+	mgmProto "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/shared/management/proto"
+	sshauth "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/shared/sessionauth"
+	sshuserhash "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/shared/sshauth"
+)
+
+type vncServer interface {
+	Start(ctx context.Context, addr netip.AddrPort, network netip.Prefix) error
+	AddListener(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)
+
+	if wgAddr := e.wgInterface.Address(); wgAddr.HasIPv6() {
+		v6 := wgAddr.IPv6
+		if err := e.firewall.AddInboundDNAT(v6, firewallManager.ProtocolTCP, vnc.ExternalPort, vnc.InternalPort); err != nil {
+			log.Warnf("failed to add IPv6 VNC port redirection: %v", err)
+		} else {
+			log.Infof("VNC port redirection: [%s]:%d -> [%s]:%d", v6, vnc.ExternalPort, v6, 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)
+	}
+
+	if wgAddr := e.wgInterface.Address(); wgAddr.HasIPv6() {
+		if err := e.firewall.RemoveInboundDNAT(wgAddr.IPv6, firewallManager.ProtocolTCP, vnc.ExternalPort, vnc.InternalPort); err != nil {
+			log.Debugf("failed to remove IPv6 VNC port redirection: %v", 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},
+		// Session start/stop is invisible to the peer status recorder, so push a
+		// snapshot ourselves; otherwise the UI's session list goes stale until an
+		// unrelated peer change happens to fire one.
+		OnSessionsChanged: e.statusRecorder.NotifyStateChange,
+	})
+
+	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)
+	}
+
+	if wgAddr := e.wgInterface.Address(); wgAddr.HasIPv6() {
+		v6Addr := netip.AddrPortFrom(wgAddr.IPv6, vnc.InternalPort)
+		if err := srv.AddListener(e.ctx, v6Addr, wgAddr.IPv6Net); err != nil {
+			log.Warnf("failed to add IPv6 VNC listener: %v", 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 _, pk := range vncAuth.GetSessionPubKeys() {
+		pub := pk.GetPubKey()
+		if len(pub) != 32 {
+			log.Warnf("VNC session pubkey wrong length %d", len(pub))
+			continue
+		}
+		hash := pk.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: pk.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 e.wgInterface != nil && e.wgInterface.GetNet() != 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 +1,33 @@
+//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()
+	// No permission request here. Screen Recording is a user-scope TCC service,
+	// so a request from this process is dropped when it runs as a LaunchDaemon:
+	// no prompt appears and NetBird never even shows up in the Screen Recording
+	// list. The per-user agent asks instead, see newAgentResources.
+	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/ipcauth/privileged.go

@@ -91,12 +91,6 @@ func SelfDelegatesTo() (Identity, bool) {
 	return selfIdentity, true
 }
 
-// The values PrivilegedActorKey returns.
-const (
-	ActorKeyAdministrator = "administrator"
-	ActorKeyRoot          = "root"
-)
-
 // PrivilegedActor names the principal a privileged operation requires, for use
 // in messages shown to the user.
 func PrivilegedActor() string {
@@ -106,16 +100,6 @@ func PrivilegedActor() string {
 	return "root"
 }
 
-// PrivilegedActorKey identifies that principal without wording it, for a client
-// that writes its own message in the user's language. The words PrivilegedActor
-// returns are English, and a translated sentence cannot borrow them.
-func PrivilegedActorKey() string {
-	if runtime.GOOS == "windows" {
-		return ActorKeyAdministrator
-	}
-	return ActorKeyRoot
-}
-
 // ElevatedCommand renders a command so that running it grants the privileges the
 // operation needs. Windows has no in-line equivalent of sudo, so the command is
 // returned unchanged and the user is expected to run it from an elevated

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) RecordSyncPhase(_ context.Context, agentInfo AgentInfo, phase string, duration time.Duration) {
 	tags := fmt.Sprintf("deployment_type=%s,version=%s,os=%s,arch=%s,peer_id=%s,phase=%s",
 		agentInfo.DeploymentType.String(),

client/internal/metrics/metrics.go

@@ -63,6 +63,11 @@ 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
 
@@ -82,6 +87,21 @@ 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)
@@ -131,6 +151,18 @@ 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)
+}
+
 // RecordSyncPhase records the duration of a single sub-phase of sync processing
 func (c *ClientMetrics) RecordSyncPhase(ctx context.Context, phase string, duration time.Duration) {
 	if c == nil {

client/internal/metrics/push_test.go

@@ -76,6 +76,9 @@ func (m *mockMetrics) RecordSyncPhase(_ context.Context, _ AgentInfo, _ string,
 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/peer/status.go

@@ -1330,6 +1330,15 @@ 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 {

client/internal/profilemanager/config.go

@@ -70,6 +70,8 @@ type ConfigInput struct {
 	StateFilePath                 string
 	PreSharedKey                  *string
 	ServerSSHAllowed              *bool
+	ServerVNCAllowed              *bool
+	DisableVNCApproval            *bool
 	EnableSSHRoot                 *bool
 	EnableSSHSFTP                 *bool
 	EnableSSHLocalPortForwarding  *bool
@@ -124,6 +126,8 @@ type Config struct {
 	RosenpassEnabled              bool
 	RosenpassPermissive           bool
 	ServerSSHAllowed              *bool
+	ServerVNCAllowed              *bool
+	DisableVNCApproval            *bool
 	EnableSSHRoot                 *bool
 	EnableSSHSFTP                 *bool
 	EnableSSHLocalPortForwarding  *bool
@@ -456,6 +460,33 @@ 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 && (config.EnableSSHRoot == nil || *input.EnableSSHRoot != *config.EnableSSHRoot) {
 		if *input.EnableSSHRoot {
 			log.Infof("enabling SSH root login")
@@ -712,6 +743,8 @@ func (config *Config) applyMDMPolicy(policy *mdm.Policy) {
 	}
 
 	applyBool(mdm.KeyAllowServerSSH, func(v bool) { bv := v; config.ServerSSHAllowed = &bv })
+	applyBool(mdm.KeyAllowServerVNC, func(v bool) { bv := v; config.ServerVNCAllowed = &bv })
+	applyBool(mdm.KeyDisableVNCApproval, func(v bool) { bv := v; config.DisableVNCApproval = &bv })
 	applyBool(mdm.KeyDisableClientRoutes, func(v bool) { config.DisableClientRoutes = v })
 	applyBool(mdm.KeyDisableServerRoutes, func(v bool) { config.DisableServerRoutes = v })
 	applyBool(mdm.KeyBlockInbound, func(v bool) { config.BlockInbound = v })

client/internal/profilemanager/config_mdm_test.go

@@ -130,6 +130,36 @@ func TestApply_MDMBoolKeysOverrideOnDiskValue(t *testing.T) {
 	assert.True(t, cfg.Policy().HasKey(mdm.KeyRosenpassEnabled))
 }
 
+func TestApply_MDMVNCKeys(t *testing.T) {
+	tmp := filepath.Join(t.TempDir(), "config.json")
+
+	// Seed without MDM: VNC off, approval prompt on.
+	withMDMPolicy(t, mdm.NewPolicy(nil))
+	_, err := UpdateOrCreateConfig(ConfigInput{
+		ConfigPath:         tmp,
+		ServerVNCAllowed:   boolPtr(false),
+		DisableVNCApproval: boolPtr(false),
+	})
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+
+	// MDM enforces VNC on and disables the approval prompt.
+	withMDMPolicy(t, mdm.NewPolicy(map[string]any{
+		mdm.KeyAllowServerVNC:     true,
+		mdm.KeyDisableVNCApproval: true,
+	}))
+
+	cfg, err := UpdateOrCreateConfig(ConfigInput{ConfigPath: tmp})
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+	require.NotNil(t, cfg)
+
+	require.NotNil(t, cfg.ServerVNCAllowed)
+	assert.True(t, *cfg.ServerVNCAllowed, "MDM override should flip on-disk false to true")
+	require.NotNil(t, cfg.DisableVNCApproval)
+	assert.True(t, *cfg.DisableVNCApproval)
+	assert.True(t, cfg.Policy().HasKey(mdm.KeyAllowServerVNC))
+	assert.True(t, cfg.Policy().HasKey(mdm.KeyDisableVNCApproval))
+}
+
 func TestApply_MDMLazyConnection(t *testing.T) {
 	cases := []struct {
 		name string

client/internal/statemanager/manager.go

@@ -75,6 +75,14 @@ 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 {

client/mdm/canonical_loaders.go

@@ -21,6 +21,8 @@ var allKeys = []string{
 	KeyBlockInbound,
 	KeyDisableMetricsCollection,
 	KeyAllowServerSSH,
+	KeyAllowServerVNC,
+	KeyDisableVNCApproval,
 	KeyDisableAutoConnect,
 	KeyDisableAutostart,
 	KeyPreSharedKey,

client/mdm/policy.go

@@ -36,6 +36,8 @@ const (
 	KeyBlockInbound             = "blockInbound"
 	KeyDisableMetricsCollection = "disableMetricsCollection"
 	KeyAllowServerSSH           = "allowServerSSH"
+	KeyAllowServerVNC           = "allowServerVNC"
+	KeyDisableVNCApproval       = "disableVNCApproval"
 	KeyDisableAutoConnect       = "disableAutoConnect"
 	// KeyDisableAutostart suppresses the GUI's fresh-install
 	// launch-on-login default and marks the Settings toggle as

client/proto/daemon.pb.gw.go

@@ -1099,6 +1099,30 @@ func request_DaemonService_ExposeService_0(ctx context.Context, marshaler runtim
 	return stream, metadata, nil
 }
 
+func request_DaemonService_RespondApproval_0(ctx context.Context, marshaler runtime.Marshaler, client DaemonServiceClient, req *http.Request, pathParams map[string]string) (proto.Message, runtime.ServerMetadata, error) {
+	var (
+		protoReq RespondApprovalRequest
+		metadata runtime.ServerMetadata
+	)
+	if err := marshaler.NewDecoder(req.Body).Decode(&protoReq); err != nil && !errors.Is(err, io.EOF) {
+		return nil, metadata, status.Errorf(codes.InvalidArgument, "%v", err)
+	}
+	msg, err := client.RespondApproval(ctx, &protoReq, grpc.Header(&metadata.HeaderMD), grpc.Trailer(&metadata.TrailerMD))
+	return msg, metadata, err
+}
+
+func local_request_DaemonService_RespondApproval_0(ctx context.Context, marshaler runtime.Marshaler, server DaemonServiceServer, req *http.Request, pathParams map[string]string) (proto.Message, runtime.ServerMetadata, error) {
+	var (
+		protoReq RespondApprovalRequest
+		metadata runtime.ServerMetadata
+	)
+	if err := marshaler.NewDecoder(req.Body).Decode(&protoReq); err != nil && !errors.Is(err, io.EOF) {
+		return nil, metadata, status.Errorf(codes.InvalidArgument, "%v", err)
+	}
+	msg, err := server.RespondApproval(ctx, &protoReq)
+	return msg, metadata, err
+}
+
 func request_DaemonService_WailsUIReady_0(ctx context.Context, marshaler runtime.Marshaler, client DaemonServiceClient, req *http.Request, pathParams map[string]string) (proto.Message, runtime.ServerMetadata, error) {
 	var (
 		protoReq WailsUIReadyRequest
@@ -1977,6 +2001,26 @@ func RegisterDaemonServiceHandlerServer(ctx context.Context, mux *runtime.ServeM
 		runtime.HTTPError(ctx, mux, outboundMarshaler, w, req, err)
 		return
 	})
+	mux.Handle(http.MethodPost, pattern_DaemonService_RespondApproval_0, func(w http.ResponseWriter, req *http.Request, pathParams map[string]string) {
+		ctx, cancel := context.WithCancel(req.Context())
+		defer cancel()
+		var stream runtime.ServerTransportStream
+		ctx = grpc.NewContextWithServerTransportStream(ctx, &stream)
+		inboundMarshaler, outboundMarshaler := runtime.MarshalerForRequest(mux, req)
+		annotatedContext, err := runtime.AnnotateIncomingContext(ctx, mux, req, "/daemon.DaemonService/RespondApproval", runtime.WithHTTPPathPattern("/daemon.DaemonService/RespondApproval"))
+		if err != nil {
+			runtime.HTTPError(ctx, mux, outboundMarshaler, w, req, err)
+			return
+		}
+		resp, md, err := local_request_DaemonService_RespondApproval_0(annotatedContext, inboundMarshaler, server, req, pathParams)
+		md.HeaderMD, md.TrailerMD = metadata.Join(md.HeaderMD, stream.Header()), metadata.Join(md.TrailerMD, stream.Trailer())
+		annotatedContext = runtime.NewServerMetadataContext(annotatedContext, md)
+		if err != nil {
+			runtime.HTTPError(annotatedContext, mux, outboundMarshaler, w, req, err)
+			return
+		}
+		forward_DaemonService_RespondApproval_0(annotatedContext, mux, outboundMarshaler, w, req, resp, mux.GetForwardResponseOptions()...)
+	})
 	mux.Handle(http.MethodPost, pattern_DaemonService_WailsUIReady_0, func(w http.ResponseWriter, req *http.Request, pathParams map[string]string) {
 		ctx, cancel := context.WithCancel(req.Context())
 		defer cancel()
@@ -2802,6 +2846,23 @@ func RegisterDaemonServiceHandlerClient(ctx context.Context, mux *runtime.ServeM
 		}
 		forward_DaemonService_ExposeService_0(annotatedContext, mux, outboundMarshaler, w, req, func() (proto.Message, error) { return resp.Recv() }, mux.GetForwardResponseOptions()...)
 	})
+	mux.Handle(http.MethodPost, pattern_DaemonService_RespondApproval_0, func(w http.ResponseWriter, req *http.Request, pathParams map[string]string) {
+		ctx, cancel := context.WithCancel(req.Context())
+		defer cancel()
+		inboundMarshaler, outboundMarshaler := runtime.MarshalerForRequest(mux, req)
+		annotatedContext, err := runtime.AnnotateContext(ctx, mux, req, "/daemon.DaemonService/RespondApproval", runtime.WithHTTPPathPattern("/daemon.DaemonService/RespondApproval"))
+		if err != nil {
+			runtime.HTTPError(ctx, mux, outboundMarshaler, w, req, err)
+			return
+		}
+		resp, md, err := request_DaemonService_RespondApproval_0(annotatedContext, inboundMarshaler, client, req, pathParams)
+		annotatedContext = runtime.NewServerMetadataContext(annotatedContext, md)
+		if err != nil {
+			runtime.HTTPError(annotatedContext, mux, outboundMarshaler, w, req, err)
+			return
+		}
+		forward_DaemonService_RespondApproval_0(annotatedContext, mux, outboundMarshaler, w, req, resp, mux.GetForwardResponseOptions()...)
+	})
 	mux.Handle(http.MethodPost, pattern_DaemonService_WailsUIReady_0, func(w http.ResponseWriter, req *http.Request, pathParams map[string]string) {
 		ctx, cancel := context.WithCancel(req.Context())
 		defer cancel()
@@ -2868,6 +2929,7 @@ var (
 	pattern_DaemonService_StopCPUProfile_0             = runtime.MustPattern(runtime.NewPattern(1, []int{2, 0, 2, 1}, []string{"daemon.DaemonService", "StopCPUProfile"}, ""))
 	pattern_DaemonService_GetInstallerResult_0         = runtime.MustPattern(runtime.NewPattern(1, []int{2, 0, 2, 1}, []string{"daemon.DaemonService", "GetInstallerResult"}, ""))
 	pattern_DaemonService_ExposeService_0              = runtime.MustPattern(runtime.NewPattern(1, []int{2, 0, 2, 1}, []string{"daemon.DaemonService", "ExposeService"}, ""))
+	pattern_DaemonService_RespondApproval_0            = runtime.MustPattern(runtime.NewPattern(1, []int{2, 0, 2, 1}, []string{"daemon.DaemonService", "RespondApproval"}, ""))
 	pattern_DaemonService_WailsUIReady_0               = runtime.MustPattern(runtime.NewPattern(1, []int{2, 0, 2, 1}, []string{"daemon.DaemonService", "WailsUIReady"}, ""))
 )
 
@@ -2917,5 +2979,6 @@ var (
 	forward_DaemonService_StopCPUProfile_0             = runtime.ForwardResponseMessage
 	forward_DaemonService_GetInstallerResult_0         = runtime.ForwardResponseMessage
 	forward_DaemonService_ExposeService_0              = runtime.ForwardResponseStream
+	forward_DaemonService_RespondApproval_0            = runtime.ForwardResponseMessage
 	forward_DaemonService_WailsUIReady_0               = runtime.ForwardResponseMessage
 )

client/proto/daemon.proto

@@ -152,6 +152,14 @@ 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) {}
+
   // WailsUIReady is a no-op probe the Wails UI calls once at startup. The UI
   // only cares whether the daemon implements it: an Unimplemented response
   // means the daemon predates this UI and is too old to drive it.
@@ -242,6 +250,10 @@ 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 {
@@ -362,12 +374,16 @@ message GetConfigResponse {
 
   bool disable_ipv6 = 27;
 
+  bool serverVNCAllowed = 28;
+
+  bool disableVNCApproval = 29;
+
   // mDMManagedFields lists the names of configuration keys whose value is
   // currently enforced by an MDM policy. Names match mdm.Key* constants
   // (e.g. "managementURL", "disableClientRoutes"). UI/CLI clients should
   // render the corresponding inputs as read-only and display a "managed
   // by MDM" indicator.
-  repeated string mDMManagedFields = 28;
+  repeated string mDMManagedFields = 30;
 }
 
 // PeerState contains the latest state of a peer
@@ -452,6 +468,25 @@ 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;
@@ -472,6 +507,7 @@ message FullStatus {
   // on it to know when to re-fetch ListNetworks via the push stream, instead
   // of polling on every status snapshot.
   uint64 networksRevision = 11;
+  VNCServerState vncServerState = 12;
 }
 
 // Networks
@@ -671,6 +707,7 @@ message SystemEvent {
     AUTHENTICATION = 2;
     CONNECTIVITY = 3;
     SYSTEM = 4;
+    APPROVAL = 5;
   }
 
   string id = 1;
@@ -761,6 +798,10 @@ 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{}
@@ -1050,3 +1091,18 @@ 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

@@ -64,6 +64,7 @@ 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"
 	DaemonService_WailsUIReady_FullMethodName               = "/daemon.DaemonService/WailsUIReady"
 )
 
@@ -167,6 +168,13 @@ 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)
 	// WailsUIReady is a no-op probe the Wails UI calls once at startup. The UI
 	// only cares whether the daemon implements it: an Unimplemented response
 	// means the daemon predates this UI and is too old to drive it.
@@ -667,6 +675,16 @@ 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
+}
+
 func (c *daemonServiceClient) WailsUIReady(ctx context.Context, in *WailsUIReadyRequest, opts ...grpc.CallOption) (*WailsUIReadyResponse, error) {
 	cOpts := append([]grpc.CallOption{grpc.StaticMethod()}, opts...)
 	out := new(WailsUIReadyResponse)
@@ -777,6 +795,13 @@ 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)
 	// WailsUIReady is a no-op probe the Wails UI calls once at startup. The UI
 	// only cares whether the daemon implements it: an Unimplemented response
 	// means the daemon predates this UI and is too old to drive it.
@@ -926,6 +951,9 @@ 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) WailsUIReady(context.Context, *WailsUIReadyRequest) (*WailsUIReadyResponse, error) {
 	return nil, status.Error(codes.Unimplemented, "method WailsUIReady not implemented")
 }
@@ -1732,6 +1760,24 @@ 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)
+}
+
 func _DaemonService_WailsUIReady_Handler(srv interface{}, ctx context.Context, dec func(interface{}) error, interceptor grpc.UnaryServerInterceptor) (interface{}, error) {
 	in := new(WailsUIReadyRequest)
 	if err := dec(in); err != nil {
@@ -1921,6 +1967,10 @@ var DaemonService_ServiceDesc = grpc.ServiceDesc{
 			MethodName: "GetInstallerResult",
 			Handler:    _DaemonService_GetInstallerResult_Handler,
 		},
+		{
+			MethodName: "RespondApproval",
+			Handler:    _DaemonService_RespondApproval_Handler,
+		},
 		{
 			MethodName: "WailsUIReady",
 			Handler:    _DaemonService_WailsUIReady_Handler,

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/mdm.go

@@ -297,6 +297,8 @@ func mdmManagedFieldConflicts(msg *proto.SetConfigRequest, policy *mdm.Policy) [
 		conflictBool(mdm.KeyRosenpassPermissive, msg.RosenpassPermissive),
 		conflictBool(mdm.KeyDisableAutoConnect, msg.DisableAutoConnect),
 		conflictBool(mdm.KeyAllowServerSSH, msg.ServerSSHAllowed),
+		conflictBool(mdm.KeyAllowServerVNC, msg.ServerVNCAllowed),
+		conflictBool(mdm.KeyDisableVNCApproval, msg.DisableVNCApproval),
 		conflictBool(mdm.KeyDisableClientRoutes, msg.DisableClientRoutes),
 		conflictBool(mdm.KeyDisableServerRoutes, msg.DisableServerRoutes),
 		conflictBool(mdm.KeyBlockInbound, msg.BlockInbound),
@@ -332,6 +334,8 @@ func setConfigRequestHasConfigOverrides(msg *proto.SetConfigRequest) bool {
 		msg.Mtu != nil ||
 		msg.DisableAutoConnect != nil ||
 		msg.ServerSSHAllowed != nil ||
+		msg.ServerVNCAllowed != nil ||
+		msg.DisableVNCApproval != nil ||
 		msg.NetworkMonitor != nil ||
 		msg.DisableClientRoutes != nil ||
 		msg.DisableServerRoutes != nil ||
@@ -370,6 +374,8 @@ func loginRequestHasConfigOverrides(msg *proto.LoginRequest) bool {
 		msg.WireguardPort != nil ||
 		msg.DisableAutoConnect != nil ||
 		msg.ServerSSHAllowed != nil ||
+		msg.ServerVNCAllowed != nil ||
+		msg.DisableVNCApproval != nil ||
 		msg.RosenpassPermissive != nil ||
 		len(msg.ExtraIFaceBlacklist) > 0 ||
 		msg.NetworkMonitor != nil ||
@@ -418,6 +424,8 @@ func loginRequestMDMConflicts(msg *proto.LoginRequest, policy *mdm.Policy) []str
 		conflictBool(mdm.KeyRosenpassPermissive, msg.RosenpassPermissive),
 		conflictBool(mdm.KeyDisableAutoConnect, msg.DisableAutoConnect),
 		conflictBool(mdm.KeyAllowServerSSH, msg.ServerSSHAllowed),
+		conflictBool(mdm.KeyAllowServerVNC, msg.ServerVNCAllowed),
+		conflictBool(mdm.KeyDisableVNCApproval, msg.DisableVNCApproval),
 		conflictBool(mdm.KeyDisableClientRoutes, msg.DisableClientRoutes),
 		conflictBool(mdm.KeyDisableServerRoutes, msg.DisableServerRoutes),
 		conflictBool(mdm.KeyBlockInbound, msg.BlockInbound),

client/server/server.go

@@ -122,8 +122,12 @@ 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
 
@@ -553,6 +557,8 @@ func (s *Server) setConfigInputFromRequest(msg *proto.SetConfigRequest) (profile
 	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
@@ -1572,6 +1578,7 @@ func (s *Server) buildStatusResponse(ctx context.Context, msg *proto.StatusReque
 		pbFullStatus := fullStatus.ToProto()
 		pbFullStatus.Events = s.statusRecorder.GetEventHistory()
 		pbFullStatus.SshServerState = s.getSSHServerState()
+		pbFullStatus.VncServerState = s.getVNCServerState()
 		pbFullStatus.NetworksRevision = s.statusRecorder.GetNetworksRevision()
 		statusResponse.FullStatus = pbFullStatus
 	}
@@ -1612,6 +1619,38 @@ 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,
@@ -2000,6 +2039,30 @@ 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) {
+	if msg.GetRequestId() == "" {
+		return nil, gstatus.Errorf(codes.InvalidArgument, "request_id is required")
+	}
+	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
@@ -2107,6 +2170,8 @@ 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,
 		BlockInbound:                  cfg.BlockInbound,

client/server/setconfig_mdm_test.go

@@ -109,6 +109,30 @@ func TestSetConfig_MDMReject_SingleField(t *testing.T) {
 	assert.Equal(t, []string{mdm.KeyManagementURL}, v.GetFields())
 }
 
+func TestSetConfig_MDMReject_VNCFields(t *testing.T) {
+	withMDMPolicy(t, mdm.NewPolicy(map[string]any{
+		mdm.KeyAllowServerVNC:     true,
+		mdm.KeyDisableVNCApproval: false,
+	}))
+
+	s, ctx, profName, username, _ := setupServerWithProfile(t)
+
+	vncAllowed := false
+	disableApproval := true
+	_, err := s.SetConfig(ctx, &proto.SetConfigRequest{
+		ProfileName:        profName,
+		Username:           username,
+		ServerVNCAllowed:   &vncAllowed,
+		DisableVNCApproval: &disableApproval,
+	})
+
+	v := extractViolation(t, err)
+	assert.ElementsMatch(t, []string{
+		mdm.KeyAllowServerVNC,
+		mdm.KeyDisableVNCApproval,
+	}, v.GetFields())
+}
+
 func TestSetConfig_MDMReject_MultipleFields(t *testing.T) {
 	withMDMPolicy(t, mdm.NewPolicy(map[string]any{
 		mdm.KeyManagementURL:    "https://mdm.example.com:443",

client/server/setconfig_test.go

@@ -61,6 +61,8 @@ func TestSetConfig_AllFieldsSaved(t *testing.T) {
 	rosenpassEnabled := true
 	rosenpassPermissive := true
 	serverSSHAllowed := true
+	serverVNCAllowed := true
+	disableVNCApproval := true
 	interfaceName := "utun100"
 	wireguardPort := int64(51820)
 	preSharedKey := "test-psk"
@@ -85,6 +87,8 @@ func TestSetConfig_AllFieldsSaved(t *testing.T) {
 		RosenpassEnabled:     &rosenpassEnabled,
 		RosenpassPermissive:  &rosenpassPermissive,
 		ServerSSHAllowed:     &serverSSHAllowed,
+		ServerVNCAllowed:     &serverVNCAllowed,
+		DisableVNCApproval:   &disableVNCApproval,
 		InterfaceName:        &interfaceName,
 		WireguardPort:        &wireguardPort,
 		OptionalPreSharedKey: &preSharedKey,
@@ -128,6 +132,10 @@ 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)
@@ -180,6 +188,8 @@ 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/server/ssh_gate.go

@@ -26,40 +26,51 @@ import (
 //     daemon's SSH server into a root (or unauthenticated) shell.
 //   - Enabling the SSH server at all is what makes the above reachable, and a
 //     profile the caller owns is not a privilege they hold.
-//   - While the SSH server is enabled, repointing the profile at another
-//     management identity hands SSH authorization decisions, including which
-//     keys and users are accepted, to whoever controls that identity. Changing
-//     the management URL and deregistering the peer are both ways to do that.
+//   - Enabling the VNC server exposes the console session, which on a
+//     multi-user host belongs to another user, and disabling its approval
+//     prompt removes that user's only say in it.
+//   - While a remote-access server (SSH or VNC) is enabled, repointing the
+//     profile at another management identity hands authorization decisions,
+//     including which keys and users are accepted, to whoever controls that
+//     identity. Changing the management URL and deregistering the peer are both
+//     ways to do that.
 //
 // Everything else stays unauthenticated, so this is not an authorization model:
-// it only refuses the changes that would let a local user become root. A caller
-// whose identity cannot be established is refused as well.
+// it only refuses the changes that would let a local user become root, or reach
+// another user's desktop. A caller whose identity cannot be established is
+// refused as well.
 
 // privilegedConfigChange is the subset of a config request that crosses the
 // user-to-root boundary. Fields are nil or empty when the request leaves them
 // untouched.
 type privilegedConfigChange struct {
-	managementURL    string
-	serverSSHAllowed *bool
-	enableSSHRoot    *bool
-	disableSSHAuth   *bool
+	managementURL      string
+	serverSSHAllowed   *bool
+	enableSSHRoot      *bool
+	disableSSHAuth     *bool
+	serverVNCAllowed   *bool
+	disableVNCApproval *bool
 }
 
 func privilegedChangeFromSetConfig(msg *proto.SetConfigRequest) privilegedConfigChange {
 	return privilegedConfigChange{
-		managementURL:    msg.GetManagementUrl(),
-		serverSSHAllowed: msg.ServerSSHAllowed,
-		enableSSHRoot:    msg.EnableSSHRoot,
-		disableSSHAuth:   msg.DisableSSHAuth,
+		managementURL:      msg.GetManagementUrl(),
+		serverSSHAllowed:   msg.ServerSSHAllowed,
+		enableSSHRoot:      msg.EnableSSHRoot,
+		disableSSHAuth:     msg.DisableSSHAuth,
+		serverVNCAllowed:   msg.ServerVNCAllowed,
+		disableVNCApproval: msg.DisableVNCApproval,
 	}
 }
 
 func privilegedChangeFromLogin(msg *proto.LoginRequest) privilegedConfigChange {
 	return privilegedConfigChange{
-		managementURL:    msg.GetManagementUrl(),
-		serverSSHAllowed: msg.ServerSSHAllowed,
-		enableSSHRoot:    msg.EnableSSHRoot,
-		disableSSHAuth:   msg.DisableSSHAuth,
+		managementURL:      msg.GetManagementUrl(),
+		serverSSHAllowed:   msg.ServerSSHAllowed,
+		enableSSHRoot:      msg.EnableSSHRoot,
+		disableSSHAuth:     msg.DisableSSHAuth,
+		serverVNCAllowed:   msg.ServerVNCAllowed,
+		disableVNCApproval: msg.DisableVNCApproval,
 	}
 }
 
@@ -83,15 +94,21 @@ func requirePrivilegeForConfigChange(ctx context.Context, stored *profilemanager
 		return denyPrivileged(ctx, "enabling the NetBird SSH server", ipcauth.UpCommand("--allow-server-ssh"))
 	}
 
-	// Only guard the management binding while the SSH server is enabled: that is
-	// when the management identity decides who may open a shell here.
-	if !sshServerEnabled(stored) {
+	if err := requirePrivilegeForVNCChange(ctx, stored, change); err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+
+	// Only guard the management binding while a remote-access server is enabled:
+	// that is when the management identity decides who may open a shell or reach
+	// the desktop here.
+	server, enabled := enabledRemoteAccessServer(stored)
+	if !enabled {
 		return nil
 	}
 
 	if change.managementURL != "" && !sameManagementURL(stored.ManagementURL, change.managementURL) {
 		return denyPrivileged(ctx,
-			"changing the management URL while the NetBird SSH server is enabled",
+			fmt.Sprintf("changing the management URL while the NetBird %s server is enabled", server),
 			ipcauth.UpCommand("-m "+change.managementURL))
 	}
 
@@ -99,20 +116,21 @@ func requirePrivilegeForConfigChange(ctx context.Context, stored *profilemanager
 }
 
 // requirePrivilegeForDeregistration refuses to deregister the peer from the
-// management server when the caller is not privileged and the profile has the
-// SSH server enabled. Deregistering frees the peer's key to be registered
-// against another management identity, which is the same handover the
+// management server when the caller is not privileged and the profile has a
+// remote-access server enabled. Deregistering frees the peer's key to be
+// registered against another management identity, which is the same handover the
 // management URL check refuses.
 //
 // Callers that treat deregistration as best-effort (profile removal) continue
 // without it; callers that were asked to deregister surface the error.
 func requirePrivilegeForDeregistration(ctx context.Context, cfg *profilemanager.Config) error {
-	if !sshServerEnabled(cfg) {
+	server, enabled := enabledRemoteAccessServer(cfg)
+	if !enabled {
 		return nil
 	}
 
 	return denyPrivileged(ctx,
-		"deregistering this peer while the NetBird SSH server is enabled",
+		fmt.Sprintf("deregistering this peer while the NetBird %s server is enabled", server),
 		ipcauth.ElevatedCommand("netbird logout"))
 }
 

client/server/vnc_gate.go

@@ -0,0 +1,58 @@
+package server
+
+import (
+	"context"
+
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/ipcauth"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/profilemanager"
+)
+
+// The VNC half of the privilege gate described in ssh_gate.go. The daemon runs
+// as root/LocalSystem and the VNC server it hosts attaches to the console
+// session, so both of these cross the user-to-root boundary:
+//
+//   - Enabling the VNC server publishes the console desktop, keyboard and
+//     mouse to whoever the account authorizes. On a multi-user host that
+//     desktop belongs to another user, and the profile the caller owns is not a
+//     privilege they hold over it.
+//   - Disabling the approval prompt removes the console user's per-connection
+//     consent, turning an authorized VNC session into a silent one.
+func requirePrivilegeForVNCChange(ctx context.Context, stored *profilemanager.Config, change privilegedConfigChange) error {
+	if enables(storedFlag(stored, func(c *profilemanager.Config) *bool { return c.DisableVNCApproval }), change.disableVNCApproval) {
+		return denyPrivileged(ctx, "disabling VNC connection approval", ipcauth.UpCommand("--disable-vnc-approval"))
+	}
+
+	if enables(storedFlag(stored, func(c *profilemanager.Config) *bool { return c.ServerVNCAllowed }), change.serverVNCAllowed) {
+		return denyPrivileged(ctx, "enabling the NetBird VNC server", ipcauth.UpCommand("--allow-server-vnc"))
+	}
+
+	return nil
+}
+
+// vncServerEnabled reports whether the profile currently runs the VNC server.
+//
+// Unlike the SSH server, VNC defaults to off: the flag was introduced with the
+// server itself, so a nil value is a config written before VNC existed and
+// means the server is not running.
+func vncServerEnabled(cfg *profilemanager.Config) bool {
+	if cfg == nil || cfg.ServerVNCAllowed == nil {
+		return false
+	}
+	return *cfg.ServerVNCAllowed
+}
+
+// enabledRemoteAccessServer names a remote-access server the profile currently
+// runs, and whether it runs any. It decides whether the management-binding and
+// deregistration guards apply, since either server hands authorization
+// decisions to the management identity the profile points at. SSH is reported
+// first when both are on: it is the more privileged of the two.
+func enabledRemoteAccessServer(cfg *profilemanager.Config) (string, bool) {
+	switch {
+	case sshServerEnabled(cfg):
+		return "SSH", true
+	case vncServerEnabled(cfg):
+		return "VNC", true
+	default:
+		return "", false
+	}
+}

client/server/vnc_gate_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,178 @@
+package server
+
+import (
+	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/profilemanager"
+)
+
+func TestRequirePrivilegeForConfigChange_VNCFlags(t *testing.T) {
+	tests := []struct {
+		name       string
+		stored     *profilemanager.Config
+		change     privilegedConfigChange
+		privileged bool
+		wantDeny   bool
+	}{
+		{
+			name:     "enabling the vnc server unprivileged is refused",
+			stored:   &profilemanager.Config{ServerVNCAllowed: boolPtr(false)},
+			change:   privilegedConfigChange{serverVNCAllowed: boolPtr(true)},
+			wantDeny: true,
+		},
+		{
+			name:       "enabling the vnc server as root is allowed",
+			stored:     &profilemanager.Config{ServerVNCAllowed: boolPtr(false)},
+			change:     privilegedConfigChange{serverVNCAllowed: boolPtr(true)},
+			privileged: true,
+		},
+		{
+			name:   "restating an already enabled vnc server is not a change",
+			stored: &profilemanager.Config{ServerVNCAllowed: boolPtr(true)},
+			change: privilegedConfigChange{serverVNCAllowed: boolPtr(true)},
+		},
+		{
+			name:   "turning the vnc server off is not guarded",
+			stored: &profilemanager.Config{ServerVNCAllowed: boolPtr(true)},
+			change: privilegedConfigChange{serverVNCAllowed: boolPtr(false)},
+		},
+		{
+			// Unlike SSH, a nil flag means off: the flag shipped with the server.
+			name:     "a config written before vnc existed counts as off, so enabling is refused",
+			stored:   &profilemanager.Config{},
+			change:   privilegedConfigChange{serverVNCAllowed: boolPtr(true)},
+			wantDeny: true,
+		},
+		{
+			name:     "a profile with no config yet counts as off, so enabling is refused",
+			stored:   nil,
+			change:   privilegedConfigChange{serverVNCAllowed: boolPtr(true)},
+			wantDeny: true,
+		},
+		{
+			name:     "disabling the vnc approval prompt unprivileged is refused",
+			stored:   &profilemanager.Config{DisableVNCApproval: boolPtr(false)},
+			change:   privilegedConfigChange{disableVNCApproval: boolPtr(true)},
+			wantDeny: true,
+		},
+		{
+			name:       "disabling the vnc approval prompt as root is allowed",
+			stored:     &profilemanager.Config{DisableVNCApproval: boolPtr(false)},
+			change:     privilegedConfigChange{disableVNCApproval: boolPtr(true)},
+			privileged: true,
+		},
+		{
+			name:   "re-enabling the vnc approval prompt is not guarded",
+			stored: &profilemanager.Config{DisableVNCApproval: boolPtr(true)},
+			change: privilegedConfigChange{disableVNCApproval: boolPtr(false)},
+		},
+		{
+			name:   "restating a disabled approval prompt is not a change",
+			stored: &profilemanager.Config{DisableVNCApproval: boolPtr(true)},
+			change: privilegedConfigChange{disableVNCApproval: boolPtr(true)},
+		},
+	}
+
+	for _, tt := range tests {
+		t.Run(tt.name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			ctx := userCtx()
+			if tt.privileged {
+				ctx = rootCtx()
+			}
+			err := requirePrivilegeForConfigChange(ctx, tt.stored, tt.change)
+			if tt.wantDeny {
+				assertDenied(t, err)
+				return
+			}
+			assertAllowed(t, err)
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+// The management binding and deregistration guards protect either remote-access
+// server, so the VNC server alone must arm them even with SSH off.
+func TestRequirePrivilegeForConfigChange_ManagementURLWithVNCOnly(t *testing.T) {
+	vncOnly := &profilemanager.Config{
+		ServerSSHAllowed:   boolPtr(false),
+		ServerVNCAllowed:   boolPtr(true),
+		ManagementURL:      mustURL(t, "https://api.netbird.io:443"),
+		DisableVNCApproval: boolPtr(false),
+	}
+
+	err := requirePrivilegeForConfigChange(userCtx(), vncOnly,
+		privilegedConfigChange{managementURL: "https://attacker.example.com:443"})
+	assertDenied(t, err)
+
+	// The same move is the administrator's to make.
+	assertAllowed(t, requirePrivilegeForConfigChange(rootCtx(), vncOnly,
+		privilegedConfigChange{managementURL: "https://selfhosted.example.com:443"}))
+
+	// Restating the stored binding is not a change, so it is never refused.
+	assertAllowed(t, requirePrivilegeForConfigChange(userCtx(), vncOnly,
+		privilegedConfigChange{managementURL: "https://api.netbird.io"}))
+}
+
+func TestRequirePrivilegeForDeregistration_VNCOnly(t *testing.T) {
+	vncOnly := &profilemanager.Config{ServerSSHAllowed: boolPtr(false), ServerVNCAllowed: boolPtr(true)}
+
+	assertDenied(t, requirePrivilegeForDeregistration(userCtx(), vncOnly))
+	assertAllowed(t, requirePrivilegeForDeregistration(rootCtx(), vncOnly))
+
+	bothOff := &profilemanager.Config{ServerSSHAllowed: boolPtr(false), ServerVNCAllowed: boolPtr(false)}
+	assertAllowed(t, requirePrivilegeForDeregistration(userCtx(), bothOff))
+}
+
+// enabledRemoteAccessServer names the server in the refusal, so the user is told
+// which one is holding the binding down. SSH wins when both are on: it is the
+// more privileged of the two.
+func TestEnabledRemoteAccessServer(t *testing.T) {
+	tests := []struct {
+		name       string
+		cfg        *profilemanager.Config
+		wantServer string
+		wantOn     bool
+	}{
+		{
+			name:       "ssh only",
+			cfg:        &profilemanager.Config{ServerSSHAllowed: boolPtr(true), ServerVNCAllowed: boolPtr(false)},
+			wantServer: "SSH",
+			wantOn:     true,
+		},
+		{
+			name:       "vnc only",
+			cfg:        &profilemanager.Config{ServerSSHAllowed: boolPtr(false), ServerVNCAllowed: boolPtr(true)},
+			wantServer: "VNC",
+			wantOn:     true,
+		},
+		{
+			name:       "both on reports ssh",
+			cfg:        &profilemanager.Config{ServerSSHAllowed: boolPtr(true), ServerVNCAllowed: boolPtr(true)},
+			wantServer: "SSH",
+			wantOn:     true,
+		},
+		{
+			name: "both off",
+			cfg:  &profilemanager.Config{ServerSSHAllowed: boolPtr(false), ServerVNCAllowed: boolPtr(false)},
+		},
+		{
+			// A nil SSH flag means on (legacy configs), so it still arms the guard.
+			name:       "legacy config with no flags at all reports ssh",
+			cfg:        &profilemanager.Config{},
+			wantServer: "SSH",
+			wantOn:     true,
+		},
+		{
+			name: "no config",
+			cfg:  nil,
+		},
+	}
+
+	for _, tt := range tests {
+		t.Run(tt.name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			server, on := enabledRemoteAccessServer(tt.cfg)
+			if on != tt.wantOn || server != tt.wantServer {
+				t.Fatalf("enabledRemoteAccessServer() = (%q, %v), want (%q, %v)", server, on, tt.wantServer, tt.wantOn)
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}

client/ssh/proxy/proxy_privileged_test.go

@@ -26,10 +26,10 @@ import (
 	cryptossh "golang.org/x/crypto/ssh"
 
 	nbssh "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/ssh"
-	sshauth "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/ssh/auth"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/ssh/server"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/ssh/testutil"
 	nbjwt "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/shared/auth/jwt"
+	sshauth "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/shared/sessionauth"
 	sshuserhash "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/shared/sshauth"
 )
 

client/ssh/server/jwt_test.go

@@ -23,11 +23,11 @@ import (
 	"github.com/stretchr/testify/require"
 
 	nbssh "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/ssh"
-	sshauth "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/ssh/auth"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/ssh/client"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/ssh/detection"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/ssh/testutil"
 	nbjwt "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/shared/auth/jwt"
+	sshauth "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/shared/sessionauth"
 	sshuserhash "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/shared/sshauth"
 )
 

client/ssh/server/server.go

@@ -23,10 +23,10 @@ import (
 	"golang.zx2c4.com/wireguard/tun/netstack"
 
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface/wgaddr"
-	sshauth "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/ssh/auth"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/ssh/detection"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/shared/auth"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/shared/auth/jwt"
+	sshauth "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/shared/sessionauth"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/util/netrelay"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/version"
 )
@@ -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

@@ -136,6 +136,19 @@ 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"`
@@ -159,6 +172,7 @@ 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"`
 	// SessionExpiresAt is the absolute UTC instant at which the peer's SSO
 	// session expires. nil when the peer is not SSO-tracked or login
 	// expiration is disabled. Pointer (rather than zero-value time.Time) so
@@ -184,6 +198,7 @@ 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{
@@ -209,6 +224,7 @@ func ConvertToStatusOutputOverview(pbFullStatus *proto.FullStatus, opts ConvertO
 		LazyConnectionEnabled:   pbFullStatus.GetLazyConnectionEnabled(),
 		ProfileName:             opts.ProfileName,
 		SSHServerState:          sshServerOverview,
+		VNCServerState:          vncServerOverview,
 	}
 	if !opts.SessionExpiresAt.IsZero() {
 		t := opts.SessionExpiresAt
@@ -294,6 +310,26 @@ 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,
@@ -558,6 +594,26 @@ 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 sessionExpiryString string
@@ -613,6 +669,7 @@ 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"+
 			"%s"+
@@ -633,6 +690,7 @@ func (o *OutputOverview) GeneralSummary(showURL bool, showRelays bool, showNameS
 		rosenpassEnabledStatus,
 		lazyConnectionEnabledStatus,
 		sshServerStatus,
+		vncServerStatus,
 		networks,
 		forwardingRulesString,
 		sessionExpiryString,
@@ -995,6 +1053,26 @@ 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
@@ -1015,6 +1093,19 @@ 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)
@@ -1026,13 +1117,9 @@ 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)
@@ -1041,15 +1128,26 @@ 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)
+	}
 }
 
 // FormatRemainingDuration renders a time.Duration for the "Session expires"

client/status/status_test.go

@@ -242,6 +242,10 @@ var overview = OutputOverview{
 		Enabled:  false,
 		Sessions: []SSHSessionOutput{},
 	},
+	VNCServerState: VNCServerStateOutput{
+		Enabled:  false,
+		Sessions: []VNCSessionOutput{},
+	},
 }
 
 func TestConversionFromFullStatusToOutputOverview(t *testing.T) {
@@ -407,6 +411,10 @@ func TestParsingToJSON(t *testing.T) {
 		  "sshServer":{
 		    "enabled":false,
 			"sessions":[]
+		  },
+		  "vncServer":{
+		    "enabled":false,
+			"sessions":[]
 		  }
         }`
 	// @formatter:on
@@ -517,6 +525,9 @@ profileName: ""
 sshServer:
     enabled: false
     sessions: []
+vncServer:
+    enabled: false
+    sessions: []
 `
 
 	assert.Equal(t, expectedYAML, yaml)
@@ -587,6 +598,7 @@ Wireguard port: %d
 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, overview.WgPort)
@@ -613,6 +625,7 @@ Wireguard port: 51820
 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

@@ -65,6 +65,7 @@ type Info struct {
 	RosenpassEnabled    bool
 	RosenpassPermissive bool
 	ServerSSHAllowed    bool
+	ServerVNCAllowed    bool
 
 	DisableClientRoutes bool
 	DisableServerRoutes bool
@@ -86,6 +87,7 @@ type Info struct {
 func (i *Info) SetFlags(
 	rosenpassEnabled, rosenpassPermissive bool,
 	serverSSHAllowed *bool,
+	serverVNCAllowed *bool,
 	disableClientRoutes, disableServerRoutes,
 	disableDNS, disableFirewall, blockLANAccess, blockInbound, disableIPv6 bool, syncMessageVersion *int,
 	enableSSHRoot, enableSSHSFTP, enableSSHLocalPortForwarding, enableSSHRemotePortForwarding *bool,
@@ -96,6 +98,9 @@ func (i *Info) SetFlags(
 	if serverSSHAllowed != nil {
 		i.ServerSSHAllowed = *serverSSHAllowed
 	}
+	if serverVNCAllowed != nil {
+		i.ServerVNCAllowed = *serverVNCAllowed
+	}
 
 	i.DisableClientRoutes = disableClientRoutes
 	i.DisableServerRoutes = disableServerRoutes

client/ui/build/linux/netbird-ui.desktop

@@ -1,11 +1,10 @@
 [Desktop Entry]
 Type=Application
-Name=NetBird
-Comment=NetBird desktop client
+Name=netbird-ui
 Exec=env WEBKIT_DISABLE_DMABUF_RENDERER=1 netbird-ui
 Icon=netbird-ui
-Categories=Utility;Network;
+Categories=Development;
 Terminal=false
-Keywords=netbird;vpn;wireguard;
+Keywords=wails
 Version=1.0
 StartupNotify=false

client/ui/build/linux/netbird.desktop

@@ -1,6 +1,5 @@
 [Desktop Entry]
-Name=NetBird
-Comment=NetBird desktop client
+Name=Netbird
 Exec=env WEBKIT_DISABLE_DMABUF_RENDERER=1 /usr/bin/netbird-ui
 Icon=netbird
 Type=Application

client/ui/build/linux/nfpm/nfpm.yaml

@@ -21,17 +21,8 @@ contents:
     dst: "/usr/local/bin/netbird-ui"
   - src: "./build/appicon.png"
     dst: "/usr/share/icons/hicolor/128x128/apps/netbird-ui.png"
-  # The name the polkit action's icon_name refers to, which the released packages
-  # install as /usr/share/pixmaps/netbird.png.
-  - src: "./build/appicon.png"
-    dst: "/usr/share/icons/hicolor/128x128/apps/netbird.png"
   - src: "./build/linux/netbird-ui.desktop"
     dst: "/usr/share/applications/netbird-ui.desktop"
-  # Names the polkit action for the elevation prompt the app raises when an
-  # unprivileged user changes a privileged setting; without it the dialog shows a
-  # raw command line.
-  - src: "./build/linux/polkit/io.netbird.settings.policy"
-    dst: "/usr/share/polkit-1/actions/io.netbird.settings.policy"
 
 # Default dependencies for the GTK4 + WebKitGTK 6.0 stack (Ubuntu 24.04+ / Debian 13+)
 depends:

client/ui/build/linux/polkit/io.netbird.settings.policy

@@ -1,47 +0,0 @@
-<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
-<!DOCTYPE policyconfig PUBLIC "-//freedesktop//DTD PolicyKit Policy Configuration 1.0//EN"
- "http://www.freedesktop.org/standards/PolicyKit/1/policyconfig.dtd">
-
-<!--
-  Names the action behind the elevation prompt the desktop app raises for an SSH
-  setting the daemon restricts to root; without it pkexec's generic dialog offers
-  the raw command line instead. The argv1 annotation keeps this wording to the
-  one-shot mode that applies those settings.
-
-  auth_admin rather than auth_admin_keep: each of these settings is its own grant
-  of shell access, so a credential cache would let a second, unasked-for change
-  ride along on the authorization given the first.
-
-  exec.path takes no wildcard and the binary's location depends on the package,
-  hence one action per path.
--->
-<policyconfig>
-  <vendor>NetBird</vendor>
-  <vendor_url>https://netbird.io</vendor_url>
-
-  <action id="io.netbird.settings.apply-privileged">
-    <description>Change privileged NetBird settings</description>
-    <message>Authentication is required to change NetBird settings that grant SSH access to this computer.</message>
-    <icon_name>netbird</icon_name>
-    <defaults>
-      <allow_any>auth_admin</allow_any>
-      <allow_inactive>auth_admin</allow_inactive>
-      <allow_active>auth_admin</allow_active>
-    </defaults>
-    <annotate key="org.freedesktop.policykit.exec.path">/usr/bin/netbird-ui</annotate>
-    <annotate key="org.freedesktop.policykit.exec.argv1">--apply-privileged-settings</annotate>
-  </action>
-
-  <action id="io.netbird.settings.apply-privileged-local">
-    <description>Change privileged NetBird settings</description>
-    <message>Authentication is required to change NetBird settings that grant SSH access to this computer.</message>
-    <icon_name>netbird</icon_name>
-    <defaults>
-      <allow_any>auth_admin</allow_any>
-      <allow_inactive>auth_admin</allow_inactive>
-      <allow_active>auth_admin</allow_active>
-    </defaults>
-    <annotate key="org.freedesktop.policykit.exec.path">/usr/local/bin/netbird-ui</annotate>
-    <annotate key="org.freedesktop.policykit.exec.argv1">--apply-privileged-settings</annotate>
-  </action>
-</policyconfig>

client/ui/frontend/src/app.tsx

@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@ import ReactDOM from "react-dom/client";
 import "./globals.css";
 import { HashRouter, Navigate, Route, Routes } from "react-router-dom";
 import SessionExpirationDialog from "@/modules/session/SessionExpirationDialog.tsx";
+import ApprovalDialog from "@/modules/approval/ApprovalDialog.tsx";
 import UpdateInProgressDialog from "@/modules/auto-update/UpdateInProgressDialog.tsx";
 import WelcomeDialog from "@/modules/welcome/WelcomeDialog.tsx";
 import ErrorDialog from "@/modules/error/ErrorDialog.tsx";
@@ -48,6 +49,7 @@ Promise.all([
                                 path={"session-expiration"}
                                 element={<SessionExpirationDialog />}
                             />
+                            <Route path={"approval"} element={<ApprovalDialog />} />
                             <Route path={"welcome"} element={<WelcomeDialog />} />
                             <Route path={"error"} element={<ErrorDialog />} />
                         </Route>

client/ui/frontend/src/contexts/SettingsContext.tsx

@@ -22,18 +22,12 @@ const logSaveError = (err: unknown) => console.error("[SettingsContext] save fai
 
 export type AutostartState = { supported: boolean; enabled: boolean };
 
-// GuardedField is a setting the daemon only accepts from root/administrator.
-// Turning one on goes through saveGuardedField, which asks the operating system
-// for the privileges rather than sending a request that would be refused.
-export type GuardedField = "serverSshAllowed" | "enableSshRoot" | "disableSshAuth";
-
 type SettingsContextValue = {
     config: Config;
     guiVersion: string;
     setField: <K extends keyof Config>(k: K, v: Config[K]) => void;
     saveField: <K extends keyof Config>(k: K, v: Config[K]) => Promise<void>;
     saveFields: (partial: Partial<Config>, opts?: { preSharedKey?: string }) => Promise<void>;
-    saveGuardedField: (k: GuardedField, v: boolean) => Promise<void>;
     saveNow: () => Promise<void>;
 };
 
@@ -69,12 +63,6 @@ const useSettingsState = () => {
     const [guiVersion, setGuiVersion] = useState<string>("—");
     const saveTimer = useRef<ReturnType<typeof setTimeout> | null>(null);
     const loadedRef = useRef<LoadedConfig | null>(null);
-    // Set when the daemon's config changed while a save was pending, so the read
-    // that was skipped to protect the pending edit happens once it is through.
-    // Without it the form keeps values the daemon no longer has and the next save
-    // submits them, which for a guarded setting means asking the user to authorize
-    // a change they never made.
-    const reloadOwed = useRef(false);
 
     useEffect(() => {
         loadedRef.current = loaded;
@@ -85,7 +73,6 @@ const useSettingsState = () => {
     // update the daemon then rejected.
     const reload = useCallback(
         async (profileName: string) => {
-            reloadOwed.current = false;
             try {
                 const data = await SettingsSvc.GetConfig({ profileName, username });
                 setLoaded({ profileName, data });
@@ -107,12 +94,7 @@ const useSettingsState = () => {
                     username,
                 });
                 if (cancelled) return;
-                // A pending edit outranks the daemon's copy until it is saved, so
-                // the read is owed rather than dropped: see reloadOwed.
-                if (saveTimer.current) {
-                    reloadOwed.current = true;
-                    return;
-                }
+                if (saveTimer.current) return;
                 setLoaded({ profileName: activeProfileId, data });
             } catch (e) {
                 if (cancelled || !showError) return;
@@ -159,17 +141,12 @@ const useSettingsState = () => {
         async (profileName: string, next: Config, preSharedKey?: string) => {
             const preSharedKeyWrite = preSharedKey === undefined ? {} : { preSharedKey };
             try {
-                const { declined } = await SettingsSvc.SetConfig({
+                await SettingsSvc.SetConfig({
                     ...next,
                     ...preSharedKeyWrite,
                     profileName,
                     username,
                 });
-                // The change needed authorization and the user said no, so the
-                // optimistic update is wrong. Nothing to report: they know.
-                if (declined || reloadOwed.current) {
-                    await reload(profileName);
-                }
             } catch (e) {
                 // The optimistic update is wrong now: the daemon refused it
                 // (a change that needs elevated privileges, an MDM-managed
@@ -229,59 +206,6 @@ const useSettingsState = () => {
         [loaded, save],
     );
 
-    // saveGuardedField applies a setting the daemon restricts to
-    // root/administrator by having the Go side run the app again under the
-    // platform's elevation prompt (UAC, the macOS authentication dialog, polkit).
-    // The prompt is the user's, so the call is made straight from their gesture
-    // and never from the debounce.
-    const saveGuardedField = useCallback(
-        async (k: GuardedField, v: boolean) => {
-            const cur = loadedRef.current;
-            if (!cur) return;
-
-            // Flush what the debounce still owes, before the optimistic update
-            // below joins it: a later save carrying the guarded value would be
-            // refused, and its error dialog would be the second one for a change
-            // the user already authorized.
-            if (saveTimer.current) {
-                clearTimeout(saveTimer.current);
-                saveTimer.current = null;
-                await save(cur.profileName, cur.data);
-            }
-
-            const next: LoadedConfig = {
-                profileName: cur.profileName,
-                data: { ...cur.data, [k]: v },
-            };
-            loadedRef.current = next;
-            setLoaded(next);
-
-            try {
-                await SettingsSvc.SetGuardedSettings({
-                    profileName: cur.profileName,
-                    username,
-                    [k]: v,
-                });
-            } catch (e) {
-                // The daemon is authoritative either way, so re-read before
-                // reporting. A declined prompt is not an error and does not come
-                // through here at all; this is a prompt that could not be raised,
-                // which carries the command that would have done it.
-                await reload(cur.profileName);
-                await errorDialog({
-                    Title: i18next.t("settings.error.saveTitle"),
-                    Message: errorMessage(e),
-                    Command: errorCommand(e),
-                });
-                return;
-            }
-            // Either the change went through or the user declined it. The daemon
-            // says which.
-            await reload(cur.profileName);
-        },
-        [username, save, reload],
-    );
-
     const saveFields = useCallback(
         async (partial: Partial<Config>, opts?: { preSharedKey?: string }) => {
             if (!loaded) return;
@@ -301,27 +225,15 @@ const useSettingsState = () => {
         [loaded, save],
     );
 
-    return {
-        config: loaded?.data ?? null,
-        guiVersion,
-        setField,
-        saveField,
-        saveFields,
-        saveGuardedField,
-        saveNow,
-    };
+    return { config: loaded?.data ?? null, guiVersion, setField, saveField, saveFields, saveNow };
 };
 
 export const SettingsProvider = ({ children }: { children: ReactNode }) => {
-    const { config, guiVersion, setField, saveField, saveFields, saveGuardedField, saveNow } =
-        useSettingsState();
+    const { config, guiVersion, setField, saveField, saveFields, saveNow } = useSettingsState();
 
     const value = useMemo<SettingsContextValue | null>(
-        () =>
-            config
-                ? { config, guiVersion, setField, saveField, saveFields, saveGuardedField, saveNow }
-                : null,
-        [config, guiVersion, setField, saveField, saveFields, saveGuardedField, saveNow],
+        () => (config ? { config, guiVersion, setField, saveField, saveFields, saveNow } : null),
+        [config, guiVersion, setField, saveField, saveFields, saveNow],
     );
 
     if (!value) {

client/ui/frontend/src/hooks/usePrivilege.ts

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 import { useEffect, useState } from "react";
 import { Settings as SettingsSvc } from "@bindings/services";
-import { type Privilege } from "@bindings/services/models.js";
+import { Privilege } from "@bindings/services/models.js";
 
 // usePrivilege reports whether this UI process may perform the changes the daemon
 // restricts to root/administrator. It is answered in-process from our own token

client/ui/frontend/src/modules/approval/ApprovalDialog.tsx

@@ -0,0 +1,170 @@
+import { useCallback, useEffect, useMemo, useRef, useState } from "react";
+import { useTranslation } from "react-i18next";
+import { useSearchParams } from "react-router-dom";
+import { MonitorIcon } from "lucide-react";
+import { Button } from "@/components/buttons/Button";
+import { ConfirmDialog } from "@/components/dialog/ConfirmDialog";
+import { DialogActions } from "@/components/dialog/DialogActions";
+import { DialogHeading } from "@/components/dialog/DialogHeading";
+import { SquareIcon } from "@/components/SquareIcon";
+import { Approval, WindowManager } from "@bindings/services";
+import { useAutoSizeWindow } from "@/hooks/useAutoSizeWindow";
+
+const WINDOW_WIDTH = 360;
+// Fallback window so a missing/unparseable expires_at can't leave the prompt open forever.
+const FALLBACK_SECONDS = 13;
+
+// shortFingerprint groups a hex key as XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX (16 chars). Mirrors the
+// daemon's approval.ShortKeyFingerprint so the value matches an out-of-band reference.
+function shortFingerprint(hexKey: string): string {
+    if (hexKey.length < 8) return "";
+    const src = hexKey.slice(0, 16);
+    return src.match(/.{1,4}/g)?.join("-") ?? src;
+}
+
+type Row = { label: string; value: string; mono?: boolean };
+
+export default function ApprovalDialog() {
+    const { t } = useTranslation();
+    const contentRef = useAutoSizeWindow<HTMLDivElement>(WINDOW_WIDTH);
+    const [params] = useSearchParams();
+    const [busy, setBusy] = useState(false);
+
+    const requestID = params.get("request_id") ?? "";
+    const kind = params.get("kind") ?? "";
+    const initiator = params.get("initiator") ?? "";
+    const peerName = params.get("peer_name") ?? "";
+    const sourceIP = params.get("source_ip") ?? "";
+    const username = params.get("username") ?? "";
+    const peerPubKey = params.get("peer_pubkey") ?? "";
+    const expiresAt = params.get("expires_at") ?? "";
+
+    const deadline = useMemo(() => {
+        const parsed = Date.parse(expiresAt);
+        return Number.isFinite(parsed) ? parsed : Date.now() + FALLBACK_SECONDS * 1000;
+    }, [expiresAt]);
+
+    const title = useMemo(() => {
+        switch (kind) {
+            case "vnc":
+                return t("approval.title.vnc");
+            case "ssh":
+                return t("approval.title.ssh");
+            default:
+                return t("approval.title.default");
+        }
+    }, [kind, t]);
+
+    const rows = useMemo<Row[]>(() => {
+        const out: Row[] = [];
+        // The display name is dashboard-supplied and not cryptographically
+        // asserted; the key fingerprint below IS, so show both.
+        if (initiator) out.push({ label: t("approval.field.user"), value: initiator });
+        const fp = shortFingerprint(peerPubKey);
+        if (fp) out.push({ label: t("approval.field.keyFingerprint"), value: fp, mono: true });
+        if (peerName) out.push({ label: t("approval.field.peer"), value: peerName });
+        if (sourceIP && sourceIP !== peerName)
+            out.push({ label: t("approval.field.sourceIp"), value: sourceIP, mono: true });
+        if (username) out.push({ label: t("approval.field.osUser"), value: username });
+        return out;
+    }, [initiator, peerPubKey, peerName, sourceIP, username, t]);
+
+    const respond = useCallback(
+        async (accept: boolean, viewOnly: boolean) => {
+            if (busy) return;
+            setBusy(true);
+            try {
+                if (requestID) {
+                    await Approval.Respond(requestID, accept, viewOnly);
+                }
+            } catch (e) {
+                console.error("respond approval failed", e);
+            } finally {
+                WindowManager.CloseApproval().catch(console.error);
+            }
+        },
+        [busy, requestID],
+    );
+
+    const secondsLeft = () => Math.max(0, Math.ceil((deadline - Date.now()) / 1000));
+    const [remaining, setRemaining] = useState(secondsLeft);
+    const closedRef = useRef(false);
+    useEffect(() => {
+        const id = globalThis.setInterval(() => {
+            const left = secondsLeft();
+            setRemaining(left);
+            // On the deadline the daemon auto-denies; just close the prompt.
+            if (left <= 0 && !closedRef.current) {
+                closedRef.current = true;
+                WindowManager.CloseApproval().catch(console.error);
+            }
+        }, 1000);
+        return () => globalThis.clearInterval(id);
+        // eslint-disable-next-line react-hooks/exhaustive-deps
+    }, [deadline]);
+
+    const showViewOnly = kind === "vnc";
+
+    return (
+        <ConfirmDialog ref={contentRef} aria-labelledby={"nb-approval-title"}>
+            <SquareIcon icon={MonitorIcon} />
+
+            <DialogHeading id={"nb-approval-title"}>{title}</DialogHeading>
+
+            {rows.length > 0 && (
+                <dl className={"w-full space-y-1 text-left text-sm"}>
+                    {rows.map((row) => (
+                        <div key={row.label} className={"flex justify-between gap-4"}>
+                            <dt className={"shrink-0 text-nb-gray-400"}>{row.label}</dt>
+                            <dd
+                                className={`min-w-0 truncate text-nb-gray-100 ${
+                                    row.mono ? "font-mono" : ""
+                                }`}
+                                title={row.value}
+                            >
+                                {row.value}
+                            </dd>
+                        </div>
+                    ))}
+                </dl>
+            )}
+
+            <div className={"text-sm tabular-nums text-nb-gray-400"} aria-live={"polite"}>
+                {t("approval.countdown", { seconds: remaining })}
+            </div>
+
+            <DialogActions>
+                <Button
+                    autoFocus
+                    variant={"primary"}
+                    size={"md"}
+                    className={"w-full"}
+                    onClick={() => respond(true, false)}
+                    disabled={busy}
+                >
+                    {t("approval.action.allow")}
+                </Button>
+                {showViewOnly && (
+                    <Button
+                        variant={"secondary"}
+                        size={"md"}
+                        className={"w-full"}
+                        onClick={() => respond(true, true)}
+                        disabled={busy}
+                    >
+                        {t("approval.action.allowViewOnly")}
+                    </Button>
+                )}
+                <Button
+                    variant={"danger"}
+                    size={"md"}
+                    className={"w-full"}
+                    onClick={() => respond(false, false)}
+                    disabled={busy}
+                >
+                    {t("approval.action.deny")}
+                </Button>
+            </DialogActions>
+        </ConfirmDialog>
+    );
+}

client/ui/frontend/src/modules/main/ActiveSessionIndicator.tsx

@@ -0,0 +1,54 @@
+import { useTranslation } from "react-i18next";
+import { CircleAlert } from "lucide-react";
+import { Tooltip } from "@/components/Tooltip";
+import { useStatus } from "@/contexts/StatusContext.tsx";
+import { cn } from "@/lib/cn.ts";
+import { type ReactNode } from "react";
+
+// ActiveSessionIndicator marks that someone is attached to this machine over
+// VNC right now, and warns that disconnecting ends that session — which may be
+// the session the person reading it is using.
+//
+// An alert glyph rather than an info one: this is not neutral context, it is a
+// state that changes what the disconnect button does to you.
+//
+// Only a warning, never a block. Input injected by the VNC agent is
+// indistinguishable from local input, so we cannot tell whether this UI is being
+// driven remotely, and the owner may want to disconnect on purpose either way.
+//
+// Renders nothing when no session is attached.
+export function ActiveSessionIndicator({ className }: { className?: string }): ReactNode {
+    const { t } = useTranslation();
+    const { status } = useStatus();
+    const sessions = status?.vncSessions ?? [];
+    if (sessions.length === 0) return null;
+
+    // The initiator is the dashboard user who started the session, which is more
+    // use than a source address. Absent when the session carries no identity.
+    const who = sessions
+        .map((s) => s.initiator)
+        .filter((name): name is string => !!name)
+        .join(", ");
+
+    const message = who
+        ? t("connect.activeSession.tooltipNamed", { sessionCount: sessions.length, who })
+        : t("connect.activeSession.tooltip", { sessionCount: sessions.length });
+
+    return (
+        <Tooltip content={<span className={"block max-w-64"}>{message}</span>}>
+            <span
+                role={"status"}
+                aria-label={message}
+                className={cn(
+                    "inline-flex items-center gap-1 rounded-full border border-yellow-700/50 bg-yellow-900/20 px-2 py-0.5 text-yellow-300",
+                    className,
+                )}
+            >
+                <CircleAlert size={12} aria-hidden={true} />
+                <span className={"text-[0.7rem] leading-none"}>
+                    {t("connect.activeSession.badge")}
+                </span>
+            </span>
+        </Tooltip>
+    );
+}

client/ui/frontend/src/modules/main/MainConnectionStatusSwitch.tsx

@@ -20,6 +20,7 @@ import { useFocusVisible } from "@/hooks/useFocusVisible";
 import { Check as CheckIcon, ChevronDownIcon, Copy as CopyIcon } from "lucide-react";
 import * as Popover from "@radix-ui/react-popover";
 import netbirdFullLogo from "@/assets/logos/netbird-full.svg";
+import { ActiveSessionIndicator } from "@/modules/main/ActiveSessionIndicator.tsx";
 
 enum ConnectionState {
     Disconnected = "disconnected",
@@ -272,6 +273,9 @@ export const MainConnectionStatusSwitch = () => {
                     />
                 </CopyToClipboard>
                 <LocalIpLine ip={ip} ipv6={ipv6} show={show} />
+                {connState === ConnectionState.Connected && (
+                    <ActiveSessionIndicator className={"mt-3"} />
+                )}
             </div>
         </div>
     );

client/ui/frontend/src/modules/settings/PrivilegeGuard.tsx

@@ -0,0 +1,86 @@
+import { useTranslation } from "react-i18next";
+import { CopyToClipboard } from "@/components/CopyToClipboard";
+import { usePrivilege } from "@/hooks/usePrivilege.ts";
+import { Privilege } from "@bindings/services/models.js";
+import { type ReactNode } from "react";
+
+export type GuardedControl = {
+    disabled: boolean;
+    hint: ReactNode;
+};
+
+// useGuardedControl returns a guard for the settings controls the daemon
+// restricts to root/administrator: enabling a remote-access server, or removing
+// one of its safeguards.
+//
+// The daemon restricts only the direction that hands out access from a process
+// running as root. So for an unprivileged user a guarded control is either
+// unavailable (it is off and only they could turn it on) or a one-way switch (it
+// is on, they may turn it off, but not back on) — say which, either way.
+//
+// A null privilege means we could not determine it: leave the control alone
+// rather than greying it out with nothing to explain why. The daemon enforces
+// this regardless, and a rejected save reports its own guidance.
+export const useGuardedControl = () => {
+    const privilege = usePrivilege();
+
+    return (
+        guardedDirectionActive: boolean,
+        command: (p: Privilege) => string,
+        // inverted marks a control whose guarded direction is switching it off,
+        // so the one-way warning has to read the other way round.
+        inverted = false,
+    ): GuardedControl => {
+        if (!privilege || privilege.privileged) {
+            return { disabled: false, hint: undefined };
+        }
+        const hint = (
+            <PrivilegeHint
+                actor={privilege.actor}
+                command={command(privilege)}
+                oneWay={guardedDirectionActive}
+                inverted={inverted}
+            />
+        );
+        return { disabled: !guardedDirectionActive, hint };
+    };
+};
+
+// PrivilegeHint explains what an unprivileged user can and cannot do with a
+// guarded control, and offers the command that does it with the privileges the
+// daemon requires. oneWay covers the control being in the guarded state already:
+// switching it back is the part that needs privileges.
+export function PrivilegeHint({
+    actor,
+    command,
+    oneWay,
+    inverted,
+}: {
+    actor: string;
+    command: string;
+    oneWay: boolean;
+    inverted: boolean;
+}): ReactNode {
+    const { t } = useTranslation();
+    if (!command) return null;
+    return (
+        <div
+            className={
+                "-mt-2 flex flex-col gap-1 rounded-md bg-nb-gray-930 px-3 py-2 text-xs text-nb-gray-300"
+            }
+        >
+            <span>
+                {!oneWay
+                    ? t("settings.privilege.hint", { actor })
+                    : inverted
+                      ? t("settings.privilege.oneWayInverted", { actor })
+                      : t("settings.privilege.oneWay", { actor })}
+            </span>
+            <CopyToClipboard message={command} alwaysShowIcon wrap variant={"bright"}>
+                <code className={"select-text break-all font-mono text-xs text-nb-gray-200"}>
+                    {command}
+                </code>
+            </CopyToClipboard>
+        </div>
+    );
+}

client/ui/frontend/src/modules/settings/SettingsNavigation.tsx

@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@ import {
     BoltIcon,
     InfoIcon,
     LifeBuoyIcon,
+    MonitorIcon,
     NetworkIcon,
     ShieldIcon,
     SlidersHorizontalIcon,
@@ -20,6 +21,7 @@ export const SettingsNavigation = () => {
     const { updateAvailable } = useClientVersion();
     const { mdm, features } = useRestrictions();
     const showSsh = mdm.allowServerSSH ?? !features.disableUpdateSettings;
+    const showVnc = mdm.allowServerVNC ?? !features.disableUpdateSettings;
 
     const aboutAdornment = updateAvailable ? (
         <Tooltip content={t("settings.tabs.updateAvailable")} side={"right"}>
@@ -63,6 +65,13 @@ export const SettingsNavigation = () => {
                         title={t("settings.tabs.ssh")}
                     />
                 )}
+                {showVnc && (
+                    <VerticalTabs.Trigger
+                        value={"vnc"}
+                        icon={MonitorIcon}
+                        title={t("settings.tabs.vnc")}
+                    />
+                )}
                 {!features.disableUpdateSettings && (
                     <VerticalTabs.Trigger
                         value={"advanced"}

client/ui/frontend/src/modules/settings/SettingsPage.tsx

@@ -13,6 +13,7 @@ import { SettingsNetwork } from "@/modules/settings/SettingsNetwork.tsx";
 import { SettingsSecurity } from "@/modules/settings/SettingsSecurity.tsx";
 import { ProfilesTab } from "@/modules/profiles/ProfilesTab.tsx";
 import { SettingsSSH } from "@/modules/settings/SettingsSSH.tsx";
+import { SettingsVNC } from "@/modules/settings/SettingsVNC.tsx";
 import { SettingsAdvanced } from "@/modules/settings/SettingsAdvanced.tsx";
 import { SettingsTroubleshooting } from "@/modules/settings/SettingsTroubleshooting.tsx";
 import { SettingsAbout } from "@/modules/settings/SettingsAbout.tsx";
@@ -26,6 +27,7 @@ const enum Tab {
     Security = "security",
     Profiles = "profiles",
     SSH = "ssh",
+    VNC = "vnc",
     Advanced = "advanced",
     Troubleshooting = "troubleshooting",
     About = "about",
@@ -37,6 +39,7 @@ const TAB_CONTENT: Record<Tab, ReactNode> = {
     [Tab.Security]: <SettingsSecurity />,
     [Tab.Profiles]: <ProfilesTab />,
     [Tab.SSH]: <SettingsSSH />,
+    [Tab.VNC]: <SettingsVNC />,
     [Tab.Advanced]: <SettingsAdvanced />,
     [Tab.Troubleshooting]: <SettingsTroubleshooting />,
     [Tab.About]: <SettingsAbout />,
@@ -55,12 +58,18 @@ export const SettingsPage = () => {
             [Tab.Security]: editable,
             [Tab.Profiles]: !features.disableProfiles,
             [Tab.SSH]: mdm.allowServerSSH ?? editable,
+            [Tab.VNC]: mdm.allowServerVNC ?? editable,
             [Tab.Advanced]: editable,
             [Tab.Troubleshooting]: true,
             [Tab.About]: true,
         };
         return (Object.keys(visibility) as Tab[]).filter((t) => visibility[t]);
-    }, [features.disableUpdateSettings, features.disableProfiles, mdm.allowServerSSH]);
+    }, [
+        features.disableUpdateSettings,
+        features.disableProfiles,
+        mdm.allowServerSSH,
+        mdm.allowServerVNC,
+    ]);
 
     const defaultTab = visibleTabs[0];
     const [active, setActive] = useState<string>(() => navState?.tab ?? defaultTab);

client/ui/frontend/src/modules/settings/SettingsSSH.tsx

@@ -1,97 +1,24 @@
-import { type TFunction } from "i18next";
 import { useTranslation } from "react-i18next";
-import { CopyToClipboard } from "@/components/CopyToClipboard";
 import FancyToggleSwitch from "@/components/switches/FancyToggleSwitch";
 import { HelpText } from "@/components/typography/HelpText";
 import { Input } from "@/components/inputs/Input";
 import { Label } from "@/components/typography/Label";
 import { cn } from "@/lib/cn";
 import { SectionGroup } from "@/modules/settings/SettingsSection.tsx";
-import { type GuardedField, useSettings } from "@/contexts/SettingsContext.tsx";
-import { usePrivilege } from "@/hooks/usePrivilege.ts";
-import type { Privilege } from "@bindings/services/models.js";
-import { type ChangeEvent, type ReactNode, useEffect, useId, useState } from "react";
+import { useGuardedControl } from "@/modules/settings/PrivilegeGuard.tsx";
+import { useSettings } from "@/contexts/SettingsContext.tsx";
+import { type ChangeEvent, useEffect, useId, useState } from "react";
 
 export function SettingsSSH() {
     const { t } = useTranslation();
-    const { config, setField, saveGuardedField } = useSettings();
-    const privilege = usePrivilege();
-    // The field whose elevation prompt is currently up, if any. The prompt is
-    // modal to the operating system, not to us, so the guarded controls are held
-    // still meanwhile rather than allowed to stack a second one behind it.
-    const [authorizing, setAuthorizing] = useState<GuardedField | null>(null);
+    const { config, setField } = useSettings();
+    const guarded = useGuardedControl();
     const isSSHServerEnabled = config.serverSshAllowed;
-
-    const authorize = async (field: GuardedField, value: boolean) => {
-        setAuthorizing(field);
-        try {
-            await saveGuardedField(field, value);
-        } finally {
-            setAuthorizing(null);
-        }
-    };
-
-    // The daemon restricts only the direction that hands out shells from a process
-    // running as root: for all three settings that is switching the field on.
-    //
-    // An unprivileged user gets that direction routed through the platform's
-    // elevation prompt where there is one to raise, and otherwise the old
-    // arrangement, where the control is either unavailable (it is off and only a
-    // privileged caller could turn it on) or a one-way switch (it is on, they may
-    // turn it off but not back on) with the command that does it.
-    //
-    // A null privilege means we could not determine it: leave the control alone
-    // rather than greying it out with nothing to explain why. The daemon enforces
-    // this regardless, and a rejected save reports its own guidance.
-    const guarded = (
-        field: GuardedField,
-        command: (p: Privilege) => string,
-        // inverted marks a control whose guarded direction is switching it off, so
-        // the one-way warning has to read the other way round.
-        inverted = false,
-    ) => {
-        const plain = (value: boolean) => setField(field, value);
-        if (!privilege || privilege.privileged) {
-            return { apply: plain, disabled: false, hint: undefined };
-        }
-
-        const guardedDirectionActive = config[field];
-        const hint = (pending: boolean, command?: string) => (
-            <GuardedHint
-                actor={actorLabel(privilege, t)}
-                oneWay={guardedDirectionActive}
-                inverted={inverted}
-                pending={pending}
-                command={command}
-            />
-        );
-
-        if (privilege.canElevate) {
-            return {
-                // Switching off is ours to do; only switching on is authorized.
-                apply: (value: boolean) => {
-                    if (!value) {
-                        plain(value);
-                        return;
-                    }
-                    void authorize(field, value);
-                },
-                disabled: authorizing !== null,
-                hint: hint(authorizing === field),
-            };
-        }
-        return {
-            apply: plain,
-            disabled: !guardedDirectionActive,
-            hint: hint(false, command(privilege)),
-        };
-    };
-
-    const sshServer = guarded("serverSshAllowed", (p) => p.allowSshServer);
-    const sshRoot = guarded("enableSshRoot", (p) => p.enableSshRoot);
+    const sshServer = guarded(config.serverSshAllowed, (p) => p.allowSshServer);
+    const sshRoot = guarded(config.enableSshRoot, (p) => p.enableSshRoot);
     // Inverted control: the guarded direction is switching authentication off, so
     // it is the already-disabled state that is the one-way one.
-    const sshAuth = guarded("disableSshAuth", (p) => p.disableSshAuth, true);
+    const sshAuth = guarded(config.disableSshAuth, (p) => p.disableSshAuth, true);
     const jwtTtlId = useId();
     const [jwtTtlInput, setJwtTtlInput] = useState(String(config.sshJwtCacheTtl));
 
@@ -125,7 +52,7 @@ export function SettingsSSH() {
             <SectionGroup title={t("settings.ssh.section.server")}>
                 <FancyToggleSwitch
                     value={config.serverSshAllowed}
-                    onChange={sshServer.apply}
+                    onChange={(v) => setField("serverSshAllowed", v)}
                     disabled={sshServer.disabled}
                     label={t("settings.ssh.server.label")}
                     helpText={t("settings.ssh.server.help")}
@@ -139,7 +66,7 @@ export function SettingsSSH() {
             >
                 <FancyToggleSwitch
                     value={config.enableSshRoot}
-                    onChange={sshRoot.apply}
+                    onChange={(v) => setField("enableSshRoot", v)}
                     disabled={sshRoot.disabled}
                     label={t("settings.ssh.root.label")}
                     helpText={t("settings.ssh.root.help")}
@@ -171,7 +98,7 @@ export function SettingsSSH() {
             >
                 <FancyToggleSwitch
                     value={!config.disableSshAuth}
-                    onChange={(v) => sshAuth.apply(!v)}
+                    onChange={(v) => setField("disableSshAuth", !v)}
                     disabled={sshAuth.disabled}
                     label={t("settings.ssh.jwt.label")}
                     helpText={t("settings.ssh.jwt.help")}
@@ -203,82 +130,3 @@ export function SettingsSSH() {
         </>
     );
 }
-
-// actorLabel names the principal the daemon requires, in the user's language. The
-// Go side reports which one it is rather than wording it, because "administrator
-// privileges" is English and a translated sentence cannot borrow it.
-function actorLabel(privilege: Privilege, t: TFunction): string {
-    return privilege.actorKey === "administrator"
-        ? t("settings.ssh.privilege.actorAdministrator")
-        : t("settings.ssh.privilege.actorRoot");
-}
-
-// GuardedHint is what a control the daemon guards says to an unprivileged user.
-// There are three things worth saying, and it says at most one:
-//
-//   - A prompt is open. Worth a line because it can take a few seconds to appear,
-//     long enough that a control which merely went inert would read as a hang.
-//   - The setting is in its guarded state already (oneWay), so the user may switch
-//     it back as they please and it is switching it away again that will ask. No
-//     command either way: the direction they can take is theirs to take.
-//   - Only a privileged caller can move it at all, and there is no prompt to
-//     raise: the command that does it belongs here, and nothing else will do.
-//
-// Which leaves the case of a control whose guarded direction is still ahead of the
-// user and a prompt that can be raised for it: nothing to say, because clicking it
-// raises the prompt and the prompt explains itself.
-function GuardedHint({
-    actor,
-    oneWay,
-    inverted,
-    pending,
-    command,
-}: {
-    actor: string;
-    oneWay: boolean;
-    inverted: boolean;
-    pending: boolean;
-    command?: string;
-}): ReactNode {
-    const { t } = useTranslation();
-
-    if (pending) {
-        return <HintBox>{t("settings.ssh.privilege.authorizePending")}</HintBox>;
-    }
-    if (oneWay) {
-        return (
-            <HintBox>
-                <span>
-                    {inverted
-                        ? t("settings.ssh.privilege.oneWayInverted", { actor })
-                        : t("settings.ssh.privilege.oneWay", { actor })}
-                </span>
-            </HintBox>
-        );
-    }
-    if (!command) return null;
-    return (
-        <HintBox>
-            <span>{t("settings.ssh.privilege.hint", { actor })}</span>
-            <CopyToClipboard message={command} alwaysShowIcon wrap variant={"bright"}>
-                <code className={"select-text break-all font-mono text-xs text-nb-gray-200"}>
-                    {command}
-                </code>
-            </CopyToClipboard>
-        </HintBox>
-    );
-}
-
-// HintBox is the box a guarded control puts its explanation in, directly under the
-// control it belongs to.
-function HintBox({ children }: { children: ReactNode }): ReactNode {
-    return (
-        <div
-            className={
-                "-mt-2 flex flex-col gap-1 rounded-md bg-nb-gray-930 px-3 py-2 text-xs text-nb-gray-300"
-            }
-        >
-            {children}
-        </div>
-    );
-}

client/ui/frontend/src/modules/settings/SettingsVNC.tsx

@@ -0,0 +1,51 @@
+import { useTranslation } from "react-i18next";
+import FancyToggleSwitch from "@/components/switches/FancyToggleSwitch";
+import { SectionGroup } from "@/modules/settings/SettingsSection.tsx";
+import { useGuardedControl } from "@/modules/settings/PrivilegeGuard.tsx";
+import { useSettings } from "@/contexts/SettingsContext.tsx";
+import { useRestrictions } from "@/contexts/RestrictionsContext.tsx";
+
+export function SettingsVNC() {
+    const { t } = useTranslation();
+    const { config, setField } = useSettings();
+    const { mdm } = useRestrictions();
+    const guarded = useGuardedControl();
+    const isVNCServerEnabled = config.serverVncAllowed;
+    const vncServerManaged = mdm.allowServerVNC != null;
+
+    const vncServer = guarded(config.serverVncAllowed, (p) => p.allowVncServer);
+    // Inverted control: the guarded direction is switching the approval prompt
+    // off, so the already-disabled state is the one-way one.
+    const vncApproval = guarded(config.disableVncApproval, (p) => p.disableVncApproval, true);
+
+    return (
+        <>
+            <SectionGroup title={t("settings.vnc.section.server")}>
+                <FancyToggleSwitch
+                    value={config.serverVncAllowed}
+                    onChange={(v) => setField("serverVncAllowed", v)}
+                    label={t("settings.vnc.server.label")}
+                    helpText={t("settings.vnc.server.help")}
+                    disabled={vncServerManaged || vncServer.disabled}
+                />
+                {!vncServerManaged && vncServer.hint}
+            </SectionGroup>
+
+            {!mdm.disableVNCApproval && (
+                <SectionGroup
+                    title={t("settings.vnc.section.approval")}
+                    disabled={!isVNCServerEnabled}
+                >
+                    <FancyToggleSwitch
+                        value={!config.disableVncApproval}
+                        onChange={(v) => setField("disableVncApproval", !v)}
+                        label={t("settings.vnc.approval.label")}
+                        helpText={t("settings.vnc.approval.help")}
+                        disabled={vncApproval.disabled}
+                    />
+                    {vncApproval.hint}
+                </SectionGroup>
+            )}
+        </>
+    );
+}

client/ui/i18n/locales/de/common.json

@@ -401,6 +401,9 @@
     "networks.bulk.label": {
         "message": "Alle sichtbaren Ressourcen umschalten"
     },
+    "settings.nav.label": {
+        "message": "Einstellungsbereiche"
+    },
     "profile.switch.title": {
         "message": "Zu Profil \"{name}\" wechseln?"
     },
@@ -494,9 +497,6 @@
     "settings.error.debugBundleTitle": {
         "message": "Debug-Paket fehlgeschlagen"
     },
-    "settings.nav.label": {
-        "message": "Einstellungsbereiche"
-    },
     "settings.tabs.general": {
         "message": "Allgemein"
     },
@@ -1331,28 +1331,64 @@
     "error.unknown": {
         "message": "Vorgang fehlgeschlagen."
     },
-    "error.elevation_unavailable": {
-        "message": "NetBird konnte auf diesem System nicht die nötigen Rechte anfordern. Führen Sie stattdessen dies aus:"
+    "settings.tabs.vnc": {
+        "message": "VNC"
     },
-    "error.elevation_failed": {
-        "message": "Die Änderung konnte mit erhöhten Rechten nicht angewendet werden. Führen Sie stattdessen dies aus:"
+    "settings.vnc.section.server": {
+        "message": "Server"
     },
-    "settings.ssh.privilege.actorRoot": {
-        "message": "root-Rechte"
+    "settings.vnc.section.approval": {
+        "message": "Genehmigung"
     },
-    "settings.ssh.privilege.actorAdministrator": {
-        "message": "Administratorrechte"
+    "settings.vnc.server.label": {
+        "message": "VNC-Server aktivieren"
     },
-    "settings.ssh.privilege.hint": {
-        "message": "Erfordert {actor}. Führen Sie stattdessen dies aus:"
+    "settings.vnc.server.help": {
+        "message": "Den NetBird-VNC-Server auf diesem Host ausführen, damit autorisierte Peers den Bildschirm ansehen oder steuern können."
     },
-    "settings.ssh.privilege.oneWay": {
-        "message": "Sie können dies deaktivieren, zum erneuten Aktivieren sind {actor} erforderlich."
+    "settings.vnc.approval.label": {
+        "message": "Verbindungsgenehmigung erforderlich"
     },
-    "settings.ssh.privilege.oneWayInverted": {
-        "message": "Sie können dies aktivieren, zum erneuten Deaktivieren sind {actor} erforderlich."
+    "settings.vnc.approval.help": {
+        "message": "Auf diesem Host eine Aufforderung anzeigen, die bestätigt werden muss, bevor eine eingehende VNC-Verbindung zugelassen wird."
     },
-    "settings.ssh.privilege.authorizePending": {
-        "message": "Warten auf Autorisierung…"
+    "window.title.approval": {
+        "message": "Verbindungsanfrage"
+    },
+    "approval.title.vnc": {
+        "message": "VNC-Verbindung zulassen?"
+    },
+    "approval.title.ssh": {
+        "message": "SSH-Verbindung zulassen?"
+    },
+    "approval.title.default": {
+        "message": "Eingehende Verbindung zulassen?"
+    },
+    "approval.field.user": {
+        "message": "Von Benutzer"
+    },
+    "approval.field.keyFingerprint": {
+        "message": "Schlüssel-Fingerabdruck"
+    },
+    "approval.field.peer": {
+        "message": "Über Peer"
+    },
+    "approval.field.sourceIp": {
+        "message": "Quell-IP"
+    },
+    "approval.field.osUser": {
+        "message": "Betriebssystem-Benutzer"
+    },
+    "approval.countdown": {
+        "message": "Automatische Ablehnung in {seconds}s"
+    },
+    "approval.action.allow": {
+        "message": "Zulassen"
+    },
+    "approval.action.allowViewOnly": {
+        "message": "Zulassen (nur ansehen)"
+    },
+    "approval.action.deny": {
+        "message": "Ablehnen"
     }
 }

client/ui/i18n/locales/en/common.json

@@ -683,6 +683,10 @@
         "message": "SSH",
         "description": "Settings tab label: SSH. Acronym — keep as-is."
     },
+    "settings.tabs.vnc": {
+        "message": "VNC",
+        "description": "Settings tab label: VNC. Acronym — keep as-is."
+    },
     "settings.tabs.advanced": {
         "message": "Advanced",
         "description": "Settings tab label: Advanced. Keep short."
@@ -951,6 +955,30 @@
         "message": "Second(s)",
         "description": "Unit suffix shown after the JWT TTL number field. The '(s)' marks an optional plural."
     },
+    "settings.vnc.section.server": {
+        "message": "Server",
+        "description": "Section heading: Server (VNC settings)."
+    },
+    "settings.vnc.section.approval": {
+        "message": "Approval",
+        "description": "Section heading: Approval (VNC connection approval settings)."
+    },
+    "settings.vnc.server.label": {
+        "message": "Enable VNC Server",
+        "description": "Toggle label: enable the embedded VNC server."
+    },
+    "settings.vnc.server.help": {
+        "message": "Run the NetBird VNC server on this host so authorized peers can view or control its screen.",
+        "description": "Helper text for the VNC server toggle."
+    },
+    "settings.vnc.approval.label": {
+        "message": "Require Connection Approval",
+        "description": "Toggle label: prompt for approval before each inbound VNC connection."
+    },
+    "settings.vnc.approval.help": {
+        "message": "Show a prompt on this host that must be accepted before an incoming VNC connection is allowed.",
+        "description": "Helper text for the VNC connection-approval toggle."
+    },
     "settings.advanced.section.interface": {
         "message": "Interface",
         "description": "Section heading: Interface (network-interface settings)."
@@ -1363,6 +1391,58 @@
         "message": "Session Expiring",
         "description": "OS window-chrome title for the session-expiration window."
     },
+    "window.title.approval": {
+        "message": "Connection Request",
+        "description": "OS window-chrome title for the inbound-connection approval window."
+    },
+    "approval.title.vnc": {
+        "message": "Allow VNC Connection?",
+        "description": "Approval dialog heading for an inbound VNC connection."
+    },
+    "approval.title.ssh": {
+        "message": "Allow SSH Connection?",
+        "description": "Approval dialog heading for an inbound SSH connection."
+    },
+    "approval.title.default": {
+        "message": "Allow Incoming Connection?",
+        "description": "Approval dialog heading for an inbound connection of unknown kind."
+    },
+    "approval.field.user": {
+        "message": "From user",
+        "description": "Approval dialog row label: the initiating user's display name."
+    },
+    "approval.field.keyFingerprint": {
+        "message": "Key fingerprint",
+        "description": "Approval dialog row label: the connecting peer's cryptographic key fingerprint."
+    },
+    "approval.field.peer": {
+        "message": "Via peer",
+        "description": "Approval dialog row label: the peer the connection arrives through."
+    },
+    "approval.field.sourceIp": {
+        "message": "Source IP",
+        "description": "Approval dialog row label: the source IP address of the connection."
+    },
+    "approval.field.osUser": {
+        "message": "OS user",
+        "description": "Approval dialog row label: the target operating-system user."
+    },
+    "approval.countdown": {
+        "message": "Auto-deny in {seconds}s",
+        "description": "Approval dialog countdown; {seconds} is the remaining whole seconds before the daemon auto-denies."
+    },
+    "approval.action.allow": {
+        "message": "Allow",
+        "description": "Approval dialog button: allow the connection."
+    },
+    "approval.action.allowViewOnly": {
+        "message": "Allow (view only)",
+        "description": "Approval dialog button: allow the connection in view-only mode."
+    },
+    "approval.action.deny": {
+        "message": "Deny",
+        "description": "Approval dialog button: deny the connection."
+    },
     "window.title.updating": {
         "message": "Updating",
         "description": "OS window-chrome title for the update / install window."
@@ -1775,36 +1855,28 @@
         "message": "Operation failed.",
         "description": "Generic fallback error message used when no specific error applies."
     },
-    "error.elevation_unavailable": {
-        "message": "NetBird could not ask this system for the privileges the change needs. Run this instead:",
-        "description": "Error: this computer has no way to prompt for elevated privileges. Followed by a copyable command that applies the setting from a terminal."
+    "connect.activeSession.badge": {
+        "message": "Screen shared",
+        "description": "Short label on the badge shown on the main screen while somebody is attached to this machine over VNC."
     },
-    "error.elevation_failed": {
-        "message": "The change could not be applied with elevated privileges. Run this instead:",
-        "description": "Error: the authorization succeeded but applying the setting afterwards failed. Followed by a copyable command that applies the setting from a terminal."
+    "connect.activeSession.tooltip": {
+        "message": "This screen is being viewed over VNC ({sessionCount} session(s)). Disconnecting ends it, and if you are connected through VNC you will lose access.",
+        "description": "Tooltip on the screen-shared badge. {sessionCount} is how many VNC sessions are attached; wording covers any number since the bundle has no plural forms."
     },
-    "settings.ssh.privilege.actorRoot": {
-        "message": "root",
-        "description": "Fills {actor} in the settings.ssh.privilege.* messages on Linux, macOS and BSD, where the daemon requires the root account. 'root' is an account name and stays as it is; add the word for privileges or rights around it if the sentence needs one to read naturally."
+    "connect.activeSession.tooltipNamed": {
+        "message": "This screen is being viewed over VNC by {who} ({sessionCount} session(s)). Disconnecting ends it, and if you are connected through VNC you will lose access.",
+        "description": "As connect.activeSession.tooltip, with {who} naming the dashboard users who started the sessions."
     },
-    "settings.ssh.privilege.actorAdministrator": {
-        "message": "administrator privileges",
-        "description": "Fills {actor} in the settings.ssh.privilege.* messages on Windows, where the daemon requires an elevated administrator. The Windows term for the rights an account is asked to elevate to."
-    },
-    "settings.ssh.privilege.hint": {
+    "settings.privilege.hint": {
         "message": "Requires {actor}. Run this instead:",
-        "description": "Help text under an SSH setting the user cannot change: it needs elevated privileges. {actor} is 'root' on Linux/macOS or 'administrator privileges' on Windows. Followed by a copyable command."
+        "description": "Help text under a remote-access setting the user cannot change: it needs elevated privileges. {actor} is 'root' on Linux/macOS or 'administrator privileges' on Windows. Followed by a copyable command."
     },
-    "settings.ssh.privilege.oneWay": {
-        "message": "You can switch this off, but switching it back on needs {actor}.",
-        "description": "Help text under an SSH setting that is already on: an unprivileged user may switch it off freely, and switching it on again is what needs the privileges. No command follows, since the direction they can take is theirs to take. {actor} is 'root' on Linux/macOS or 'administrator privileges' on Windows."
+    "settings.privilege.oneWay": {
+        "message": "You can switch this off, but switching it back on needs {actor}:",
+        "description": "Warning under a remote-access setting an unprivileged user may disable but not re-enable. {actor} is 'root' on Linux/macOS or 'administrator privileges' on Windows. Followed by a copyable command."
     },
-    "settings.ssh.privilege.oneWayInverted": {
-        "message": "You can switch this on, but switching it back off needs {actor}.",
-        "description": "Same as settings.ssh.privilege.oneWay, for the SSH authentication setting once it has been switched off: switching it off again is what needs the privileges."
-    },
-    "settings.ssh.privilege.authorizePending": {
-        "message": "Waiting for authorization…",
-        "description": "Replaces the help text under a guarded SSH setting while the authorization prompt is open, which can take a few seconds to appear. Keep the trailing ellipsis."
+    "settings.privilege.oneWayInverted": {
+        "message": "You can switch this on, but switching it back off needs {actor}:",
+        "description": "Warning under a safeguard setting (SSH authentication, VNC approval) which an unprivileged user may re-enable but not disable again. {actor} is 'root' on Linux/macOS or 'administrator privileges' on Windows. Followed by a copyable command."
     }
 }

client/ui/i18n/locales/es/common.json

@@ -401,6 +401,9 @@
     "networks.bulk.label": {
         "message": "Conmutar todos los recursos visibles"
     },
+    "settings.nav.label": {
+        "message": "Secciones de configuración"
+    },
     "profile.switch.title": {
         "message": "¿Cambiar el perfil a «{name}»?"
     },
@@ -494,9 +497,6 @@
     "settings.error.debugBundleTitle": {
         "message": "Error en el paquete de diagnóstico"
     },
-    "settings.nav.label": {
-        "message": "Secciones de configuración"
-    },
     "settings.tabs.general": {
         "message": "General"
     },
@@ -1331,28 +1331,64 @@
     "error.unknown": {
         "message": "La operación falló."
     },
-    "error.elevation_unavailable": {
-        "message": "NetBird no pudo solicitar a este sistema los privilegios necesarios. Ejecute esto en su lugar:"
+    "settings.tabs.vnc": {
+        "message": "VNC"
     },
-    "error.elevation_failed": {
-        "message": "No se pudo aplicar el cambio con privilegios elevados. Ejecute esto en su lugar:"
+    "settings.vnc.section.server": {
+        "message": "Servidor"
     },
-    "settings.ssh.privilege.actorRoot": {
-        "message": "privilegios de root"
+    "settings.vnc.section.approval": {
+        "message": "Aprobación"
     },
-    "settings.ssh.privilege.actorAdministrator": {
-        "message": "privilegios de administrador"
+    "settings.vnc.server.label": {
+        "message": "Habilitar el servidor VNC"
     },
-    "settings.ssh.privilege.hint": {
-        "message": "Requiere {actor}. Ejecute esto en su lugar:"
+    "settings.vnc.server.help": {
+        "message": "Ejecuta el servidor VNC de NetBird en este host para que los peers autorizados puedan ver o controlar su pantalla."
     },
-    "settings.ssh.privilege.oneWay": {
-        "message": "Puede desactivarlo, pero volver a activarlo requiere {actor}."
+    "settings.vnc.approval.label": {
+        "message": "Requerir aprobación de conexión"
     },
-    "settings.ssh.privilege.oneWayInverted": {
-        "message": "Puede activarlo, pero volver a desactivarlo requiere {actor}."
+    "settings.vnc.approval.help": {
+        "message": "Mostrar en este host una solicitud que debe aceptarse antes de permitir una conexión VNC entrante."
     },
-    "settings.ssh.privilege.authorizePending": {
-        "message": "Esperando la autorización…"
+    "window.title.approval": {
+        "message": "Solicitud de conexión"
+    },
+    "approval.title.vnc": {
+        "message": "¿Permitir la conexión VNC?"
+    },
+    "approval.title.ssh": {
+        "message": "¿Permitir la conexión SSH?"
+    },
+    "approval.title.default": {
+        "message": "¿Permitir la conexión entrante?"
+    },
+    "approval.field.user": {
+        "message": "Del usuario"
+    },
+    "approval.field.keyFingerprint": {
+        "message": "Huella de la clave"
+    },
+    "approval.field.peer": {
+        "message": "A través del peer"
+    },
+    "approval.field.sourceIp": {
+        "message": "IP de origen"
+    },
+    "approval.field.osUser": {
+        "message": "Usuario del SO"
+    },
+    "approval.countdown": {
+        "message": "Rechazo automático en {seconds}s"
+    },
+    "approval.action.allow": {
+        "message": "Permitir"
+    },
+    "approval.action.allowViewOnly": {
+        "message": "Permitir (solo ver)"
+    },
+    "approval.action.deny": {
+        "message": "Denegar"
     }
 }

client/ui/i18n/locales/fr/common.json

@@ -401,6 +401,9 @@
     "networks.bulk.label": {
         "message": "Activer/désactiver toutes les ressources visibles"
     },
+    "settings.nav.label": {
+        "message": "Sections des paramètres"
+    },
     "profile.switch.title": {
         "message": "Basculer vers le profil « {name} » ?"
     },
@@ -494,9 +497,6 @@
     "settings.error.debugBundleTitle": {
         "message": "Échec du lot de diagnostic"
     },
-    "settings.nav.label": {
-        "message": "Sections des paramètres"
-    },
     "settings.tabs.general": {
         "message": "Général"
     },
@@ -1331,28 +1331,64 @@
     "error.unknown": {
         "message": "L’opération a échoué."
     },
-    "error.elevation_unavailable": {
-        "message": "NetBird n’a pas pu demander à ce système les privilèges nécessaires. Exécutez plutôt ceci :"
+    "settings.tabs.vnc": {
+        "message": "VNC"
     },
-    "error.elevation_failed": {
-        "message": "La modification n’a pas pu être appliquée avec des privilèges élevés. Exécutez plutôt ceci :"
+    "settings.vnc.section.server": {
+        "message": "Serveur"
     },
-    "settings.ssh.privilege.actorRoot": {
-        "message": "les privilèges root"
+    "settings.vnc.section.approval": {
+        "message": "Approbation"
     },
-    "settings.ssh.privilege.actorAdministrator": {
-        "message": "les privilèges administrateur"
+    "settings.vnc.server.label": {
+        "message": "Activer le serveur VNC"
     },
-    "settings.ssh.privilege.hint": {
-        "message": "Nécessite {actor}. Exécutez plutôt ceci :"
+    "settings.vnc.server.help": {
+        "message": "Exécuter le serveur VNC de NetBird sur cet hôte afin que les pairs autorisés puissent voir ou contrôler son écran."
     },
-    "settings.ssh.privilege.oneWay": {
-        "message": "Vous pouvez le désactiver, mais le réactiver nécessite {actor}."
+    "settings.vnc.approval.label": {
+        "message": "Exiger l'approbation des connexions"
     },
-    "settings.ssh.privilege.oneWayInverted": {
-        "message": "Vous pouvez l’activer, mais le désactiver de nouveau nécessite {actor}."
+    "settings.vnc.approval.help": {
+        "message": "Afficher sur cet hôte une invite qui doit être acceptée avant d'autoriser une connexion VNC entrante."
     },
-    "settings.ssh.privilege.authorizePending": {
-        "message": "En attente de l’autorisation…"
+    "window.title.approval": {
+        "message": "Demande de connexion"
+    },
+    "approval.title.vnc": {
+        "message": "Autoriser la connexion VNC ?"
+    },
+    "approval.title.ssh": {
+        "message": "Autoriser la connexion SSH ?"
+    },
+    "approval.title.default": {
+        "message": "Autoriser la connexion entrante ?"
+    },
+    "approval.field.user": {
+        "message": "De l'utilisateur"
+    },
+    "approval.field.keyFingerprint": {
+        "message": "Empreinte de clé"
+    },
+    "approval.field.peer": {
+        "message": "Via le pair"
+    },
+    "approval.field.sourceIp": {
+        "message": "IP source"
+    },
+    "approval.field.osUser": {
+        "message": "Utilisateur du système"
+    },
+    "approval.countdown": {
+        "message": "Refus automatique dans {seconds}s"
+    },
+    "approval.action.allow": {
+        "message": "Autoriser"
+    },
+    "approval.action.allowViewOnly": {
+        "message": "Autoriser (lecture seule)"
+    },
+    "approval.action.deny": {
+        "message": "Refuser"
     }
 }

client/ui/i18n/locales/hu/common.json

@@ -401,6 +401,9 @@
     "networks.bulk.label": {
         "message": "Összes látható erőforrás be/ki"
     },
+    "settings.nav.label": {
+        "message": "Beállítások szakaszai"
+    },
     "profile.switch.title": {
         "message": "Váltás a(z) \"{name}\" profilra?"
     },
@@ -494,9 +497,6 @@
     "settings.error.debugBundleTitle": {
         "message": "Hibakeresési csomag sikertelen"
     },
-    "settings.nav.label": {
-        "message": "Beállítások szakaszai"
-    },
     "settings.tabs.general": {
         "message": "Általános"
     },
@@ -1331,28 +1331,64 @@
     "error.unknown": {
         "message": "A művelet meghiúsult."
     },
-    "error.elevation_unavailable": {
-        "message": "A NetBird nem tudta bekérni a rendszertől a szükséges jogosultságokat. Futtassa inkább ezt:"
+    "settings.tabs.vnc": {
+        "message": "VNC"
     },
-    "error.elevation_failed": {
-        "message": "A módosítást emelt szintű jogosultságokkal sem sikerült alkalmazni. Futtassa inkább ezt:"
+    "settings.vnc.section.server": {
+        "message": "Szerver"
     },
-    "settings.ssh.privilege.actorRoot": {
-        "message": "root jogosultság"
+    "settings.vnc.section.approval": {
+        "message": "Jóváhagyás"
     },
-    "settings.ssh.privilege.actorAdministrator": {
-        "message": "rendszergazdai jogosultság"
+    "settings.vnc.server.label": {
+        "message": "VNC szerver engedélyezése"
     },
-    "settings.ssh.privilege.hint": {
-        "message": "{actor} szükséges hozzá. Futtassa inkább ezt:"
+    "settings.vnc.server.help": {
+        "message": "A NetBird VNC szerver futtatása ezen a gépen, hogy az arra jogosult partnerek megtekinthessék vagy vezérelhessék a képernyőjét."
     },
-    "settings.ssh.privilege.oneWay": {
-        "message": "Kikapcsolhatja, de a visszakapcsolásához {actor} szükséges."
+    "settings.vnc.approval.label": {
+        "message": "Kapcsolat jóváhagyásának megkövetelése"
     },
-    "settings.ssh.privilege.oneWayInverted": {
-        "message": "Bekapcsolhatja, de az ismételt kikapcsolásához {actor} szükséges."
+    "settings.vnc.approval.help": {
+        "message": "Megerősítést kérő ablak megjelenítése ezen a gépen, amelyet el kell fogadni a bejövő VNC-kapcsolat engedélyezése előtt."
     },
-    "settings.ssh.privilege.authorizePending": {
-        "message": "Várakozás az engedélyezésre…"
+    "window.title.approval": {
+        "message": "Kapcsolódási kérés"
+    },
+    "approval.title.vnc": {
+        "message": "Engedélyezi a VNC-kapcsolatot?"
+    },
+    "approval.title.ssh": {
+        "message": "Engedélyezi az SSH-kapcsolatot?"
+    },
+    "approval.title.default": {
+        "message": "Engedélyezi a bejövő kapcsolatot?"
+    },
+    "approval.field.user": {
+        "message": "Felhasználótól"
+    },
+    "approval.field.keyFingerprint": {
+        "message": "Kulcs ujjlenyomata"
+    },
+    "approval.field.peer": {
+        "message": "Partneren keresztül"
+    },
+    "approval.field.sourceIp": {
+        "message": "Forrás IP"
+    },
+    "approval.field.osUser": {
+        "message": "OS-felhasználó"
+    },
+    "approval.countdown": {
+        "message": "Automatikus elutasítás {seconds} mp múlva"
+    },
+    "approval.action.allow": {
+        "message": "Engedélyezés"
+    },
+    "approval.action.allowViewOnly": {
+        "message": "Engedélyezés (csak megtekintés)"
+    },
+    "approval.action.deny": {
+        "message": "Elutasítás"
     }
 }

client/ui/i18n/locales/it/common.json

@@ -401,6 +401,9 @@
     "networks.bulk.label": {
         "message": "Attiva/disattiva tutte le risorse visibili"
     },
+    "settings.nav.label": {
+        "message": "Sezioni delle impostazioni"
+    },
     "profile.switch.title": {
         "message": "Passare al profilo «{name}»?"
     },
@@ -494,9 +497,6 @@
     "settings.error.debugBundleTitle": {
         "message": "Pacchetto di debug non riuscito"
     },
-    "settings.nav.label": {
-        "message": "Sezioni delle impostazioni"
-    },
     "settings.tabs.general": {
         "message": "Generale"
     },
@@ -1331,28 +1331,64 @@
     "error.unknown": {
         "message": "Operazione non riuscita."
     },
-    "error.elevation_unavailable": {
-        "message": "NetBird non ha potuto richiedere a questo sistema i privilegi necessari. Esegua invece questo:"
+    "settings.tabs.vnc": {
+        "message": "VNC"
     },
-    "error.elevation_failed": {
-        "message": "Non è stato possibile applicare la modifica con privilegi elevati. Esegua invece questo:"
+    "settings.vnc.section.server": {
+        "message": "Server"
     },
-    "settings.ssh.privilege.actorRoot": {
-        "message": "i privilegi di root"
+    "settings.vnc.section.approval": {
+        "message": "Approvazione"
     },
-    "settings.ssh.privilege.actorAdministrator": {
-        "message": "i privilegi di amministratore"
+    "settings.vnc.server.label": {
+        "message": "Abilita server VNC"
     },
-    "settings.ssh.privilege.hint": {
-        "message": "Richiede {actor}. Esegua invece questo:"
+    "settings.vnc.server.help": {
+        "message": "Esegui il server VNC di NetBird su questo host in modo che i peer autorizzati possano visualizzarne o controllarne lo schermo."
     },
-    "settings.ssh.privilege.oneWay": {
-        "message": "Può disabilitarlo, ma riabilitarlo richiede {actor}."
+    "settings.vnc.approval.label": {
+        "message": "Richiedi l'approvazione della connessione"
     },
-    "settings.ssh.privilege.oneWayInverted": {
-        "message": "Può abilitarlo, ma disabilitarlo di nuovo richiede {actor}."
+    "settings.vnc.approval.help": {
+        "message": "Mostra su questo host una richiesta che deve essere accettata prima di consentire una connessione VNC in entrata."
     },
-    "settings.ssh.privilege.authorizePending": {
-        "message": "In attesa dell'autorizzazione…"
+    "window.title.approval": {
+        "message": "Richiesta di connessione"
+    },
+    "approval.title.vnc": {
+        "message": "Consentire la connessione VNC?"
+    },
+    "approval.title.ssh": {
+        "message": "Consentire la connessione SSH?"
+    },
+    "approval.title.default": {
+        "message": "Consentire la connessione in entrata?"
+    },
+    "approval.field.user": {
+        "message": "Dall'utente"
+    },
+    "approval.field.keyFingerprint": {
+        "message": "Impronta della chiave"
+    },
+    "approval.field.peer": {
+        "message": "Tramite peer"
+    },
+    "approval.field.sourceIp": {
+        "message": "IP di origine"
+    },
+    "approval.field.osUser": {
+        "message": "Utente del sistema"
+    },
+    "approval.countdown": {
+        "message": "Rifiuto automatico tra {seconds}s"
+    },
+    "approval.action.allow": {
+        "message": "Consenti"
+    },
+    "approval.action.allowViewOnly": {
+        "message": "Consenti (sola visualizzazione)"
+    },
+    "approval.action.deny": {
+        "message": "Rifiuta"
     }
 }

client/ui/i18n/locales/ja/common.json

@@ -1304,9 +1304,6 @@
     "daemon.outdated.description": {
         "message": "このアプリを使用するには NetBird サービスを更新してください。"
     },
-    "daemon.outdated.download": {
-        "message": "最新版をダウンロード"
-    },
     "error.jwt_clock_skew": {
         "message": "サインインに失敗しました: このデバイスの時計がサーバーと同期していません。システムの時計を同期してからもう一度お試しください。"
     },
@@ -1330,29 +1327,5 @@
     },
     "error.unknown": {
         "message": "操作に失敗しました。"
-    },
-    "error.elevation_unavailable": {
-        "message": "NetBird はこのシステムに必要な権限を要求できませんでした。代わりに次のコマンドを実行してください:"
-    },
-    "error.elevation_failed": {
-        "message": "昇格した権限でも変更を適用できませんでした。代わりに次のコマンドを実行してください:"
-    },
-    "settings.ssh.privilege.actorRoot": {
-        "message": "root 権限"
-    },
-    "settings.ssh.privilege.actorAdministrator": {
-        "message": "管理者権限"
-    },
-    "settings.ssh.privilege.hint": {
-        "message": "{actor}が必要です。代わりに次のコマンドを実行してください:"
-    },
-    "settings.ssh.privilege.oneWay": {
-        "message": "無効にはできますが、再度有効にするには{actor}が必要です。"
-    },
-    "settings.ssh.privilege.oneWayInverted": {
-        "message": "有効にはできますが、再度無効にするには{actor}が必要です。"
-    },
-    "settings.ssh.privilege.authorizePending": {
-        "message": "承認を待っています…"
     }
 }

client/ui/i18n/locales/pt/common.json

@@ -401,6 +401,9 @@
     "networks.bulk.label": {
         "message": "Alternar todos os recursos visíveis"
     },
+    "settings.nav.label": {
+        "message": "Seções das configurações"
+    },
     "profile.switch.title": {
         "message": "Alternar perfil para \"{name}\"?"
     },
@@ -494,9 +497,6 @@
     "settings.error.debugBundleTitle": {
         "message": "Falha no pacote de depuração"
     },
-    "settings.nav.label": {
-        "message": "Seções das configurações"
-    },
     "settings.tabs.general": {
         "message": "Geral"
     },
@@ -1331,28 +1331,64 @@
     "error.unknown": {
         "message": "A operação falhou."
     },
-    "error.elevation_unavailable": {
-        "message": "O NetBird não conseguiu solicitar a este sistema os privilégios necessários. Execute isto em vez disso:"
+    "settings.tabs.vnc": {
+        "message": "VNC"
     },
-    "error.elevation_failed": {
-        "message": "Não foi possível aplicar a alteração com privilégios elevados. Execute isto em vez disso:"
+    "settings.vnc.section.server": {
+        "message": "Servidor"
     },
-    "settings.ssh.privilege.actorRoot": {
-        "message": "privilégios de root"
+    "settings.vnc.section.approval": {
+        "message": "Aprovação"
     },
-    "settings.ssh.privilege.actorAdministrator": {
-        "message": "privilégios de administrador"
+    "settings.vnc.server.label": {
+        "message": "Ativar servidor VNC"
     },
-    "settings.ssh.privilege.hint": {
-        "message": "Requer {actor}. Execute isto em vez disso:"
+    "settings.vnc.server.help": {
+        "message": "Execute o servidor VNC do NetBird neste host para que os peers autorizados possam ver ou controlar a sua tela."
     },
-    "settings.ssh.privilege.oneWay": {
-        "message": "Você pode desativar isto, mas ativar novamente requer {actor}."
+    "settings.vnc.approval.label": {
+        "message": "Exigir aprovação de conexão"
     },
-    "settings.ssh.privilege.oneWayInverted": {
-        "message": "Você pode ativar isto, mas desativar novamente requer {actor}."
+    "settings.vnc.approval.help": {
+        "message": "Mostrar neste host um aviso que precisa ser aceito antes de permitir uma conexão VNC de entrada."
     },
-    "settings.ssh.privilege.authorizePending": {
-        "message": "Aguardando a autorização…"
+    "window.title.approval": {
+        "message": "Solicitação de conexão"
+    },
+    "approval.title.vnc": {
+        "message": "Permitir a conexão VNC?"
+    },
+    "approval.title.ssh": {
+        "message": "Permitir a conexão SSH?"
+    },
+    "approval.title.default": {
+        "message": "Permitir a conexão de entrada?"
+    },
+    "approval.field.user": {
+        "message": "Do usuário"
+    },
+    "approval.field.keyFingerprint": {
+        "message": "Impressão digital da chave"
+    },
+    "approval.field.peer": {
+        "message": "Via peer"
+    },
+    "approval.field.sourceIp": {
+        "message": "IP de origem"
+    },
+    "approval.field.osUser": {
+        "message": "Usuário do SO"
+    },
+    "approval.countdown": {
+        "message": "Negação automática em {seconds}s"
+    },
+    "approval.action.allow": {
+        "message": "Permitir"
+    },
+    "approval.action.allowViewOnly": {
+        "message": "Permitir (somente visualização)"
+    },
+    "approval.action.deny": {
+        "message": "Negar"
     }
 }

client/ui/i18n/locales/ru/common.json

@@ -401,6 +401,9 @@
     "networks.bulk.label": {
         "message": "Переключить все видимые ресурсы"
     },
+    "settings.nav.label": {
+        "message": "Разделы настроек"
+    },
     "profile.switch.title": {
         "message": "Переключиться на профиль «{name}»?"
     },
@@ -494,9 +497,6 @@
     "settings.error.debugBundleTitle": {
         "message": "Не удалось создать отладочный пакет"
     },
-    "settings.nav.label": {
-        "message": "Разделы настроек"
-    },
     "settings.tabs.general": {
         "message": "Общие"
     },
@@ -1331,28 +1331,64 @@
     "error.unknown": {
         "message": "Не удалось выполнить операцию."
     },
-    "error.elevation_unavailable": {
-        "message": "NetBird не смог запросить у этой системы нужные права. Выполните вместо этого:"
+    "settings.tabs.vnc": {
+        "message": "VNC"
     },
-    "error.elevation_failed": {
-        "message": "Не удалось применить изменение с повышенными правами. Выполните вместо этого:"
+    "settings.vnc.section.server": {
+        "message": "Сервер"
     },
-    "settings.ssh.privilege.actorRoot": {
-        "message": "права root"
+    "settings.vnc.section.approval": {
+        "message": "Подтверждение"
     },
-    "settings.ssh.privilege.actorAdministrator": {
-        "message": "права администратора"
+    "settings.vnc.server.label": {
+        "message": "Включить VNC-сервер"
     },
-    "settings.ssh.privilege.hint": {
-        "message": "Требуются {actor}. Выполните вместо этого:"
+    "settings.vnc.server.help": {
+        "message": "Запустить VNC-сервер NetBird на этом хосте, чтобы авторизованные пиры могли просматривать его экран или управлять им."
     },
-    "settings.ssh.privilege.oneWay": {
-        "message": "Отключить можно, но чтобы включить снова, нужны {actor}."
+    "settings.vnc.approval.label": {
+        "message": "Требовать подтверждение подключения"
     },
-    "settings.ssh.privilege.oneWayInverted": {
-        "message": "Включить можно, но чтобы отключить снова, нужны {actor}."
+    "settings.vnc.approval.help": {
+        "message": "Показывать на этом хосте запрос, который нужно принять перед разрешением входящего VNC-подключения."
     },
-    "settings.ssh.privilege.authorizePending": {
-        "message": "Ожидание авторизации…"
+    "window.title.approval": {
+        "message": "Запрос на подключение"
+    },
+    "approval.title.vnc": {
+        "message": "Разрешить VNC-подключение?"
+    },
+    "approval.title.ssh": {
+        "message": "Разрешить SSH-подключение?"
+    },
+    "approval.title.default": {
+        "message": "Разрешить входящее подключение?"
+    },
+    "approval.field.user": {
+        "message": "От пользователя"
+    },
+    "approval.field.keyFingerprint": {
+        "message": "Отпечаток ключа"
+    },
+    "approval.field.peer": {
+        "message": "Через пир"
+    },
+    "approval.field.sourceIp": {
+        "message": "IP-адрес источника"
+    },
+    "approval.field.osUser": {
+        "message": "Пользователь ОС"
+    },
+    "approval.countdown": {
+        "message": "Автоотклонение через {seconds} с"
+    },
+    "approval.action.allow": {
+        "message": "Разрешить"
+    },
+    "approval.action.allowViewOnly": {
+        "message": "Разрешить (только просмотр)"
+    },
+    "approval.action.deny": {
+        "message": "Отклонить"
     }
 }

client/ui/i18n/locales/zh-CN/common.json

@@ -401,6 +401,9 @@
     "networks.bulk.label": {
         "message": "切换所有可见资源"
     },
+    "settings.nav.label": {
+        "message": "设置部分"
+    },
     "profile.switch.title": {
         "message": "切换到配置文件“{name}”？"
     },
@@ -494,9 +497,6 @@
     "settings.error.debugBundleTitle": {
         "message": "创建调试包失败"
     },
-    "settings.nav.label": {
-        "message": "设置部分"
-    },
     "settings.tabs.general": {
         "message": "常规"
     },
@@ -1331,28 +1331,64 @@
     "error.unknown": {
         "message": "操作失败。"
     },
-    "error.elevation_unavailable": {
-        "message": "NetBird 无法向此系统请求所需的权限。请改为运行："
+    "settings.tabs.vnc": {
+        "message": "VNC"
     },
-    "error.elevation_failed": {
-        "message": "即使使用提升的权限也无法应用此更改。请改为运行："
+    "settings.vnc.section.server": {
+        "message": "服务器"
     },
-    "settings.ssh.privilege.actorRoot": {
-        "message": "root 权限"
+    "settings.vnc.section.approval": {
+        "message": "批准"
     },
-    "settings.ssh.privilege.actorAdministrator": {
-        "message": "管理员权限"
+    "settings.vnc.server.label": {
+        "message": "启用 VNC 服务器"
     },
-    "settings.ssh.privilege.hint": {
-        "message": "需要{actor}。请改为运行："
+    "settings.vnc.server.help": {
+        "message": "在此主机上运行 NetBird VNC 服务器，以便授权的对端可以查看或控制其屏幕。"
     },
-    "settings.ssh.privilege.oneWay": {
-        "message": "您可以关闭此项，但重新开启需要{actor}。"
+    "settings.vnc.approval.label": {
+        "message": "要求连接批准"
     },
-    "settings.ssh.privilege.oneWayInverted": {
-        "message": "您可以开启此项，但再次关闭需要{actor}。"
+    "settings.vnc.approval.help": {
+        "message": "在此主机上显示一个提示，必须先接受该提示才能允许传入的 VNC 连接。"
     },
-    "settings.ssh.privilege.authorizePending": {
-        "message": "正在等待授权…"
+    "window.title.approval": {
+        "message": "连接请求"
+    },
+    "approval.title.vnc": {
+        "message": "允许 VNC 连接？"
+    },
+    "approval.title.ssh": {
+        "message": "允许 SSH 连接？"
+    },
+    "approval.title.default": {
+        "message": "允许传入连接？"
+    },
+    "approval.field.user": {
+        "message": "来自用户"
+    },
+    "approval.field.keyFingerprint": {
+        "message": "密钥指纹"
+    },
+    "approval.field.peer": {
+        "message": "经由对端"
+    },
+    "approval.field.sourceIp": {
+        "message": "源 IP"
+    },
+    "approval.field.osUser": {
+        "message": "操作系统用户"
+    },
+    "approval.countdown": {
+        "message": "{seconds} 秒后自动拒绝"
+    },
+    "approval.action.allow": {
+        "message": "允许"
+    },
+    "approval.action.allowViewOnly": {
+        "message": "允许（仅查看）"
+    },
+    "approval.action.deny": {
+        "message": "拒绝"
     }
 }

client/ui/main.go

@@ -8,7 +8,6 @@ import (
 	"flag"
 	"io/fs"
 	"log"
-	"os"
 	"runtime"
 	"strings"
 
@@ -80,14 +79,6 @@ func init() {
 }
 
 func main() {
-	// The one-shot that applies the settings the daemon restricts to
-	// root/administrator, which this binary runs itself as under the platform's
-	// elevation prompt. Handled before anything GUI so no window, tray or
-	// single-instance lock is involved.
-	if services.IsPrivilegedSettingsRun(os.Args[1:]) {
-		os.Exit(runPrivilegedSettings(os.Args[1:]))
-	}
-
 	daemonAddr, userSetLogFile := parseFlagsAndInitLog()
 	conn := NewConn(daemonAddr)
 
@@ -332,6 +323,7 @@ func registerServices(app *application.App, conn *Conn, s registeredServices) {
 	app.RegisterService(application.NewService(s.settings))
 	app.RegisterService(application.NewService(s.networks))
 	app.RegisterService(application.NewService(services.NewForwarding(conn)))
+	app.RegisterService(application.NewService(services.NewApproval(conn)))
 	app.RegisterService(application.NewService(s.profiles))
 	app.RegisterService(application.NewService(services.NewDebug(conn)))
 	app.RegisterService(application.NewService(s.update))

client/ui/privileged_settings.go

@@ -1,27 +0,0 @@
-//go:build !android && !ios && !freebsd && !js
-
-package main
-
-import (
-	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/proto"
-	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/ui/services"
-)
-
-// The one-shot mode this binary runs itself in, elevated, to apply the settings the
-// daemon restricts to root/administrator. It is handled before anything GUI, so no
-// window, tray or single-instance lock is involved.
-//
-// Only the wiring is here: what the mode accepts and does lives beside the code
-// that asks for it, in services.RunPrivilegedSettings, so the settings it will
-// apply are declared once. There is nothing privileged about the mode itself; it
-// sends the same request the frontend would have sent, and the daemon authorizes it
-// from the identity the kernel reports on the control channel exactly as it does
-// for `sudo netbird up`.
-func runPrivilegedSettings(args []string) int {
-	return services.RunPrivilegedSettings(args, func(addr string) (proto.DaemonServiceClient, error) {
-		if addr == "" {
-			addr = DaemonAddr()
-		}
-		return NewConn(addr).Client()
-	})
-}