initial commit - workflow yaml, prompts and schemas

Bump the IsHealthy() context timeout from 1s to 5s for both the
management and signal gRPC clients to reduce false negatives on
slower or congested connections.

.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/config.yml

@@ -0,0 +1,14 @@
+blank_issues_enabled: true
+contact_links:
+  - name: Community Support
+    url: https://forum.netbird.io/
+    about: Community support forum
+  - name: Cloud Support
+    url: https://docs.netbird.io/help/report-bug-issues
+    about: Contact us for support
+  - name: Client/Connection Troubleshooting
+    url: https://docs.netbird.io/help/troubleshooting-client
+    about: See our client troubleshooting guide for help addressing common issues
+  - name: Self-host Troubleshooting
+    url: https://docs.netbird.io/selfhosted/troubleshooting
+    about: See our self-host troubleshooting guide for help addressing common issues

.github/issue-resolution/prompts/issue-resolution-system.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,26 @@
+You are a GitHub issue resolution classifier.
+
+Your job is to decide whether an open GitHub issue is:
+- AUTO_CLOSE
+- MANUAL_REVIEW
+- KEEP_OPEN
+
+Rules:
+1. AUTO_CLOSE is only allowed if there is objective, hard evidence:
+   - a merged linked PR that clearly resolves the issue, or
+   - an explicit maintainer/member/owner/collaborator comment saying the issue is fixed, resolved, duplicate, or superseded
+2. If there is any contradictory later evidence, do NOT AUTO_CLOSE.
+3. If evidence is promising but not airtight, choose MANUAL_REVIEW.
+4. If the issue still appears active or unresolved, choose KEEP_OPEN.
+5. Do not invent evidence.
+6. Output valid JSON only.
+
+Maintainer-authoritative roles:
+- MEMBER
+- OWNER
+- COLLABORATOR
+
+Important:
+- Later comments outweigh earlier ones.
+- A non-maintainer saying "fixed for me" is not enough for AUTO_CLOSE.
+- If uncertain, prefer MANUAL_REVIEW or KEEP_OPEN.

.github/issue-resolution/schemas/issue-resolution-output.json

@@ -0,0 +1,78 @@
+{
+  "type": "object",
+  "additionalProperties": false,
+  "required": [
+    "decision",
+    "reason_code",
+    "confidence",
+    "hard_signals",
+    "contradictions",
+    "summary",
+    "close_comment",
+    "manual_review_note"
+  ],
+  "properties": {
+    "decision": {
+      "type": "string",
+      "enum": ["AUTO_CLOSE", "MANUAL_REVIEW", "KEEP_OPEN"]
+    },
+    "reason_code": {
+      "type": "string",
+      "enum": [
+        "resolved_by_merged_pr",
+        "maintainer_confirmed_resolved",
+        "duplicate_confirmed",
+        "superseded_confirmed",
+        "likely_fixed_but_unconfirmed",
+        "still_open",
+        "unclear"
+      ]
+    },
+    "confidence": {
+      "type": "number",
+      "minimum": 0,
+      "maximum": 1
+    },
+    "hard_signals": {
+      "type": "array",
+      "items": {
+        "type": "object",
+        "required": ["type", "url"],
+        "properties": {
+          "type": {
+            "type": "string",
+            "enum": [
+              "merged_pr",
+              "maintainer_comment",
+              "duplicate_reference",
+              "superseded_reference"
+            ]
+          },
+          "url": { "type": "string" }
+        }
+      }
+    },
+    "contradictions": {
+      "type": "array",
+      "items": {
+        "type": "object",
+        "required": ["type", "url"],
+        "properties": {
+          "type": {
+            "type": "string",
+            "enum": [
+              "reporter_still_broken",
+              "later_unresolved_comment",
+              "ambiguous_pr_link",
+              "other"
+            ]
+          },
+          "url": { "type": "string" }
+        }
+      }
+    },
+    "summary": { "type": "string" },
+    "close_comment": { "type": "string" },
+    "manual_review_note": { "type": "string" }
+  }
+}

.github/issue-resolution/scripts/apply-decisions.mjs

@@ -0,0 +1,152 @@
+import fs from "node:fs/promises";
+
+const decisions = JSON.parse(await fs.readFile("decisions.json", "utf8"));
+const dryRun = String(process.env.DRY_RUN).toLowerCase() === "true";
+
+const headers = {
+  Authorization: `Bearer ${process.env.GH_TOKEN}`,
+  Accept: "application/vnd.github+json",
+  "X-GitHub-Api-Version": "2022-11-28",
+};
+
+async function rest(url, method = "GET", body) {
+  const res = await fetch(url, {
+    method,
+    headers,
+    body: body ? JSON.stringify(body) : undefined
+  });
+  if (!res.ok) throw new Error(`${res.status} ${url}: ${await res.text()}`);
+  return res.status === 204 ? null : res.json();
+}
+
+async function graphql(query, variables) {
+  const res = await fetch("https://api.github.com/graphql", {
+    method: "POST",
+    headers,
+    body: JSON.stringify({ query, variables })
+  });
+  if (!res.ok) throw new Error(`${res.status}: ${await res.text()}`);
+  const json = await res.json();
+  if (json.errors) throw new Error(JSON.stringify(json.errors));
+  return json.data;
+}
+
+async function addLabel(owner, repo, issueNumber, labels) {
+  return rest(
+    `https://api.github.com/repos/${owner}/${repo}/issues/${issueNumber}/labels`,
+    "POST",
+    { labels }
+  );
+}
+
+async function addComment(owner, repo, issueNumber, body) {
+  return rest(
+    `https://api.github.com/repos/${owner}/${repo}/issues/${issueNumber}/comments`,
+    "POST",
+    { body }
+  );
+}
+
+async function closeIssue(owner, repo, issueNumber) {
+  return rest(
+    `https://api.github.com/repos/${owner}/${repo}/issues/${issueNumber}`,
+    "PATCH",
+    { state: "closed", state_reason: "completed" }
+  );
+}
+
+async function getIssueNodeId(owner, repo, issueNumber) {
+  const issue = await rest(`https://api.github.com/repos/${owner}/${repo}/issues/${issueNumber}`);
+  return issue.node_id;
+}
+
+async function addToProject(issueNodeId) {
+  const mutation = `
+    mutation($projectId: ID!, $contentId: ID!) {
+      addProjectV2ItemById(input: {projectId: $projectId, contentId: $contentId}) {
+        item { id }
+      }
+    }
+  `;
+
+  const data = await graphql(mutation, {
+    projectId: process.env.PROJECT_ID,
+    contentId: issueNodeId
+  });
+
+  return data.addProjectV2ItemById.item.id;
+}
+
+async function setTextField(itemId, fieldId, value) {
+  const mutation = `
+    mutation($projectId: ID!, $itemId: ID!, $fieldId: ID!, $value: String!) {
+      updateProjectV2ItemFieldValue(input: {
+        projectId: $projectId,
+        itemId: $itemId,
+        fieldId: $fieldId,
+        value: { text: $value }
+      }) {
+        projectV2Item { id }
+      }
+    }
+  `;
+
+  return graphql(mutation, {
+    projectId: process.env.PROJECT_ID,
+    itemId,
+    fieldId,
+    value
+  });
+}
+
+for (const d of decisions) {
+  const [owner, repo] = d.repository.split("/");
+
+  if (d.final_decision === "AUTO_CLOSE") {
+    if (dryRun) continue;
+
+    await addLabel(owner, repo, d.issue_number, ["auto-closed-resolved"]);
+    await addComment(
+      owner,
+      repo,
+      d.issue_number,
+      d.model.close_comment ||
+        "This appears resolved based on linked evidence, so we’re closing it automatically. Reply if this still reproduces and we’ll reopen."
+    );
+    await closeIssue(owner, repo, d.issue_number);
+  }
+
+  if (d.final_decision === "MANUAL_REVIEW") {
+    await addLabel(owner, repo, d.issue_number, ["resolution-candidate"]);
+
+    const issueNodeId = await getIssueNodeId(owner, repo, d.issue_number);
+    const itemId = await addToProject(issueNodeId);
+
+    if (process.env.PROJECT_CONFIDENCE_FIELD_ID) {
+      await setTextField(itemId, process.env.PROJECT_CONFIDENCE_FIELD_ID, String(d.model.confidence));
+    }
+    if (process.env.PROJECT_REASON_FIELD_ID) {
+      await setTextField(itemId, process.env.PROJECT_REASON_FIELD_ID, d.model.reason_code);
+    }
+    if (process.env.PROJECT_EVIDENCE_FIELD_ID) {
+      await setTextField(itemId, process.env.PROJECT_EVIDENCE_FIELD_ID, d.issue_url);
+    }
+    if (process.env.PROJECT_LINKED_PR_FIELD_ID) {
+      const linked = (d.model.hard_signals || []).map(x => x.url).join(", ");
+      if (linked) {
+        await setTextField(itemId, process.env.PROJECT_LINKED_PR_FIELD_ID, linked);
+      }
+    }
+    if (process.env.PROJECT_REPO_FIELD_ID) {
+      await setTextField(itemId, process.env.PROJECT_REPO_FIELD_ID, d.repository);
+    }
+
+    await addComment(
+      owner,
+      repo,
+      d.issue_number,
+      d.model.manual_review_note ||
+        "This issue looks like a possible resolution candidate, but not with enough certainty for automatic closure. Added to the review queue."
+    );
+  }
+}

.github/issue-resolution/scripts/classify-candidates.mjs

@@ -0,0 +1,125 @@
+import fs from "node:fs/promises";
+
+const candidates = JSON.parse(await fs.readFile("candidates.json", "utf8"));
+
+function isMaintainerRole(role) {
+  return ["MEMBER", "OWNER", "COLLABORATOR"].includes(role || "");
+}
+
+function preScore(candidate) {
+  let score = 0;
+  const hardSignals = [];
+  const contradictions = [];
+
+  for (const t of candidate.timeline) {
+    const sourceIssue = t.source?.issue;
+
+    if (t.event === "cross-referenced" && sourceIssue?.pull_request?.html_url) {
+      hardSignals.push({
+        type: "merged_pr",
+        url: sourceIssue.html_url
+      });
+      score += 40; // provisional until PR merged state is verified
+    }
+
+    if (["referenced", "connected"].includes(t.event)) {
+      score += 10;
+    }
+  }
+
+  for (const c of candidate.comments) {
+    const body = c.body.toLowerCase();
+
+    if (
+      isMaintainerRole(c.author_association) &&
+      /\b(fixed|resolved|duplicate|superseded|closing)\b/.test(body)
+    ) {
+      score += 25;
+      hardSignals.push({
+        type: "maintainer_comment",
+        url: c.html_url
+      });
+    }
+
+    if (/\b(still broken|still happening|not fixed|reproducible)\b/.test(body)) {
+      score -= 50;
+      contradictions.push({
+        type: "later_unresolved_comment",
+        url: c.html_url
+      });
+    }
+  }
+
+  return { score, hardSignals, contradictions };
+}
+
+async function callGitHubModel(issuePacket) {
+  // Replace this stub with the GitHub Models inference call used by your org.
+  // The workflow already has models: read permission.
+  return {
+    decision: "MANUAL_REVIEW",
+    reason_code: "likely_fixed_but_unconfirmed",
+    confidence: 0.74,
+    hard_signals: [],
+    contradictions: [],
+    summary: "Potential resolution candidate; evidence is not strong enough to close automatically.",
+    close_comment: "This appears resolved, so we’re closing it automatically. Reply if this is still reproducible.",
+    manual_review_note: "Potential resolution candidate. Please review evidence before closing."
+  };
+}
+
+function enforcePolicy(modelOut, pre) {
+  const approvedReasons = new Set([
+    "resolved_by_merged_pr",
+    "maintainer_confirmed_resolved",
+    "duplicate_confirmed",
+    "superseded_confirmed"
+  ]);
+
+  const hasHardSignal =
+    (modelOut.hard_signals || []).some(s =>
+      ["merged_pr", "maintainer_comment", "duplicate_reference", "superseded_reference"].includes(s.type)
+    ) || pre.hardSignals.length > 0;
+
+  const hasContradiction =
+    (modelOut.contradictions || []).length > 0 || pre.contradictions.length > 0;
+
+  if (
+    modelOut.decision === "AUTO_CLOSE" &&
+    modelOut.confidence >= 0.97 &&
+    approvedReasons.has(modelOut.reason_code) &&
+    hasHardSignal &&
+    !hasContradiction
+  ) {
+    return "AUTO_CLOSE";
+  }
+
+  if (
+    modelOut.decision === "MANUAL_REVIEW" ||
+    modelOut.confidence >= 0.60 ||
+    pre.score >= 25
+  ) {
+    return "MANUAL_REVIEW";
+  }
+
+  return "KEEP_OPEN";
+}
+
+const decisions = [];
+for (const candidate of candidates) {
+  const pre = preScore(candidate);
+  const modelOut = await callGitHubModel(candidate);
+  const finalDecision = enforcePolicy(modelOut, pre);
+
+  decisions.push({
+    repository: candidate.repository,
+    issue_number: candidate.issue.number,
+    issue_url: candidate.issue.html_url,
+    title: candidate.issue.title,
+    pre_score: pre.score,
+    final_decision: finalDecision,
+    model: modelOut
+  });
+}
+
+await fs.writeFile("decisions.json", JSON.stringify(decisions, null, 2));

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

@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@ jobs:
           while IFS= read -r dir; do
             echo "=== Checking $dir ==="
             # Search for problematic imports, excluding test files
-            RESULTS=$(grep -r "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/\(management\|signal\|relay\|proxy\)" "$dir" --include="*.go" 2>/dev/null | grep -v "_test.go" | grep -v "test_" | grep -v "/test/" || true)
+            RESULTS=$(grep -r "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/\(management\|signal\|relay\|proxy\)" "$dir" --include="*.go" 2>/dev/null | grep -v "_test.go" | grep -v "test_" | grep -v "/test/" | grep -v "tools/idp-migrate/" || true)
             if [ -n "$RESULTS" ]; then
               echo "❌ Found problematic dependencies:"
               echo "$RESULTS"
@@ -88,7 +88,7 @@ jobs:
               IMPORTERS=$(go list -json -deps ./... 2>/dev/null | jq -r "select(.Imports[]? == \"$package\") | .ImportPath")
 
               # Check if any importer is NOT in management/signal/relay
-              BSD_IMPORTER=$(echo "$IMPORTERS" | grep -v "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/\(management\|signal\|relay\|proxy\|combined\)" | head -1)
+              BSD_IMPORTER=$(echo "$IMPORTERS" | grep -v "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/\(management\|signal\|relay\|proxy\|combined\|tools/idp-migrate\)" | head -1)
 
               if [ -n "$BSD_IMPORTER" ]; then
                 echo "❌ $package ($license) is imported by BSD-licensed code: $BSD_IMPORTER"

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

@@ -409,12 +409,19 @@ jobs:
         run: git --no-pager diff --exit-code
 
       - name: Login to Docker hub
-        if: matrix.store == 'mysql' && (github.repository == github.head.repo.full_name || !github.head_ref)
+        if: github.event.pull_request && github.event.pull_request.head.repo && github.event.pull_request.head.repo.full_name == '' || github.repository == github.event.pull_request.head.repo.full_name || !github.head_ref
-        uses: docker/login-action@v1
+        uses: docker/login-action@v3
         with:
           username: ${{ secrets.DOCKER_USER }}
           password: ${{ secrets.DOCKER_TOKEN }}
 
+      - name: docker login for root user
+        if: github.event.pull_request && github.event.pull_request.head.repo && github.event.pull_request.head.repo.full_name == '' || github.repository == github.event.pull_request.head.repo.full_name || !github.head_ref
+        env:
+          DOCKER_USER: ${{ secrets.DOCKER_USER }}
+          DOCKER_TOKEN: ${{ secrets.DOCKER_TOKEN }}
+        run: echo "$DOCKER_TOKEN" | sudo docker login --username "$DOCKER_USER" --password-stdin
+
       - name: download mysql image
         if: matrix.store == 'mysql'
         run: docker pull mlsmaycon/warmed-mysql:8
@@ -497,15 +504,18 @@ jobs:
         run: git --no-pager diff --exit-code
 
       - name: Login to Docker hub
-        if: matrix.store == 'mysql' && (github.repository == github.head.repo.full_name || !github.head_ref)
+        if: github.event.pull_request && github.event.pull_request.head.repo && github.event.pull_request.head.repo.full_name == '' || github.repository == github.event.pull_request.head.repo.full_name || !github.head_ref
-        uses: docker/login-action@v1
+        uses: docker/login-action@v3
         with:
           username: ${{ secrets.DOCKER_USER }}
           password: ${{ secrets.DOCKER_TOKEN }}
 
-      - name: download mysql image
+      - name: docker login for root user
-        if: matrix.store == 'mysql'
+        if: github.event.pull_request && github.event.pull_request.head.repo && github.event.pull_request.head.repo.full_name == '' || github.repository == github.event.pull_request.head.repo.full_name || !github.head_ref
-        run: docker pull mlsmaycon/warmed-mysql:8
+        env:
+          DOCKER_USER: ${{ secrets.DOCKER_USER }}
+          DOCKER_TOKEN: ${{ secrets.DOCKER_TOKEN }}
+        run: echo "$DOCKER_TOKEN" | sudo docker login --username "$DOCKER_USER" --password-stdin
 
       - name: Test
         run: |
@@ -586,15 +596,18 @@ jobs:
         run: git --no-pager diff --exit-code
 
       - name: Login to Docker hub
-        if: matrix.store == 'mysql' && (github.repository == github.head.repo.full_name || !github.head_ref)
+        if: github.event.pull_request && github.event.pull_request.head.repo && github.event.pull_request.head.repo.full_name == '' || github.repository == github.event.pull_request.head.repo.full_name || !github.head_ref
-        uses: docker/login-action@v1
+        uses: docker/login-action@v3
         with:
           username: ${{ secrets.DOCKER_USER }}
           password: ${{ secrets.DOCKER_TOKEN }}
 
-      - name: download mysql image
+      - name: docker login for root user
-        if: matrix.store == 'mysql'
+        if: github.event.pull_request && github.event.pull_request.head.repo && github.event.pull_request.head.repo.full_name == '' || github.repository == github.event.pull_request.head.repo.full_name || !github.head_ref
-        run: docker pull mlsmaycon/warmed-mysql:8
+        env:
+          DOCKER_USER: ${{ secrets.DOCKER_USER }}
+          DOCKER_TOKEN: ${{ secrets.DOCKER_TOKEN }}
+        run: echo "$DOCKER_TOKEN" | sudo docker login --username "$DOCKER_USER" --password-stdin
 
       - name: Test
         run: |

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

@@ -63,10 +63,15 @@ jobs:
       - run: PsExec64 -s -w ${{ github.workspace }} C:\hostedtoolcache\windows\go\${{ steps.go.outputs.go-version }}\x64\bin\go.exe env -w GOMODCACHE=${{ env.cache }}
       - run: PsExec64 -s -w ${{ github.workspace }} C:\hostedtoolcache\windows\go\${{ steps.go.outputs.go-version }}\x64\bin\go.exe env -w GOCACHE=${{ env.modcache }}
       - run: PsExec64 -s -w ${{ github.workspace }} C:\hostedtoolcache\windows\go\${{ steps.go.outputs.go-version }}\x64\bin\go.exe mod tidy
-      - run: echo "files=$(go list ./... | ForEach-Object { $_ } | Where-Object { $_ -notmatch '/management' } | Where-Object { $_ -notmatch '/relay' } | Where-Object { $_ -notmatch '/signal' } | Where-Object { $_ -notmatch '/proxy' } | Where-Object { $_ -notmatch '/combined' })" >> $env:GITHUB_ENV
+      - name: Generate test script
+        run: |
+          $packages = go list ./... | Where-Object { $_ -notmatch '/management' } | Where-Object { $_ -notmatch '/relay' } | Where-Object { $_ -notmatch '/signal' } | Where-Object { $_ -notmatch '/proxy' } | Where-Object { $_ -notmatch '/combined' }
+          $goExe = "C:\hostedtoolcache\windows\go\${{ steps.go.outputs.go-version }}\x64\bin\go.exe"
+          $cmd = "$goExe test -tags=devcert -timeout 10m -p 1 $($packages -join ' ') > test-out.txt 2>&1"
+          Set-Content -Path "${{ github.workspace }}\run-tests.cmd" -Value $cmd
 
       - name: test
-        run: PsExec64 -s -w ${{ github.workspace }} cmd.exe /c "C:\hostedtoolcache\windows\go\${{ steps.go.outputs.go-version }}\x64\bin\go.exe test -tags=devcert -timeout 10m -p 1 ${{ env.files }} > test-out.txt 2>&1"
+        run: PsExec64 -s -w ${{ github.workspace }} cmd.exe /c "${{ github.workspace }}\run-tests.cmd"
       - name: test output
         if: ${{ always() }}
         run: Get-Content test-out.txt

.github/workflows/golangci-lint.yml

@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ jobs:
       - name: codespell
         uses: codespell-project/actions-codespell@v2
         with:
-          ignore_words_list: erro,clienta,hastable,iif,groupd,testin,groupe,cros,ans,deriver
+          ignore_words_list: erro,clienta,hastable,iif,groupd,testin,groupe,cros,ans,deriver,te,userA
           skip: go.mod,go.sum,**/proxy/web/**
   golangci:
     strategy:

.github/workflows/issue-resolution-triage.yml

@@ -0,0 +1,50 @@
+name: issue-resolution-triage
+
+on:
+  workflow_dispatch:
+    inputs:
+      dry_run:
+        description: "If true, do not close issues"
+        required: false
+        default: "true"
+      max_issues:
+        description: "How many issues to process"
+        required: false
+        default: "100"
+  schedule:
+    - cron: "17 2 * * *"
+
+permissions:
+  contents: read
+  issues: write
+  pull-requests: read
+  models: read
+
+jobs:
+  triage:
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    env:
+      GH_TOKEN: ${{ secrets.GITHUB_TOKEN }}
+      DRY_RUN: ${{ inputs.dry_run || 'true' }}
+      MAX_ISSUES: ${{ inputs.max_issues || '100' }}
+      REPO: ${{ github.repository }}
+      PROJECT_ID: ${{ vars.ISSUE_REVIEW_PROJECT_ID }}
+      PROJECT_STATUS_FIELD_ID: ${{ vars.PROJECT_STATUS_FIELD_ID }}
+      PROJECT_CONFIDENCE_FIELD_ID: ${{ vars.PROJECT_CONFIDENCE_FIELD_ID }}
+      PROJECT_REASON_FIELD_ID: ${{ vars.PROJECT_REASON_FIELD_ID }}
+      PROJECT_EVIDENCE_FIELD_ID: ${{ vars.PROJECT_EVIDENCE_FIELD_ID }}
+      PROJECT_LINKED_PR_FIELD_ID: ${{ vars.PROJECT_LINKED_PR_FIELD_ID }}
+      PROJECT_REPO_FIELD_ID: ${{ vars.PROJECT_REPO_FIELD_ID }}
+      PROJECT_STATUS_OPTION_NEEDS_REVIEW_ID: ${{ vars.PROJECT_STATUS_OPTION_NEEDS_REVIEW_ID }}
+
+    steps:
+      - uses: actions/checkout@v4
+
+      - uses: actions/setup-node@v4
+        with:
+          node-version: "20"
+
+      - run: npm ci
+      - run: node scripts/fetch-candidates.mjs
+      - run: node scripts/classify-candidates.mjs
+      - run: node scripts/apply-decisions.mjs

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

@@ -0,0 +1,51 @@
+name: PR Title Check
+
+on:
+  pull_request:
+    types: [opened, edited, synchronize, reopened]
+
+jobs:
+  check-title:
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    steps:
+      - name: Validate PR title prefix
+        uses: actions/github-script@v7
+        with:
+          script: |
+            const title = context.payload.pull_request.title;
+            const allowedTags = [
+              'management',
+              'client',
+              'signal',
+              'proxy',
+              'relay',
+              'misc',
+              'infrastructure',
+              'self-hosted',
+              'doc',
+            ];
+
+            const pattern = /^\[([^\]]+)\]\s+.+/;
+            const match = title.match(pattern);
+
+            if (!match) {
+              core.setFailed(
+                `PR title must start with a tag in brackets.\n` +
+                `Example: [client] fix something\n` +
+                `Allowed tags: ${allowedTags.join(', ')}`
+              );
+              return;
+            }
+
+            const tags = match[1].split(',').map(t => t.trim().toLowerCase());
+
+            const invalid = tags.filter(t => !allowedTags.includes(t));
+            if (invalid.length > 0) {
+              core.setFailed(
+                `Invalid tag(s): ${invalid.join(', ')}\n` +
+                `Allowed tags: ${allowedTags.join(', ')}`
+              );
+              return;
+            }
+
+            console.log(`Valid PR title tags: [${tags.join(', ')}]`);

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

@@ -0,0 +1,62 @@
+name: Proto Version Check
+
+on:
+  pull_request:
+    paths:
+      - "**/*.pb.go"
+
+jobs:
+  check-proto-versions:
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    steps:
+      - name: Check for proto tool version changes
+        uses: actions/github-script@v7
+        with:
+          script: |
+            const files = await github.paginate(github.rest.pulls.listFiles, {
+              owner: context.repo.owner,
+              repo: context.repo.repo,
+              pull_number: context.issue.number,
+              per_page: 100,
+            });
+
+            const pbFiles = files.filter(f => f.filename.endsWith('.pb.go'));
+            const missingPatch = pbFiles.filter(f => !f.patch).map(f => f.filename);
+            if (missingPatch.length > 0) {
+              core.setFailed(
+                `Cannot inspect patch data for:\n` +
+                missingPatch.map(f => `- ${f}`).join('\n') +
+                `\nThis can happen with very large PRs. Verify proto versions manually.`
+              );
+              return;
+            }
+            const versionPattern = /^[+-]\s*\/\/\s+protoc(?:-gen-go)?\s+v[\d.]+/;
+            const violations = [];
+
+            for (const file of pbFiles) {
+              const changed = file.patch
+                .split('\n')
+                .filter(line => versionPattern.test(line));
+              if (changed.length > 0) {
+                violations.push({
+                  file: file.filename,
+                  lines: changed,
+                });
+              }
+            }
+
+            if (violations.length > 0) {
+              const details = violations.map(v =>
+                `${v.file}:\n${v.lines.map(l => '  ' + l).join('\n')}`
+              ).join('\n\n');
+
+              core.setFailed(
+                `Proto version strings changed in generated files.\n` +
+                `This usually means the wrong protoc or protoc-gen-go version was used.\n` +
+                `Regenerate with the matching tool versions.\n\n` +
+                details
+              );
+              return;
+            }
+
+            console.log('No proto version string changes detected');

.github/workflows/release.yml

@@ -9,8 +9,8 @@ on:
   pull_request:
 
 env:
-  SIGN_PIPE_VER: "v0.1.1"
+  SIGN_PIPE_VER: "v0.1.2"
-  GORELEASER_VER: "v2.3.2"
+  GORELEASER_VER: "v2.14.3"
   PRODUCT_NAME: "NetBird"
   COPYRIGHT: "NetBird GmbH"
 
@@ -169,6 +169,14 @@ jobs:
       - name: Install OS build dependencies
         run: sudo apt update && sudo apt install -y -q gcc-arm-linux-gnueabihf gcc-aarch64-linux-gnu
 
+      - name: Decode GPG signing key
+        if: github.event_name != 'pull_request' || github.event.pull_request.head.repo.full_name == github.repository
+        env:
+          GPG_RPM_PRIVATE_KEY: ${{ secrets.GPG_RPM_PRIVATE_KEY }}
+        run: |
+          echo "$GPG_RPM_PRIVATE_KEY" | base64 -d > /tmp/gpg-rpm-signing-key.asc
+          echo "GPG_RPM_KEY_FILE=/tmp/gpg-rpm-signing-key.asc" >> $GITHUB_ENV
+
       - name: Install goversioninfo
         run: go install github.com/josephspurrier/goversioninfo/cmd/goversioninfo@233067e
       - name: Generate windows syso amd64
@@ -186,18 +194,54 @@ jobs:
           HOMEBREW_TAP_GITHUB_TOKEN: ${{ secrets.HOMEBREW_TAP_GITHUB_TOKEN }}
           UPLOAD_DEBIAN_SECRET: ${{ secrets.PKG_UPLOAD_SECRET }}
           UPLOAD_YUM_SECRET: ${{ secrets.PKG_UPLOAD_SECRET }}
-      - name: Tag and push PR images (amd64 only)
+          GPG_RPM_KEY_FILE: ${{ env.GPG_RPM_KEY_FILE }}
-        if: github.event_name == 'pull_request' && github.event.pull_request.head.repo.full_name == github.repository
+          NFPM_NETBIRD_RPM_PASSPHRASE: ${{ secrets.GPG_RPM_PASSPHRASE }}
+      - name: Verify RPM signatures
         run: |
-          PR_TAG="pr-${{ github.event.pull_request.number }}"
+          docker run --rm -v $(pwd)/dist:/dist fedora:41 bash -c '
+            dnf install -y -q rpm-sign curl >/dev/null 2>&1
+            curl -sSL https://pkgs.netbird.io/yum/repodata/repomd.xml.key -o /tmp/rpm-pub.key
+            rpm --import /tmp/rpm-pub.key
+            echo "=== Verifying RPM signatures ==="
+            for rpm_file in /dist/*amd64*.rpm; do
+              [ -f "$rpm_file" ] || continue
+              echo "--- $(basename $rpm_file) ---"
+              rpm -K "$rpm_file"
+            done
+          '
+      - name: Clean up GPG key
+        if: always()
+        run: rm -f /tmp/gpg-rpm-signing-key.asc
+      - name: Tag and push images (amd64 only)
+        if: |
+          (github.event_name == 'pull_request' && github.event.pull_request.head.repo.full_name == github.repository) ||
+          (github.event_name == 'push' && github.ref == 'refs/heads/main')
+        run: |
+          resolve_tags() {
+            if [[ "${{ github.event_name }}" == "pull_request" ]]; then
+              echo "pr-${{ github.event.pull_request.number }}"
+            else
+              echo "main sha-$(git rev-parse --short HEAD)"
+            fi
+          }
+
+          tag_and_push() {
+            local src="$1" img_name tag dst
+            img_name="${src%%:*}"
+            for tag in $(resolve_tags); do
+              dst="${img_name}:${tag}"
+              echo "Tagging ${src} -> ${dst}"
+              docker tag "$src" "$dst"
+              docker push "$dst"
+            done
+          }
+
+          export -f tag_and_push resolve_tags
+
           echo '${{ steps.goreleaser.outputs.artifacts }}' | \
             jq -r '.[] | select(.type == "Docker Image") | select(.goarch == "amd64") | .name' | \
             grep '^ghcr.io/' | while read -r SRC; do
-              IMG_NAME="${SRC%%:*}"
+              tag_and_push "$SRC"
-              DST="${IMG_NAME}:${PR_TAG}"
-              echo "Tagging ${SRC} -> ${DST}"
-              docker tag "$SRC" "$DST"
-              docker push "$DST"
             done
       - name: upload non tags for debug purposes
         uses: actions/upload-artifact@v4
@@ -265,6 +309,14 @@ jobs:
       - name: Install dependencies
         run: sudo apt update && sudo apt install -y -q libappindicator3-dev gir1.2-appindicator3-0.1 libxxf86vm-dev gcc-mingw-w64-x86-64
 
+      - name: Decode GPG signing key
+        if: github.event_name != 'pull_request' || github.event.pull_request.head.repo.full_name == github.repository
+        env:
+          GPG_RPM_PRIVATE_KEY: ${{ secrets.GPG_RPM_PRIVATE_KEY }}
+        run: |
+          echo "$GPG_RPM_PRIVATE_KEY" | base64 -d > /tmp/gpg-rpm-signing-key.asc
+          echo "GPG_RPM_KEY_FILE=/tmp/gpg-rpm-signing-key.asc" >> $GITHUB_ENV
+
       - name: Install LLVM-MinGW for ARM64 cross-compilation
         run: |
           cd /tmp
@@ -289,6 +341,24 @@ jobs:
           HOMEBREW_TAP_GITHUB_TOKEN: ${{ secrets.HOMEBREW_TAP_GITHUB_TOKEN }}
           UPLOAD_DEBIAN_SECRET: ${{ secrets.PKG_UPLOAD_SECRET }}
           UPLOAD_YUM_SECRET: ${{ secrets.PKG_UPLOAD_SECRET }}
+          GPG_RPM_KEY_FILE: ${{ env.GPG_RPM_KEY_FILE }}
+          NFPM_NETBIRD_UI_RPM_PASSPHRASE: ${{ secrets.GPG_RPM_PASSPHRASE }}
+      - name: Verify RPM signatures
+        run: |
+          docker run --rm -v $(pwd)/dist:/dist fedora:41 bash -c '
+            dnf install -y -q rpm-sign curl >/dev/null 2>&1
+            curl -sSL https://pkgs.netbird.io/yum/repodata/repomd.xml.key -o /tmp/rpm-pub.key
+            rpm --import /tmp/rpm-pub.key
+            echo "=== Verifying RPM signatures ==="
+            for rpm_file in /dist/*.rpm; do
+              [ -f "$rpm_file" ] || continue
+              echo "--- $(basename $rpm_file) ---"
+              rpm -K "$rpm_file"
+            done
+          '
+      - name: Clean up GPG key
+        if: always()
+        run: rm -f /tmp/gpg-rpm-signing-key.asc
       - name: upload non tags for debug purposes
         uses: actions/upload-artifact@v4
         with:

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

@@ -61,8 +61,8 @@ jobs:
 
           echo "Size: ${SIZE} bytes (${SIZE_MB} MB)"
 
-          if [ ${SIZE} -gt 57671680 ]; then
+          if [ ${SIZE} -gt 58720256 ]; then
-            echo "Wasm binary size (${SIZE_MB}MB) exceeds 55MB limit!"
+            echo "Wasm binary size (${SIZE_MB}MB) exceeds 56MB limit!"
             exit 1
           fi
 

.goreleaser.yaml

@@ -154,6 +154,26 @@ builds:
       - -s -w -X main.Version={{.Version}} -X main.Commit={{.Commit}} -X main.BuildDate={{.CommitDate}}
     mod_timestamp: "{{ .CommitTimestamp }}"
 
+  - id: netbird-idp-migrate
+    dir: tools/idp-migrate
+    env:
+      - CGO_ENABLED=1
+      - >-
+        {{- if eq .Runtime.Goos "linux" }}
+          {{- if eq .Arch "arm64"}}CC=aarch64-linux-gnu-gcc{{- end }}
+          {{- if eq .Arch "arm"}}CC=arm-linux-gnueabihf-gcc{{- end }}
+        {{- end }}
+    binary: netbird-idp-migrate
+    goos:
+      - linux
+    goarch:
+      - amd64
+      - arm64
+      - arm
+    ldflags:
+      - -s -w -X github.com/netbirdio/netbird/version.version={{.Version}} -X main.commit={{.Commit}} -X main.date={{.CommitDate}} -X main.builtBy=goreleaser
+    mod_timestamp: "{{ .CommitTimestamp }}"
+
 universal_binaries:
   - id: netbird
 
@@ -166,18 +186,22 @@ archives:
       - netbird-wasm
     name_template: "{{ .ProjectName }}_{{ .Version }}"
     format: binary
+  - id: netbird-idp-migrate
+    builds:
+      - netbird-idp-migrate
+    name_template: "netbird-idp-migrate_{{ .Version }}_{{ .Os }}_{{ .Arch }}"
 
 nfpms:
   - maintainer: Netbird <dev@netbird.io>
     description: Netbird client.
     homepage: https://netbird.io/
-    id: netbird-deb
+    license: BSD-3-Clause
+    id: netbird_deb
     bindir: /usr/bin
     builds:
       - netbird
     formats:
       - deb
-
     scripts:
       postinstall: "release_files/post_install.sh"
       preremove: "release_files/pre_remove.sh"
@@ -185,16 +209,19 @@ nfpms:
   - maintainer: Netbird <dev@netbird.io>
     description: Netbird client.
     homepage: https://netbird.io/
-    id: netbird-rpm
+    license: BSD-3-Clause
+    id: netbird_rpm
     bindir: /usr/bin
     builds:
       - netbird
     formats:
       - rpm
-
     scripts:
       postinstall: "release_files/post_install.sh"
       preremove: "release_files/pre_remove.sh"
+    rpm:
+      signature:
+        key_file: '{{ if index .Env "GPG_RPM_KEY_FILE" }}{{ .Env.GPG_RPM_KEY_FILE }}{{ end }}'
 dockers:
   - image_templates:
       - netbirdio/netbird:{{ .Version }}-amd64
@@ -876,7 +903,7 @@ brews:
 uploads:
   - name: debian
     ids:
-      - netbird-deb
+      - netbird_deb
     mode: archive
     target: https://pkgs.wiretrustee.com/debian/pool/{{ .ArtifactName }};deb.distribution=stable;deb.component=main;deb.architecture={{ if .Arm }}armhf{{ else }}{{ .Arch }}{{ end }};deb.package=
     username: dev@wiretrustee.com
@@ -884,7 +911,7 @@ uploads:
 
   - name: yum
     ids:
-      - netbird-rpm
+      - netbird_rpm
     mode: archive
     target: https://pkgs.wiretrustee.com/yum/{{ .Arch }}{{ if .Arm }}{{ .Arm }}{{ end }}
     username: dev@wiretrustee.com

.goreleaser_ui.yaml

@@ -61,7 +61,7 @@ nfpms:
   - maintainer: Netbird <dev@netbird.io>
     description: Netbird client UI.
     homepage: https://netbird.io/
-    id: netbird-ui-deb
+    id: netbird_ui_deb
     package_name: netbird-ui
     builds:
       - netbird-ui
@@ -80,7 +80,7 @@ nfpms:
   - maintainer: Netbird <dev@netbird.io>
     description: Netbird client UI.
     homepage: https://netbird.io/
-    id: netbird-ui-rpm
+    id: netbird_ui_rpm
     package_name: netbird-ui
     builds:
       - netbird-ui
@@ -95,11 +95,14 @@ nfpms:
         dst: /usr/share/pixmaps/netbird.png
     dependencies:
       - netbird
+    rpm:
+      signature:
+        key_file: '{{ if index .Env "GPG_RPM_KEY_FILE" }}{{ .Env.GPG_RPM_KEY_FILE }}{{ end }}'
 
 uploads:
   - name: debian
     ids:
-      - netbird-ui-deb
+      - netbird_ui_deb
     mode: archive
     target: https://pkgs.wiretrustee.com/debian/pool/{{ .ArtifactName }};deb.distribution=stable;deb.component=main;deb.architecture={{ if .Arm }}armhf{{ else }}{{ .Arch }}{{ end }};deb.package=
     username: dev@wiretrustee.com
@@ -107,7 +110,7 @@ uploads:
 
   - name: yum
     ids:
-      - netbird-ui-rpm
+      - netbird_ui_rpm
     mode: archive
     target: https://pkgs.wiretrustee.com/yum/{{ .Arch }}{{ if .Arm }}{{ .Arm }}{{ end }}
     username: dev@wiretrustee.com

CONTRIBUTOR_LICENSE_AGREEMENT.md

@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 ##  Contributor License Agreement
 
 This Contributor License Agreement (referred to as the "Agreement") is entered into by the individual 
-submitting this Agreement and NetBird GmbH, c/o Max-Beer-Straße 2-4 Münzstraße 12 10178 Berlin, Germany, 
+submitting this Agreement and NetBird GmbH, Brunnenstraße 196, 10119 Berlin, Germany, 
 referred to as "NetBird" (collectively, the "Parties"). The Agreement outlines the terms and conditions 
 under which NetBird may utilize software contributions provided by the Contributor for inclusion in 
 its software development projects. By submitting this Agreement, the Contributor confirms their acceptance 

Makefile

@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ GOLANGCI_LINT := $(shell pwd)/bin/golangci-lint
 $(GOLANGCI_LINT):
 	@echo "Installing golangci-lint..."
 	@mkdir -p ./bin
-	@GOBIN=$(shell pwd)/bin go install github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/cmd/golangci-lint@latest
+	@GOBIN=$(shell pwd)/bin go install github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/v2/cmd/golangci-lint@latest
 
 # Lint only changed files (fast, for pre-push)
 lint: $(GOLANGCI_LINT)

README.md

@@ -126,6 +126,7 @@ See a complete [architecture overview](https://docs.netbird.io/about-netbird/how
 ### Community projects
 -  [NetBird installer script](https://github.com/physk/netbird-installer)
 -  [NetBird ansible collection by Dominion Solutions](https://galaxy.ansible.com/ui/repo/published/dominion_solutions/netbird/)
+-  [netbird-tui](https://github.com/n0pashkov/netbird-tui) — terminal UI for managing NetBird peers, routes, and settings
 
 **Note**: The `main` branch may be in an *unstable or even broken state* during development.
 For stable versions, see [releases](https://github.com/netbirdio/netbird/releases).

client/Dockerfile

@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@
 #   sudo podman build -t localhost/netbird:latest -f client/Dockerfile --ignorefile .dockerignore-client .
 #   sudo podman run --rm -it --cap-add={BPF,NET_ADMIN,NET_RAW} localhost/netbird:latest
 
-FROM alpine:3.23.2
+FROM alpine:3.23.3
 # iproute2: busybox doesn't display ip rules properly
 RUN apk add --no-cache \
     bash \
@@ -17,8 +17,7 @@ ENV \
     NETBIRD_BIN="/usr/local/bin/netbird" \
     NB_LOG_FILE="console,/var/log/netbird/client.log" \
     NB_DAEMON_ADDR="unix:///var/run/netbird.sock" \
-    NB_ENTRYPOINT_SERVICE_TIMEOUT="5" \
+    NB_ENTRYPOINT_SERVICE_TIMEOUT="30"
-    NB_ENTRYPOINT_LOGIN_TIMEOUT="5"
 
 ENTRYPOINT [ "/usr/local/bin/netbird-entrypoint.sh" ]
 

client/Dockerfile-rootless

@@ -23,8 +23,7 @@ ENV \
     NB_DAEMON_ADDR="unix:///var/lib/netbird/netbird.sock" \
     NB_LOG_FILE="console,/var/lib/netbird/client.log" \
     NB_DISABLE_DNS="true" \
-    NB_ENTRYPOINT_SERVICE_TIMEOUT="5" \
+    NB_ENTRYPOINT_SERVICE_TIMEOUT="30"
-    NB_ENTRYPOINT_LOGIN_TIMEOUT="1"
 
 ENTRYPOINT [ "/usr/local/bin/netbird-entrypoint.sh" ]
 

client/android/client.go

@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@ import (
 	"os"
 	"slices"
 	"sync"
+	"time"
 
 	"golang.org/x/exp/maps"
 
@@ -15,6 +16,7 @@ import (
 
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface/device"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/debug"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/dns"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/listener"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/peer"
@@ -26,6 +28,7 @@ import (
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/formatter"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/route"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/shared/management/domain"
+	types "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/upload-server/types"
 )
 
 // ConnectionListener export internal Listener for mobile
@@ -68,7 +71,30 @@ type Client struct {
 	uiVersion             string
 	networkChangeListener listener.NetworkChangeListener
 
+	stateMu       sync.RWMutex
 	connectClient *internal.ConnectClient
+	config        *profilemanager.Config
+	cacheDir      string
+}
+
+func (c *Client) setState(cfg *profilemanager.Config, cacheDir string, cc *internal.ConnectClient) {
+	c.stateMu.Lock()
+	defer c.stateMu.Unlock()
+	c.config = cfg
+	c.cacheDir = cacheDir
+	c.connectClient = cc
+}
+
+func (c *Client) stateSnapshot() (*profilemanager.Config, string, *internal.ConnectClient) {
+	c.stateMu.RLock()
+	defer c.stateMu.RUnlock()
+	return c.config, c.cacheDir, c.connectClient
+}
+
+func (c *Client) getConnectClient() *internal.ConnectClient {
+	c.stateMu.RLock()
+	defer c.stateMu.RUnlock()
+	return c.connectClient
 }
 
 // NewClient instantiate a new Client
@@ -93,6 +119,7 @@ func (c *Client) Run(platformFiles PlatformFiles, urlOpener URLOpener, isAndroid
 
 	cfgFile := platformFiles.ConfigurationFilePath()
 	stateFile := platformFiles.StateFilePath()
+	cacheDir := platformFiles.CacheDir()
 
 	log.Infof("Starting client with config: %s, state: %s", cfgFile, stateFile)
 
@@ -124,8 +151,9 @@ func (c *Client) Run(platformFiles PlatformFiles, urlOpener URLOpener, isAndroid
 
 	// todo do not throw error in case of cancelled context
 	ctx = internal.CtxInitState(ctx)
-	c.connectClient = internal.NewConnectClient(ctx, cfg, c.recorder, false)
+	connectClient := internal.NewConnectClient(ctx, cfg, c.recorder)
-	return c.connectClient.RunOnAndroid(c.tunAdapter, c.iFaceDiscover, c.networkChangeListener, slices.Clone(dns.items), dnsReadyListener, stateFile)
+	c.setState(cfg, cacheDir, connectClient)
+	return connectClient.RunOnAndroid(c.tunAdapter, c.iFaceDiscover, c.networkChangeListener, slices.Clone(dns.items), dnsReadyListener, stateFile, cacheDir)
 }
 
 // RunWithoutLogin we apply this type of run function when the backed has been started without UI (i.e. after reboot).
@@ -135,6 +163,7 @@ func (c *Client) RunWithoutLogin(platformFiles PlatformFiles, dns *DNSList, dnsR
 
 	cfgFile := platformFiles.ConfigurationFilePath()
 	stateFile := platformFiles.StateFilePath()
+	cacheDir := platformFiles.CacheDir()
 
 	log.Infof("Starting client without login with config: %s, state: %s", cfgFile, stateFile)
 
@@ -157,8 +186,9 @@ func (c *Client) RunWithoutLogin(platformFiles PlatformFiles, dns *DNSList, dnsR
 
 	// todo do not throw error in case of cancelled context
 	ctx = internal.CtxInitState(ctx)
-	c.connectClient = internal.NewConnectClient(ctx, cfg, c.recorder, false)
+	connectClient := internal.NewConnectClient(ctx, cfg, c.recorder)
-	return c.connectClient.RunOnAndroid(c.tunAdapter, c.iFaceDiscover, c.networkChangeListener, slices.Clone(dns.items), dnsReadyListener, stateFile)
+	c.setState(cfg, cacheDir, connectClient)
+	return connectClient.RunOnAndroid(c.tunAdapter, c.iFaceDiscover, c.networkChangeListener, slices.Clone(dns.items), dnsReadyListener, stateFile, cacheDir)
 }
 
 // Stop the internal client and free the resources
@@ -173,11 +203,12 @@ func (c *Client) Stop() {
 }
 
 func (c *Client) RenewTun(fd int) error {
-	if c.connectClient == nil {
+	cc := c.getConnectClient()
+	if cc == nil {
 		return fmt.Errorf("engine not running")
 	}
 
-	e := c.connectClient.Engine()
+	e := cc.Engine()
 	if e == nil {
 		return fmt.Errorf("engine not initialized")
 	}
@@ -185,6 +216,73 @@ func (c *Client) RenewTun(fd int) error {
 	return e.RenewTun(fd)
 }
 
+// DebugBundle generates a debug bundle, uploads it, and returns the upload key.
+// It works both with and without a running engine.
+func (c *Client) DebugBundle(platformFiles PlatformFiles, anonymize bool) (string, error) {
+	cfg, cacheDir, cc := c.stateSnapshot()
+
+	// If the engine hasn't been started, load config from disk
+	if cfg == nil {
+		var err error
+		cfg, err = profilemanager.UpdateOrCreateConfig(profilemanager.ConfigInput{
+			ConfigPath: platformFiles.ConfigurationFilePath(),
+		})
+		if err != nil {
+			return "", fmt.Errorf("load config: %w", err)
+		}
+		cacheDir = platformFiles.CacheDir()
+	}
+
+	deps := debug.GeneratorDependencies{
+		InternalConfig: cfg,
+		StatusRecorder: c.recorder,
+		TempDir:        cacheDir,
+	}
+
+	if cc != nil {
+		resp, err := cc.GetLatestSyncResponse()
+		if err != nil {
+			log.Warnf("get latest sync response: %v", err)
+		}
+		deps.SyncResponse = resp
+
+		if e := cc.Engine(); e != nil {
+			if cm := e.GetClientMetrics(); cm != nil {
+				deps.ClientMetrics = cm
+			}
+		}
+	}
+
+	bundleGenerator := debug.NewBundleGenerator(
+		deps,
+		debug.BundleConfig{
+			Anonymize:         anonymize,
+			IncludeSystemInfo: true,
+		},
+	)
+
+	path, err := bundleGenerator.Generate()
+	if err != nil {
+		return "", fmt.Errorf("generate debug bundle: %w", err)
+	}
+	defer func() {
+		if err := os.Remove(path); err != nil {
+			log.Errorf("failed to remove debug bundle file: %v", err)
+		}
+	}()
+
+	uploadCtx, cancel := context.WithTimeout(context.Background(), 2*time.Minute)
+	defer cancel()
+
+	key, err := debug.UploadDebugBundle(uploadCtx, types.DefaultBundleURL, cfg.ManagementURL.String(), path)
+	if err != nil {
+		return "", fmt.Errorf("upload debug bundle: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	log.Infof("debug bundle uploaded with key %s", key)
+	return key, nil
+}
+
 // SetTraceLogLevel configure the logger to trace level
 func (c *Client) SetTraceLogLevel() {
 	log.SetLevel(log.TraceLevel)
@@ -205,7 +303,7 @@ func (c *Client) PeersList() *PeerInfoArray {
 		pi := PeerInfo{
 			p.IP,
 			p.FQDN,
-			p.ConnStatus.String(),
+			int(p.ConnStatus),
 			PeerRoutes{routes: maps.Keys(p.GetRoutes())},
 		}
 		peerInfos[n] = pi
@@ -214,12 +312,13 @@ func (c *Client) PeersList() *PeerInfoArray {
 }
 
 func (c *Client) Networks() *NetworkArray {
-	if c.connectClient == nil {
+	cc := c.getConnectClient()
+	if cc == nil {
 		log.Error("not connected")
 		return nil
 	}
 
-	engine := c.connectClient.Engine()
+	engine := cc.Engine()
 	if engine == nil {
 		log.Error("could not get engine")
 		return nil
@@ -300,7 +399,7 @@ func (c *Client) toggleRoute(command routeCommand) error {
 }
 
 func (c *Client) getRouteManager() (routemanager.Manager, error) {
-	client := c.connectClient
+	client := c.getConnectClient()
 	if client == nil {
 		return nil, fmt.Errorf("not connected")
 	}

client/android/peer_notifier.go

@@ -2,11 +2,20 @@
 
 package android
 
+import "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/peer"
+
+// Connection status constants exported via gomobile.
+const (
+	ConnStatusIdle       = int(peer.StatusIdle)
+	ConnStatusConnecting = int(peer.StatusConnecting)
+	ConnStatusConnected  = int(peer.StatusConnected)
+)
+
 // PeerInfo describe information about the peers. It designed for the UI usage
 type PeerInfo struct {
 	IP         string
 	FQDN       string
-	ConnStatus string // Todo replace to enum
+	ConnStatus int
 	Routes     PeerRoutes
 }
 

client/android/platform_files.go

@@ -7,4 +7,5 @@ package android
 type PlatformFiles interface {
 	ConfigurationFilePath() string
 	StateFilePath() string
+	CacheDir() string
 }

client/cmd/debug.go

@@ -181,11 +181,12 @@ func runForDuration(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) error {
 
 	if stateWasDown {
 		if _, err := client.Up(cmd.Context(), &proto.UpRequest{}); err != nil {
-			return fmt.Errorf("failed to up: %v", status.Convert(err).Message())
+			cmd.PrintErrf("Failed to bring service up: %v\n", status.Convert(err).Message())
-		}
+		} else {
 			cmd.Println("netbird up")
 			time.Sleep(time.Second * 10)
 		}
+	}
 
 	initialLevelTrace := initialLogLevel.GetLevel() >= proto.LogLevel_TRACE
 	if !initialLevelTrace {
@@ -198,10 +199,13 @@ func runForDuration(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) error {
 		cmd.Println("Log level set to trace.")
 	}
 
+	needsRestoreUp := false
 	if _, err := client.Down(cmd.Context(), &proto.DownRequest{}); err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("failed to down: %v", status.Convert(err).Message())
+		cmd.PrintErrf("Failed to bring service down: %v\n", status.Convert(err).Message())
-	}
+	} else {
+		needsRestoreUp = !stateWasDown
 		cmd.Println("netbird down")
+	}
 
 	time.Sleep(1 * time.Second)
 
@@ -209,13 +213,15 @@ func runForDuration(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) error {
 	if _, err := client.SetSyncResponsePersistence(cmd.Context(), &proto.SetSyncResponsePersistenceRequest{
 		Enabled: true,
 	}); err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("failed to enable sync response persistence: %v", status.Convert(err).Message())
+		cmd.PrintErrf("Failed to enable sync response persistence: %v\n", status.Convert(err).Message())
 	}
 
 	if _, err := client.Up(cmd.Context(), &proto.UpRequest{}); err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("failed to up: %v", status.Convert(err).Message())
+		cmd.PrintErrf("Failed to bring service up: %v\n", status.Convert(err).Message())
-	}
+	} else {
+		needsRestoreUp = false
 		cmd.Println("netbird up")
+	}
 
 	time.Sleep(3 * time.Second)
 
@@ -261,19 +267,29 @@ func runForDuration(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) error {
 		return fmt.Errorf("failed to bundle debug: %v", status.Convert(err).Message())
 	}
 
+	if needsRestoreUp {
+		if _, err := client.Up(cmd.Context(), &proto.UpRequest{}); err != nil {
+			cmd.PrintErrf("Failed to restore service up state: %v\n", status.Convert(err).Message())
+		} else {
+			cmd.Println("netbird up (restored)")
+		}
+	}
+
 	if stateWasDown {
 		if _, err := client.Down(cmd.Context(), &proto.DownRequest{}); err != nil {
-			return fmt.Errorf("failed to down: %v", status.Convert(err).Message())
+			cmd.PrintErrf("Failed to restore service down state: %v\n", status.Convert(err).Message())
-		}
+		} else {
 			cmd.Println("netbird down")
 		}
+	}
 
 	if !initialLevelTrace {
 		if _, err := client.SetLogLevel(cmd.Context(), &proto.SetLogLevelRequest{Level: initialLogLevel.GetLevel()}); err != nil {
-			return fmt.Errorf("failed to restore log level: %v", status.Convert(err).Message())
+			cmd.PrintErrf("Failed to restore log level: %v\n", status.Convert(err).Message())
-		}
+		} else {
 			cmd.Println("Log level restored to", initialLogLevel.GetLevel())
 		}
+	}
 
 	cmd.Printf("Local file:\n%s\n", resp.GetPath())
 

client/cmd/expose.go

@@ -0,0 +1,287 @@
+package cmd
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"errors"
+	"fmt"
+	"io"
+	"os"
+	"os/signal"
+	"regexp"
+	"strconv"
+	"strings"
+	"syscall"
+
+	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
+	"github.com/spf13/cobra"
+	"google.golang.org/grpc/status"
+
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/expose"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/proto"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/util"
+)
+
+var pinRegexp = regexp.MustCompile(`^\d{6}$`)
+
+var (
+	exposePin          string
+	exposePassword     string
+	exposeUserGroups   []string
+	exposeDomain       string
+	exposeNamePrefix   string
+	exposeProtocol     string
+	exposeExternalPort uint16
+)
+
+var exposeCmd = &cobra.Command{
+	Use:   "expose <port>",
+	Short: "Expose a local port via the NetBird reverse proxy",
+	Args:  cobra.ExactArgs(1),
+	Example: `  netbird expose --with-password safe-pass 8080
+  netbird expose --protocol tcp 5432
+  netbird expose --protocol tcp --with-external-port 5433 5432
+  netbird expose --protocol tls --with-custom-domain tls.example.com 4443`,
+	RunE: exposeFn,
+}
+
+func init() {
+	exposeCmd.Flags().StringVar(&exposePin, "with-pin", "", "Protect the exposed service with a 6-digit PIN (e.g. --with-pin 123456)")
+	exposeCmd.Flags().StringVar(&exposePassword, "with-password", "", "Protect the exposed service with a password (e.g. --with-password my-secret)")
+	exposeCmd.Flags().StringSliceVar(&exposeUserGroups, "with-user-groups", nil, "Restrict access to specific user groups with SSO (e.g. --with-user-groups devops,Backend)")
+	exposeCmd.Flags().StringVar(&exposeDomain, "with-custom-domain", "", "Custom domain for the exposed service, must be configured to your account (e.g. --with-custom-domain myapp.example.com)")
+	exposeCmd.Flags().StringVar(&exposeNamePrefix, "with-name-prefix", "", "Prefix for the generated service name (e.g. --with-name-prefix my-app)")
+	exposeCmd.Flags().StringVar(&exposeProtocol, "protocol", "http", "Protocol to use: http, https, tcp, udp, or tls (e.g. --protocol tcp)")
+	exposeCmd.Flags().Uint16Var(&exposeExternalPort, "with-external-port", 0, "Public-facing external port on the proxy cluster (defaults to the target port for L4)")
+}
+
+// isClusterProtocol returns true for L4/TLS protocols that reject HTTP-style auth flags.
+func isClusterProtocol(protocol string) bool {
+	switch strings.ToLower(protocol) {
+	case "tcp", "udp", "tls":
+		return true
+	default:
+		return false
+	}
+}
+
+// isPortBasedProtocol returns true for pure port-based protocols (TCP/UDP)
+// where domain display doesn't apply. TLS uses SNI so it has a domain.
+func isPortBasedProtocol(protocol string) bool {
+	switch strings.ToLower(protocol) {
+	case "tcp", "udp":
+		return true
+	default:
+		return false
+	}
+}
+
+// extractPort returns the port portion of a URL like "tcp://host:12345", or
+// falls back to the given default formatted as a string.
+func extractPort(serviceURL string, fallback uint16) string {
+	u := serviceURL
+	if idx := strings.Index(u, "://"); idx != -1 {
+		u = u[idx+3:]
+	}
+	if i := strings.LastIndex(u, ":"); i != -1 {
+		if p := u[i+1:]; p != "" {
+			return p
+		}
+	}
+	return strconv.FormatUint(uint64(fallback), 10)
+}
+
+// resolveExternalPort returns the effective external port, defaulting to the target port.
+func resolveExternalPort(targetPort uint64) uint16 {
+	if exposeExternalPort != 0 {
+		return exposeExternalPort
+	}
+	return uint16(targetPort)
+}
+
+func validateExposeFlags(cmd *cobra.Command, portStr string) (uint64, error) {
+	port, err := strconv.ParseUint(portStr, 10, 32)
+	if err != nil {
+		return 0, fmt.Errorf("invalid port number: %s", portStr)
+	}
+	if port == 0 || port > 65535 {
+		return 0, fmt.Errorf("invalid port number: must be between 1 and 65535")
+	}
+
+	if !isProtocolValid(exposeProtocol) {
+		return 0, fmt.Errorf("unsupported protocol %q: must be http, https, tcp, udp, or tls", exposeProtocol)
+	}
+
+	if isClusterProtocol(exposeProtocol) {
+		if exposePin != "" || exposePassword != "" || len(exposeUserGroups) > 0 {
+			return 0, fmt.Errorf("auth flags (--with-pin, --with-password, --with-user-groups) are not supported for %s protocol", exposeProtocol)
+		}
+	} else if cmd.Flags().Changed("with-external-port") {
+		return 0, fmt.Errorf("--with-external-port is not supported for %s protocol", exposeProtocol)
+	}
+
+	if exposePin != "" && !pinRegexp.MatchString(exposePin) {
+		return 0, fmt.Errorf("invalid pin: must be exactly 6 digits")
+	}
+
+	if cmd.Flags().Changed("with-password") && exposePassword == "" {
+		return 0, fmt.Errorf("password cannot be empty")
+	}
+
+	if cmd.Flags().Changed("with-user-groups") && len(exposeUserGroups) == 0 {
+		return 0, fmt.Errorf("user groups cannot be empty")
+	}
+
+	return port, nil
+}
+
+func isProtocolValid(exposeProtocol string) bool {
+	switch strings.ToLower(exposeProtocol) {
+	case "http", "https", "tcp", "udp", "tls":
+		return true
+	default:
+		return false
+	}
+}
+
+func exposeFn(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) error {
+	SetFlagsFromEnvVars(rootCmd)
+
+	if err := util.InitLog(logLevel, util.LogConsole); err != nil {
+		log.Errorf("failed initializing log %v", err)
+		return err
+	}
+
+	cmd.Root().SilenceUsage = false
+
+	port, err := validateExposeFlags(cmd, args[0])
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+
+	cmd.Root().SilenceUsage = true
+
+	ctx, cancel := context.WithCancel(cmd.Context())
+	defer cancel()
+
+	sigCh := make(chan os.Signal, 1)
+	signal.Notify(sigCh, syscall.SIGINT, syscall.SIGTERM)
+	go func() {
+		<-sigCh
+		cancel()
+	}()
+
+	conn, err := DialClientGRPCServer(ctx, daemonAddr)
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("connect to daemon: %w", err)
+	}
+	defer func() {
+		if err := conn.Close(); err != nil {
+			log.Debugf("failed to close daemon connection: %v", err)
+		}
+	}()
+
+	client := proto.NewDaemonServiceClient(conn)
+
+	protocol, err := toExposeProtocol(exposeProtocol)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+
+	req := &proto.ExposeServiceRequest{
+		Port:       uint32(port),
+		Protocol:   protocol,
+		Pin:        exposePin,
+		Password:   exposePassword,
+		UserGroups: exposeUserGroups,
+		Domain:     exposeDomain,
+		NamePrefix: exposeNamePrefix,
+	}
+	if isClusterProtocol(exposeProtocol) {
+		req.ListenPort = uint32(resolveExternalPort(port))
+	}
+
+	stream, err := client.ExposeService(ctx, req)
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("expose service: %v", status.Convert(err).Message())
+	}
+
+	if err := handleExposeReady(cmd, stream, port); err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+
+	return waitForExposeEvents(cmd, ctx, stream)
+}
+
+func toExposeProtocol(exposeProtocol string) (proto.ExposeProtocol, error) {
+	p, err := expose.ParseProtocolType(exposeProtocol)
+	if err != nil {
+		return 0, fmt.Errorf("invalid protocol: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	switch p {
+	case expose.ProtocolHTTP:
+		return proto.ExposeProtocol_EXPOSE_HTTP, nil
+	case expose.ProtocolHTTPS:
+		return proto.ExposeProtocol_EXPOSE_HTTPS, nil
+	case expose.ProtocolTCP:
+		return proto.ExposeProtocol_EXPOSE_TCP, nil
+	case expose.ProtocolUDP:
+		return proto.ExposeProtocol_EXPOSE_UDP, nil
+	case expose.ProtocolTLS:
+		return proto.ExposeProtocol_EXPOSE_TLS, nil
+	default:
+		return 0, fmt.Errorf("unhandled protocol type: %d", p)
+	}
+}
+
+func handleExposeReady(cmd *cobra.Command, stream proto.DaemonService_ExposeServiceClient, port uint64) error {
+	event, err := stream.Recv()
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("receive expose event: %v", status.Convert(err).Message())
+	}
+
+	ready, ok := event.Event.(*proto.ExposeServiceEvent_Ready)
+	if !ok {
+		return fmt.Errorf("unexpected expose event: %T", event.Event)
+	}
+	printExposeReady(cmd, ready.Ready, port)
+	return nil
+}
+
+func printExposeReady(cmd *cobra.Command, r *proto.ExposeServiceReady, port uint64) {
+	cmd.Println("Service exposed successfully!")
+	cmd.Printf("  Name:     %s\n", r.ServiceName)
+	if r.ServiceUrl != "" {
+		cmd.Printf("  URL:      %s\n", r.ServiceUrl)
+	}
+	if r.Domain != "" && !isPortBasedProtocol(exposeProtocol) {
+		cmd.Printf("  Domain:   %s\n", r.Domain)
+	}
+	cmd.Printf("  Protocol: %s\n", exposeProtocol)
+	cmd.Printf("  Internal: %d\n", port)
+	if isClusterProtocol(exposeProtocol) {
+		cmd.Printf("  External: %s\n", extractPort(r.ServiceUrl, resolveExternalPort(port)))
+	}
+	if r.PortAutoAssigned && exposeExternalPort != 0 {
+		cmd.Printf("\n  Note: requested port %d was reassigned\n", exposeExternalPort)
+	}
+	cmd.Println()
+	cmd.Println("Press Ctrl+C to stop exposing.")
+}
+
+func waitForExposeEvents(cmd *cobra.Command, ctx context.Context, stream proto.DaemonService_ExposeServiceClient) error {
+	for {
+		_, err := stream.Recv()
+		if err != nil {
+			if ctx.Err() != nil {
+				cmd.Println("\nService stopped.")
+				//nolint:nilerr
+				return nil
+			}
+			if errors.Is(err, io.EOF) {
+				return fmt.Errorf("connection to daemon closed unexpectedly")
+			}
+			return fmt.Errorf("stream error: %w", err)
+		}
+	}
+}

client/cmd/root.go

@@ -22,6 +22,7 @@ import (
 	"google.golang.org/grpc"
 	"google.golang.org/grpc/credentials/insecure"
 
+	daddr "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/daemonaddr"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/profilemanager"
 )
 
@@ -74,12 +75,22 @@ var (
 	mtu                     uint16
 	profilesDisabled        bool
 	updateSettingsDisabled  bool
+	networksDisabled        bool
 
 	rootCmd = &cobra.Command{
 		Use:          "netbird",
 		Short:        "",
 		Long:         "",
 		SilenceUsage: true,
+		PersistentPreRunE: func(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) error {
+			SetFlagsFromEnvVars(cmd.Root())
+
+			// Don't resolve for service commands — they create the socket, not connect to it.
+			if !isServiceCmd(cmd) {
+				daemonAddr = daddr.ResolveUnixDaemonAddr(daemonAddr)
+			}
+			return nil
+		},
 	}
 )
 
@@ -144,6 +155,7 @@ func init() {
 	rootCmd.AddCommand(forwardingRulesCmd)
 	rootCmd.AddCommand(debugCmd)
 	rootCmd.AddCommand(profileCmd)
+	rootCmd.AddCommand(exposeCmd)
 
 	networksCMD.AddCommand(routesListCmd)
 	networksCMD.AddCommand(routesSelectCmd, routesDeselectCmd)
@@ -385,7 +397,6 @@ func migrateToNetbird(oldPath, newPath string) bool {
 }
 
 func getClient(cmd *cobra.Command) (*grpc.ClientConn, error) {
-	SetFlagsFromEnvVars(rootCmd)
 	cmd.SetOut(cmd.OutOrStdout())
 
 	conn, err := DialClientGRPCServer(cmd.Context(), daemonAddr)
@@ -398,3 +409,13 @@ func getClient(cmd *cobra.Command) (*grpc.ClientConn, error) {
 
 	return conn, nil
 }
+
+// isServiceCmd returns true if cmd is the "service" command or a child of it.
+func isServiceCmd(cmd *cobra.Command) bool {
+	for c := cmd; c != nil; c = c.Parent() {
+		if c.Name() == "service" {
+			return true
+		}
+	}
+	return false
+}

client/cmd/service.go

@@ -41,13 +41,16 @@ func init() {
 		defaultServiceName = "Netbird"
 	}
 
-	serviceCmd.AddCommand(runCmd, startCmd, stopCmd, restartCmd, svcStatusCmd, installCmd, uninstallCmd, reconfigureCmd)
+	serviceCmd.AddCommand(runCmd, startCmd, stopCmd, restartCmd, svcStatusCmd, installCmd, uninstallCmd, reconfigureCmd, resetParamsCmd)
 	serviceCmd.PersistentFlags().BoolVar(&profilesDisabled, "disable-profiles", false, "Disables profiles feature. If enabled, the client will not be able to change or edit any profile. To persist this setting, use: netbird service install --disable-profiles")
 	serviceCmd.PersistentFlags().BoolVar(&updateSettingsDisabled, "disable-update-settings", false, "Disables update settings feature. If enabled, the client will not be able to change or edit any settings. To persist this setting, use: netbird service install --disable-update-settings")
+	serviceCmd.PersistentFlags().BoolVar(&networksDisabled, "disable-networks", false, "Disables network selection. If enabled, the client will not allow listing, selecting, or deselecting networks. To persist, use: netbird service install --disable-networks")
 
 	rootCmd.PersistentFlags().StringVarP(&serviceName, "service", "s", defaultServiceName, "Netbird system service name")
 	serviceEnvDesc := `Sets extra environment variables for the service. ` +
 		`You can specify a comma-separated list of KEY=VALUE pairs. ` +
+		`New keys are merged with previously saved env vars; existing keys are overwritten. ` +
+		`Use --service-env "" to clear all saved env vars. ` +
 		`E.g. --service-env NB_LOG_LEVEL=debug,CUSTOM_VAR=value`
 
 	installCmd.Flags().StringSliceVar(&serviceEnvVars, "service-env", nil, serviceEnvDesc)

client/cmd/service_controller.go

@@ -61,7 +61,7 @@ func (p *program) Start(svc service.Service) error {
 			}
 		}
 
-		serverInstance := server.New(p.ctx, util.FindFirstLogPath(logFiles), configPath, profilesDisabled, updateSettingsDisabled)
+		serverInstance := server.New(p.ctx, util.FindFirstLogPath(logFiles), configPath, profilesDisabled, updateSettingsDisabled, networksDisabled)
 		if err := serverInstance.Start(); err != nil {
 			log.Fatalf("failed to start daemon: %v", err)
 		}
@@ -103,7 +103,7 @@ func (p *program) Stop(srv service.Service) error {
 
 // Common setup for service control commands
 func setupServiceControlCommand(cmd *cobra.Command, ctx context.Context, cancel context.CancelFunc) (service.Service, error) {
-	SetFlagsFromEnvVars(rootCmd)
+	// rootCmd env vars are already applied by PersistentPreRunE.
 	SetFlagsFromEnvVars(serviceCmd)
 
 	cmd.SetOut(cmd.OutOrStdout())

client/cmd/service_installer.go

@@ -59,6 +59,10 @@ func buildServiceArguments() []string {
 		args = append(args, "--disable-update-settings")
 	}
 
+	if networksDisabled {
+		args = append(args, "--disable-networks")
+	}
+
 	return args
 }
 
@@ -119,6 +123,10 @@ var installCmd = &cobra.Command{
 			return err
 		}
 
+		if err := loadAndApplyServiceParams(cmd); err != nil {
+			cmd.PrintErrf("Warning: failed to load saved service params: %v\n", err)
+		}
+
 		svcConfig, err := createServiceConfigForInstall()
 		if err != nil {
 			return err
@@ -136,6 +144,10 @@ var installCmd = &cobra.Command{
 			return fmt.Errorf("install service: %w", err)
 		}
 
+		if err := saveServiceParams(currentServiceParams()); err != nil {
+			cmd.PrintErrf("Warning: failed to save service params: %v\n", err)
+		}
+
 		cmd.Println("NetBird service has been installed")
 		return nil
 	},
@@ -187,6 +199,10 @@ This command will temporarily stop the service, update its configuration, and re
 			return err
 		}
 
+		if err := loadAndApplyServiceParams(cmd); err != nil {
+			cmd.PrintErrf("Warning: failed to load saved service params: %v\n", err)
+		}
+
 		wasRunning, err := isServiceRunning()
 		if err != nil && !errors.Is(err, ErrGetServiceStatus) {
 			return fmt.Errorf("check service status: %w", err)
@@ -222,6 +238,10 @@ This command will temporarily stop the service, update its configuration, and re
 			return fmt.Errorf("install service with new config: %w", err)
 		}
 
+		if err := saveServiceParams(currentServiceParams()); err != nil {
+			cmd.PrintErrf("Warning: failed to save service params: %v\n", err)
+		}
+
 		if wasRunning {
 			cmd.Println("Starting NetBird service...")
 			if err := s.Start(); err != nil {

client/cmd/service_params.go

@@ -0,0 +1,218 @@
+//go:build !ios && !android
+
+package cmd
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"fmt"
+	"maps"
+	"os"
+	"path/filepath"
+
+	"github.com/spf13/cobra"
+
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/configs"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/util"
+)
+
+const serviceParamsFile = "service.json"
+
+// serviceParams holds install-time service parameters that persist across
+// uninstall/reinstall cycles. Saved to <stateDir>/service.json.
+type serviceParams struct {
+	LogLevel              string            `json:"log_level"`
+	DaemonAddr            string            `json:"daemon_addr"`
+	ManagementURL         string            `json:"management_url,omitempty"`
+	ConfigPath            string            `json:"config_path,omitempty"`
+	LogFiles              []string          `json:"log_files,omitempty"`
+	DisableProfiles       bool              `json:"disable_profiles,omitempty"`
+	DisableUpdateSettings bool              `json:"disable_update_settings,omitempty"`
+	DisableNetworks       bool              `json:"disable_networks,omitempty"`
+	ServiceEnvVars        map[string]string `json:"service_env_vars,omitempty"`
+}
+
+// serviceParamsPath returns the path to the service params file.
+func serviceParamsPath() string {
+	return filepath.Join(configs.StateDir, serviceParamsFile)
+}
+
+// loadServiceParams reads saved service parameters from disk.
+// Returns nil with no error if the file does not exist.
+func loadServiceParams() (*serviceParams, error) {
+	path := serviceParamsPath()
+
+	data, err := os.ReadFile(path)
+	if err != nil {
+		if os.IsNotExist(err) {
+			return nil, nil //nolint:nilnil
+		}
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("read service params %s: %w", path, err)
+	}
+
+	var params serviceParams
+	if err := json.Unmarshal(data, &params); err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("parse service params %s: %w", path, err)
+	}
+
+	return &params, nil
+}
+
+// saveServiceParams writes current service parameters to disk atomically
+// with restricted permissions.
+func saveServiceParams(params *serviceParams) error {
+	path := serviceParamsPath()
+	if err := util.WriteJsonWithRestrictedPermission(context.Background(), path, params); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("save service params: %w", err)
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
+// currentServiceParams captures the current state of all package-level
+// variables into a serviceParams struct.
+func currentServiceParams() *serviceParams {
+	params := &serviceParams{
+		LogLevel:              logLevel,
+		DaemonAddr:            daemonAddr,
+		ManagementURL:         managementURL,
+		ConfigPath:            configPath,
+		LogFiles:              logFiles,
+		DisableProfiles:       profilesDisabled,
+		DisableUpdateSettings: updateSettingsDisabled,
+		DisableNetworks:       networksDisabled,
+	}
+
+	if len(serviceEnvVars) > 0 {
+		parsed, err := parseServiceEnvVars(serviceEnvVars)
+		if err == nil {
+			params.ServiceEnvVars = parsed
+		}
+	}
+
+	return params
+}
+
+// loadAndApplyServiceParams loads saved params from disk and applies them
+// to any flags that were not explicitly set.
+func loadAndApplyServiceParams(cmd *cobra.Command) error {
+	params, err := loadServiceParams()
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	applyServiceParams(cmd, params)
+	return nil
+}
+
+// applyServiceParams merges saved parameters into package-level variables
+// for any flag that was not explicitly set by the user (via CLI or env var).
+// Flags that were Changed() are left untouched.
+func applyServiceParams(cmd *cobra.Command, params *serviceParams) {
+	if params == nil {
+		return
+	}
+
+	// For fields with non-empty defaults (log-level, daemon-addr), keep the
+	// != "" guard so that an older service.json missing the field doesn't
+	// clobber the default with an empty string.
+	if !rootCmd.PersistentFlags().Changed("log-level") && params.LogLevel != "" {
+		logLevel = params.LogLevel
+	}
+
+	if !rootCmd.PersistentFlags().Changed("daemon-addr") && params.DaemonAddr != "" {
+		daemonAddr = params.DaemonAddr
+	}
+
+	// For optional fields where empty means "use default", always apply so
+	// that an explicit clear (--management-url "") persists across reinstalls.
+	if !rootCmd.PersistentFlags().Changed("management-url") {
+		managementURL = params.ManagementURL
+	}
+
+	if !rootCmd.PersistentFlags().Changed("config") {
+		configPath = params.ConfigPath
+	}
+
+	if !rootCmd.PersistentFlags().Changed("log-file") {
+		logFiles = params.LogFiles
+	}
+
+	if !serviceCmd.PersistentFlags().Changed("disable-profiles") {
+		profilesDisabled = params.DisableProfiles
+	}
+
+	if !serviceCmd.PersistentFlags().Changed("disable-update-settings") {
+		updateSettingsDisabled = params.DisableUpdateSettings
+	}
+
+	if !serviceCmd.PersistentFlags().Changed("disable-networks") {
+		networksDisabled = params.DisableNetworks
+	}
+
+	applyServiceEnvParams(cmd, params)
+}
+
+// applyServiceEnvParams merges saved service environment variables.
+// If --service-env was explicitly set with values, explicit values win on key
+// conflict but saved keys not in the explicit set are carried over.
+// If --service-env was explicitly set to empty, all saved env vars are cleared.
+// If --service-env was not set, saved env vars are used entirely.
+func applyServiceEnvParams(cmd *cobra.Command, params *serviceParams) {
+	if !cmd.Flags().Changed("service-env") {
+		if len(params.ServiceEnvVars) > 0 {
+			// No explicit env vars: rebuild serviceEnvVars from saved params.
+			serviceEnvVars = envMapToSlice(params.ServiceEnvVars)
+		}
+		return
+	}
+
+	// Flag was explicitly set: parse what the user provided.
+	explicit, err := parseServiceEnvVars(serviceEnvVars)
+	if err != nil {
+		cmd.PrintErrf("Warning: parse explicit service env vars for merge: %v\n", err)
+		return
+	}
+
+	// If the user passed an empty value (e.g. --service-env ""), clear all
+	// saved env vars rather than merging.
+	if len(explicit) == 0 {
+		serviceEnvVars = nil
+		return
+	}
+
+	if len(params.ServiceEnvVars) == 0 {
+		return
+	}
+
+	// Merge saved values underneath explicit ones.
+	merged := make(map[string]string, len(params.ServiceEnvVars)+len(explicit))
+	maps.Copy(merged, params.ServiceEnvVars)
+	maps.Copy(merged, explicit) // explicit wins on conflict
+	serviceEnvVars = envMapToSlice(merged)
+}
+
+var resetParamsCmd = &cobra.Command{
+	Use:   "reset-params",
+	Short: "Remove saved service install parameters",
+	Long:  "Removes the saved service.json file so the next install uses default parameters.",
+	RunE: func(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) error {
+		path := serviceParamsPath()
+		if err := os.Remove(path); err != nil {
+			if os.IsNotExist(err) {
+				cmd.Println("No saved service parameters found")
+				return nil
+			}
+			return fmt.Errorf("remove service params: %w", err)
+		}
+		cmd.Printf("Removed saved service parameters (%s)\n", path)
+		return nil
+	},
+}
+
+// envMapToSlice converts a map of env vars to a KEY=VALUE slice.
+func envMapToSlice(m map[string]string) []string {
+	s := make([]string, 0, len(m))
+	for k, v := range m {
+		s = append(s, k+"="+v)
+	}
+	return s
+}

client/cmd/service_params_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,559 @@
+//go:build !ios && !android
+
+package cmd
+
+import (
+	"encoding/json"
+	"go/ast"
+	"go/parser"
+	"go/token"
+	"os"
+	"path/filepath"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/spf13/cobra"
+	"github.com/spf13/pflag"
+	"github.com/stretchr/testify/assert"
+	"github.com/stretchr/testify/require"
+
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/configs"
+)
+
+func TestServiceParamsPath(t *testing.T) {
+	original := configs.StateDir
+	t.Cleanup(func() { configs.StateDir = original })
+
+	configs.StateDir = "/var/lib/netbird"
+	assert.Equal(t, filepath.Join("/var/lib/netbird", "service.json"), serviceParamsPath())
+
+	configs.StateDir = "/custom/state"
+	assert.Equal(t, filepath.Join("/custom/state", "service.json"), serviceParamsPath())
+}
+
+func TestSaveAndLoadServiceParams(t *testing.T) {
+	tmpDir := t.TempDir()
+
+	original := configs.StateDir
+	t.Cleanup(func() { configs.StateDir = original })
+	configs.StateDir = tmpDir
+
+	params := &serviceParams{
+		LogLevel:              "debug",
+		DaemonAddr:            "unix:///var/run/netbird.sock",
+		ManagementURL:         "https://my.server.com",
+		ConfigPath:            "/etc/netbird/config.json",
+		LogFiles:              []string{"/var/log/netbird/client.log", "console"},
+		DisableProfiles:       true,
+		DisableUpdateSettings: false,
+		ServiceEnvVars:        map[string]string{"NB_LOG_FORMAT": "json", "CUSTOM": "val"},
+	}
+
+	err := saveServiceParams(params)
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+
+	// Verify the file exists and is valid JSON.
+	data, err := os.ReadFile(filepath.Join(tmpDir, "service.json"))
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+	assert.True(t, json.Valid(data))
+
+	loaded, err := loadServiceParams()
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+	require.NotNil(t, loaded)
+
+	assert.Equal(t, params.LogLevel, loaded.LogLevel)
+	assert.Equal(t, params.DaemonAddr, loaded.DaemonAddr)
+	assert.Equal(t, params.ManagementURL, loaded.ManagementURL)
+	assert.Equal(t, params.ConfigPath, loaded.ConfigPath)
+	assert.Equal(t, params.LogFiles, loaded.LogFiles)
+	assert.Equal(t, params.DisableProfiles, loaded.DisableProfiles)
+	assert.Equal(t, params.DisableUpdateSettings, loaded.DisableUpdateSettings)
+	assert.Equal(t, params.ServiceEnvVars, loaded.ServiceEnvVars)
+}
+
+func TestLoadServiceParams_FileNotExists(t *testing.T) {
+	tmpDir := t.TempDir()
+
+	original := configs.StateDir
+	t.Cleanup(func() { configs.StateDir = original })
+	configs.StateDir = tmpDir
+
+	params, err := loadServiceParams()
+	assert.NoError(t, err)
+	assert.Nil(t, params)
+}
+
+func TestLoadServiceParams_InvalidJSON(t *testing.T) {
+	tmpDir := t.TempDir()
+
+	original := configs.StateDir
+	t.Cleanup(func() { configs.StateDir = original })
+	configs.StateDir = tmpDir
+
+	err := os.WriteFile(filepath.Join(tmpDir, "service.json"), []byte("not json"), 0600)
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+
+	params, err := loadServiceParams()
+	assert.Error(t, err)
+	assert.Nil(t, params)
+}
+
+func TestCurrentServiceParams(t *testing.T) {
+	origLogLevel := logLevel
+	origDaemonAddr := daemonAddr
+	origManagementURL := managementURL
+	origConfigPath := configPath
+	origLogFiles := logFiles
+	origProfilesDisabled := profilesDisabled
+	origUpdateSettingsDisabled := updateSettingsDisabled
+	origServiceEnvVars := serviceEnvVars
+	t.Cleanup(func() {
+		logLevel = origLogLevel
+		daemonAddr = origDaemonAddr
+		managementURL = origManagementURL
+		configPath = origConfigPath
+		logFiles = origLogFiles
+		profilesDisabled = origProfilesDisabled
+		updateSettingsDisabled = origUpdateSettingsDisabled
+		serviceEnvVars = origServiceEnvVars
+	})
+
+	logLevel = "trace"
+	daemonAddr = "tcp://127.0.0.1:9999"
+	managementURL = "https://mgmt.example.com"
+	configPath = "/tmp/test-config.json"
+	logFiles = []string{"/tmp/test.log"}
+	profilesDisabled = true
+	updateSettingsDisabled = true
+	serviceEnvVars = []string{"FOO=bar", "BAZ=qux"}
+
+	params := currentServiceParams()
+
+	assert.Equal(t, "trace", params.LogLevel)
+	assert.Equal(t, "tcp://127.0.0.1:9999", params.DaemonAddr)
+	assert.Equal(t, "https://mgmt.example.com", params.ManagementURL)
+	assert.Equal(t, "/tmp/test-config.json", params.ConfigPath)
+	assert.Equal(t, []string{"/tmp/test.log"}, params.LogFiles)
+	assert.True(t, params.DisableProfiles)
+	assert.True(t, params.DisableUpdateSettings)
+	assert.Equal(t, map[string]string{"FOO": "bar", "BAZ": "qux"}, params.ServiceEnvVars)
+}
+
+func TestApplyServiceParams_OnlyUnchangedFlags(t *testing.T) {
+	origLogLevel := logLevel
+	origDaemonAddr := daemonAddr
+	origManagementURL := managementURL
+	origConfigPath := configPath
+	origLogFiles := logFiles
+	origProfilesDisabled := profilesDisabled
+	origUpdateSettingsDisabled := updateSettingsDisabled
+	origServiceEnvVars := serviceEnvVars
+	t.Cleanup(func() {
+		logLevel = origLogLevel
+		daemonAddr = origDaemonAddr
+		managementURL = origManagementURL
+		configPath = origConfigPath
+		logFiles = origLogFiles
+		profilesDisabled = origProfilesDisabled
+		updateSettingsDisabled = origUpdateSettingsDisabled
+		serviceEnvVars = origServiceEnvVars
+	})
+
+	// Reset all flags to defaults.
+	logLevel = "info"
+	daemonAddr = "unix:///var/run/netbird.sock"
+	managementURL = ""
+	configPath = "/etc/netbird/config.json"
+	logFiles = []string{"/var/log/netbird/client.log"}
+	profilesDisabled = false
+	updateSettingsDisabled = false
+	serviceEnvVars = nil
+
+	// Reset Changed state on all relevant flags.
+	rootCmd.PersistentFlags().VisitAll(func(f *pflag.Flag) {
+		f.Changed = false
+	})
+	serviceCmd.PersistentFlags().VisitAll(func(f *pflag.Flag) {
+		f.Changed = false
+	})
+
+	// Simulate user explicitly setting --log-level via CLI.
+	logLevel = "warn"
+	require.NoError(t, rootCmd.PersistentFlags().Set("log-level", "warn"))
+
+	saved := &serviceParams{
+		LogLevel:              "debug",
+		DaemonAddr:            "tcp://127.0.0.1:5555",
+		ManagementURL:         "https://saved.example.com",
+		ConfigPath:            "/saved/config.json",
+		LogFiles:              []string{"/saved/client.log"},
+		DisableProfiles:       true,
+		DisableUpdateSettings: true,
+		ServiceEnvVars:        map[string]string{"SAVED_KEY": "saved_val"},
+	}
+
+	cmd := &cobra.Command{}
+	cmd.Flags().StringSlice("service-env", nil, "")
+	applyServiceParams(cmd, saved)
+
+	// log-level was Changed, so it should keep "warn", not use saved "debug".
+	assert.Equal(t, "warn", logLevel)
+
+	// All other fields were not Changed, so they should use saved values.
+	assert.Equal(t, "tcp://127.0.0.1:5555", daemonAddr)
+	assert.Equal(t, "https://saved.example.com", managementURL)
+	assert.Equal(t, "/saved/config.json", configPath)
+	assert.Equal(t, []string{"/saved/client.log"}, logFiles)
+	assert.True(t, profilesDisabled)
+	assert.True(t, updateSettingsDisabled)
+	assert.Equal(t, []string{"SAVED_KEY=saved_val"}, serviceEnvVars)
+}
+
+func TestApplyServiceParams_BooleanRevertToFalse(t *testing.T) {
+	origProfilesDisabled := profilesDisabled
+	origUpdateSettingsDisabled := updateSettingsDisabled
+	t.Cleanup(func() {
+		profilesDisabled = origProfilesDisabled
+		updateSettingsDisabled = origUpdateSettingsDisabled
+	})
+
+	// Simulate current state where booleans are true (e.g. set by previous install).
+	profilesDisabled = true
+	updateSettingsDisabled = true
+
+	// Reset Changed state so flags appear unset.
+	serviceCmd.PersistentFlags().VisitAll(func(f *pflag.Flag) {
+		f.Changed = false
+	})
+
+	// Saved params have both as false.
+	saved := &serviceParams{
+		DisableProfiles:       false,
+		DisableUpdateSettings: false,
+	}
+
+	cmd := &cobra.Command{}
+	cmd.Flags().StringSlice("service-env", nil, "")
+	applyServiceParams(cmd, saved)
+
+	assert.False(t, profilesDisabled, "saved false should override current true")
+	assert.False(t, updateSettingsDisabled, "saved false should override current true")
+}
+
+func TestApplyServiceParams_ClearManagementURL(t *testing.T) {
+	origManagementURL := managementURL
+	t.Cleanup(func() { managementURL = origManagementURL })
+
+	managementURL = "https://leftover.example.com"
+
+	// Simulate saved params where management URL was explicitly cleared.
+	saved := &serviceParams{
+		LogLevel:   "info",
+		DaemonAddr: "unix:///var/run/netbird.sock",
+		// ManagementURL intentionally empty: was cleared with --management-url "".
+	}
+
+	rootCmd.PersistentFlags().VisitAll(func(f *pflag.Flag) {
+		f.Changed = false
+	})
+
+	cmd := &cobra.Command{}
+	cmd.Flags().StringSlice("service-env", nil, "")
+	applyServiceParams(cmd, saved)
+
+	assert.Equal(t, "", managementURL, "saved empty management URL should clear the current value")
+}
+
+func TestApplyServiceParams_NilParams(t *testing.T) {
+	origLogLevel := logLevel
+	t.Cleanup(func() { logLevel = origLogLevel })
+
+	logLevel = "info"
+	cmd := &cobra.Command{}
+	cmd.Flags().StringSlice("service-env", nil, "")
+
+	// Should be a no-op.
+	applyServiceParams(cmd, nil)
+	assert.Equal(t, "info", logLevel)
+}
+
+func TestApplyServiceEnvParams_MergeExplicitAndSaved(t *testing.T) {
+	origServiceEnvVars := serviceEnvVars
+	t.Cleanup(func() { serviceEnvVars = origServiceEnvVars })
+
+	// Set up a command with --service-env marked as Changed.
+	cmd := &cobra.Command{}
+	cmd.Flags().StringSlice("service-env", nil, "")
+	require.NoError(t, cmd.Flags().Set("service-env", "EXPLICIT=yes,OVERLAP=explicit"))
+
+	serviceEnvVars = []string{"EXPLICIT=yes", "OVERLAP=explicit"}
+
+	saved := &serviceParams{
+		ServiceEnvVars: map[string]string{
+			"SAVED":   "val",
+			"OVERLAP": "saved",
+		},
+	}
+
+	applyServiceEnvParams(cmd, saved)
+
+	// Parse result for easier assertion.
+	result, err := parseServiceEnvVars(serviceEnvVars)
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+
+	assert.Equal(t, "yes", result["EXPLICIT"])
+	assert.Equal(t, "val", result["SAVED"])
+	// Explicit wins on conflict.
+	assert.Equal(t, "explicit", result["OVERLAP"])
+}
+
+func TestApplyServiceEnvParams_NotChanged(t *testing.T) {
+	origServiceEnvVars := serviceEnvVars
+	t.Cleanup(func() { serviceEnvVars = origServiceEnvVars })
+
+	serviceEnvVars = nil
+
+	cmd := &cobra.Command{}
+	cmd.Flags().StringSlice("service-env", nil, "")
+
+	saved := &serviceParams{
+		ServiceEnvVars: map[string]string{"FROM_SAVED": "val"},
+	}
+
+	applyServiceEnvParams(cmd, saved)
+
+	result, err := parseServiceEnvVars(serviceEnvVars)
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+	assert.Equal(t, map[string]string{"FROM_SAVED": "val"}, result)
+}
+
+func TestApplyServiceEnvParams_ExplicitEmptyClears(t *testing.T) {
+	origServiceEnvVars := serviceEnvVars
+	t.Cleanup(func() { serviceEnvVars = origServiceEnvVars })
+
+	// Simulate --service-env "" which produces [""] in the slice.
+	serviceEnvVars = []string{""}
+
+	cmd := &cobra.Command{}
+	cmd.Flags().StringSlice("service-env", nil, "")
+	require.NoError(t, cmd.Flags().Set("service-env", ""))
+
+	saved := &serviceParams{
+		ServiceEnvVars: map[string]string{"OLD_VAR": "should_be_cleared"},
+	}
+
+	applyServiceEnvParams(cmd, saved)
+
+	assert.Nil(t, serviceEnvVars, "explicit empty --service-env should clear all saved env vars")
+}
+
+func TestCurrentServiceParams_EmptyEnvVarsAfterParse(t *testing.T) {
+	origServiceEnvVars := serviceEnvVars
+	t.Cleanup(func() { serviceEnvVars = origServiceEnvVars })
+
+	// Simulate --service-env "" which produces [""] in the slice.
+	serviceEnvVars = []string{""}
+
+	params := currentServiceParams()
+
+	// After parsing, the empty string is skipped, resulting in an empty map.
+	// The map should still be set (not nil) so it overwrites saved values.
+	assert.NotNil(t, params.ServiceEnvVars, "empty env vars should produce empty map, not nil")
+	assert.Empty(t, params.ServiceEnvVars, "no valid env vars should be parsed from empty string")
+}
+
+// TestServiceParams_FieldsCoveredInFunctions ensures that all serviceParams fields are
+// referenced in both currentServiceParams() and applyServiceParams(). If a new field is
+// added to serviceParams but not wired into these functions, this test fails.
+func TestServiceParams_FieldsCoveredInFunctions(t *testing.T) {
+	fset := token.NewFileSet()
+	file, err := parser.ParseFile(fset, "service_params.go", nil, 0)
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+
+	// Collect all JSON field names from the serviceParams struct.
+	structFields := extractStructJSONFields(t, file, "serviceParams")
+	require.NotEmpty(t, structFields, "failed to find serviceParams struct fields")
+
+	// Collect field names referenced in currentServiceParams and applyServiceParams.
+	currentFields := extractFuncFieldRefs(t, file, "currentServiceParams", structFields)
+	applyFields := extractFuncFieldRefs(t, file, "applyServiceParams", structFields)
+	// applyServiceEnvParams handles ServiceEnvVars indirectly.
+	applyEnvFields := extractFuncFieldRefs(t, file, "applyServiceEnvParams", structFields)
+	for k, v := range applyEnvFields {
+		applyFields[k] = v
+	}
+
+	for _, field := range structFields {
+		assert.Contains(t, currentFields, field,
+			"serviceParams field %q is not captured in currentServiceParams()", field)
+		assert.Contains(t, applyFields, field,
+			"serviceParams field %q is not restored in applyServiceParams()/applyServiceEnvParams()", field)
+	}
+}
+
+// TestServiceParams_BuildArgsCoversAllFlags ensures that buildServiceArguments references
+// all serviceParams fields that should become CLI args. ServiceEnvVars is excluded because
+// it flows through newSVCConfig() EnvVars, not CLI args.
+func TestServiceParams_BuildArgsCoversAllFlags(t *testing.T) {
+	fset := token.NewFileSet()
+	file, err := parser.ParseFile(fset, "service_params.go", nil, 0)
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+
+	structFields := extractStructJSONFields(t, file, "serviceParams")
+	require.NotEmpty(t, structFields)
+
+	installerFile, err := parser.ParseFile(fset, "service_installer.go", nil, 0)
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+
+	// Fields that are handled outside of buildServiceArguments (env vars go through newSVCConfig).
+	fieldsNotInArgs := map[string]bool{
+		"ServiceEnvVars": true,
+	}
+
+	buildFields := extractFuncGlobalRefs(t, installerFile, "buildServiceArguments")
+
+	// Forward: every struct field must appear in buildServiceArguments.
+	for _, field := range structFields {
+		if fieldsNotInArgs[field] {
+			continue
+		}
+		globalVar := fieldToGlobalVar(field)
+		assert.Contains(t, buildFields, globalVar,
+			"serviceParams field %q (global %q) is not referenced in buildServiceArguments()", field, globalVar)
+	}
+
+	// Reverse: every service-related global used in buildServiceArguments must
+	// have a corresponding serviceParams field. This catches a developer adding
+	// a new flag to buildServiceArguments without adding it to the struct.
+	globalToField := make(map[string]string, len(structFields))
+	for _, field := range structFields {
+		globalToField[fieldToGlobalVar(field)] = field
+	}
+	// Identifiers in buildServiceArguments that are not service params
+	// (builtins, boilerplate, loop variables).
+	nonParamGlobals := map[string]bool{
+		"args": true, "append": true, "string": true, "_": true,
+		"logFile": true, // range variable over logFiles
+	}
+	for ref := range buildFields {
+		if nonParamGlobals[ref] {
+			continue
+		}
+		_, inStruct := globalToField[ref]
+		assert.True(t, inStruct,
+			"buildServiceArguments() references global %q which has no corresponding serviceParams field", ref)
+	}
+}
+
+// extractStructJSONFields returns field names from a named struct type.
+func extractStructJSONFields(t *testing.T, file *ast.File, structName string) []string {
+	t.Helper()
+	var fields []string
+	ast.Inspect(file, func(n ast.Node) bool {
+		ts, ok := n.(*ast.TypeSpec)
+		if !ok || ts.Name.Name != structName {
+			return true
+		}
+		st, ok := ts.Type.(*ast.StructType)
+		if !ok {
+			return false
+		}
+		for _, f := range st.Fields.List {
+			if len(f.Names) > 0 {
+				fields = append(fields, f.Names[0].Name)
+			}
+		}
+		return false
+	})
+	return fields
+}
+
+// extractFuncFieldRefs returns which of the given field names appear inside the
+// named function, either as selector expressions (params.FieldName) or as
+// composite literal keys (&serviceParams{FieldName: ...}).
+func extractFuncFieldRefs(t *testing.T, file *ast.File, funcName string, fields []string) map[string]bool {
+	t.Helper()
+	fieldSet := make(map[string]bool, len(fields))
+	for _, f := range fields {
+		fieldSet[f] = true
+	}
+
+	found := make(map[string]bool)
+	fn := findFuncDecl(file, funcName)
+	require.NotNil(t, fn, "function %s not found", funcName)
+
+	ast.Inspect(fn.Body, func(n ast.Node) bool {
+		switch v := n.(type) {
+		case *ast.SelectorExpr:
+			if fieldSet[v.Sel.Name] {
+				found[v.Sel.Name] = true
+			}
+		case *ast.KeyValueExpr:
+			if ident, ok := v.Key.(*ast.Ident); ok && fieldSet[ident.Name] {
+				found[ident.Name] = true
+			}
+		}
+		return true
+	})
+	return found
+}
+
+// extractFuncGlobalRefs returns all identifier names referenced in the named function body.
+func extractFuncGlobalRefs(t *testing.T, file *ast.File, funcName string) map[string]bool {
+	t.Helper()
+	fn := findFuncDecl(file, funcName)
+	require.NotNil(t, fn, "function %s not found", funcName)
+
+	refs := make(map[string]bool)
+	ast.Inspect(fn.Body, func(n ast.Node) bool {
+		if ident, ok := n.(*ast.Ident); ok {
+			refs[ident.Name] = true
+		}
+		return true
+	})
+	return refs
+}
+
+func findFuncDecl(file *ast.File, name string) *ast.FuncDecl {
+	for _, decl := range file.Decls {
+		fn, ok := decl.(*ast.FuncDecl)
+		if ok && fn.Name.Name == name {
+			return fn
+		}
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
+// fieldToGlobalVar maps serviceParams field names to the package-level variable
+// names used in buildServiceArguments and applyServiceParams.
+func fieldToGlobalVar(field string) string {
+	m := map[string]string{
+		"LogLevel":              "logLevel",
+		"DaemonAddr":            "daemonAddr",
+		"ManagementURL":         "managementURL",
+		"ConfigPath":            "configPath",
+		"LogFiles":              "logFiles",
+		"DisableProfiles":       "profilesDisabled",
+		"DisableUpdateSettings": "updateSettingsDisabled",
+		"DisableNetworks":       "networksDisabled",
+		"ServiceEnvVars":        "serviceEnvVars",
+	}
+	if v, ok := m[field]; ok {
+		return v
+	}
+	// Default: lowercase first letter.
+	return strings.ToLower(field[:1]) + field[1:]
+}
+
+func TestEnvMapToSlice(t *testing.T) {
+	m := map[string]string{"A": "1", "B": "2"}
+	s := envMapToSlice(m)
+	assert.Len(t, s, 2)
+	assert.Contains(t, s, "A=1")
+	assert.Contains(t, s, "B=2")
+}
+
+func TestEnvMapToSlice_Empty(t *testing.T) {
+	s := envMapToSlice(map[string]string{})
+	assert.Empty(t, s)
+}

client/cmd/service_test.go

@@ -4,7 +4,9 @@ import (
 	"context"
 	"fmt"
 	"os"
+	"os/signal"
 	"runtime"
+	"syscall"
 	"testing"
 	"time"
 
@@ -13,6 +15,22 @@ import (
 	"github.com/stretchr/testify/require"
 )
 
+// TestMain intercepts when this test binary is run as a daemon subprocess.
+// On FreeBSD, the rc.d service script runs the binary via daemon(8) -r with
+// "service run ..." arguments. Since the test binary can't handle cobra CLI
+// args, it exits immediately, causing daemon -r to respawn rapidly until
+// hitting the rate limit and exiting. This makes service restart unreliable.
+// Blocking here keeps the subprocess alive until the init system sends SIGTERM.
+func TestMain(m *testing.M) {
+	if len(os.Args) > 2 && os.Args[1] == "service" && os.Args[2] == "run" {
+		sig := make(chan os.Signal, 1)
+		signal.Notify(sig, syscall.SIGTERM, os.Interrupt)
+		<-sig
+		return
+	}
+	os.Exit(m.Run())
+}
+
 const (
 	serviceStartTimeout = 10 * time.Second
 	serviceStopTimeout  = 5 * time.Second
@@ -79,6 +97,34 @@ func TestServiceLifecycle(t *testing.T) {
 	logLevel = "info"
 	daemonAddr = fmt.Sprintf("unix://%s/netbird-test.sock", tempDir)
 
+	// Ensure cleanup even if a subtest fails and Stop/Uninstall subtests don't run.
+	t.Cleanup(func() {
+		cfg, err := newSVCConfig()
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Errorf("cleanup: create service config: %v", err)
+			return
+		}
+		ctxSvc, cancel := context.WithCancel(context.Background())
+		defer cancel()
+		s, err := newSVC(newProgram(ctxSvc, cancel), cfg)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Errorf("cleanup: create service: %v", err)
+			return
+		}
+
+		// If the subtests already cleaned up, there's nothing to do.
+		if _, err := s.Status(); err != nil {
+			return
+		}
+
+		if err := s.Stop(); err != nil {
+			t.Errorf("cleanup: stop service: %v", err)
+		}
+		if err := s.Uninstall(); err != nil {
+			t.Errorf("cleanup: uninstall service: %v", err)
+		}
+	})
+
 	ctx := context.Background()
 
 	t.Run("Install", func(t *testing.T) {

client/cmd/signer/artifactkey.go

@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@ import (
 
 	"github.com/spf13/cobra"
 
-	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/updatemanager/reposign"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/updater/reposign"
 )
 
 var (

client/cmd/signer/artifactsign.go

@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ import (
 
 	"github.com/spf13/cobra"
 
-	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/updatemanager/reposign"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/updater/reposign"
 )
 
 const (

client/cmd/signer/revocation.go

@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@ import (
 
 	"github.com/spf13/cobra"
 
-	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/updatemanager/reposign"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/updater/reposign"
 )
 
 const (

client/cmd/signer/rootkey.go

@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@ import (
 
 	"github.com/spf13/cobra"
 
-	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/updatemanager/reposign"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/updater/reposign"
 )
 
 var (

client/cmd/status.go

@@ -28,6 +28,7 @@ var (
 	ipsFilterMap         map[string]struct{}
 	prefixNamesFilterMap map[string]struct{}
 	connectionTypeFilter string
+	checkFlag            string
 )
 
 var statusCmd = &cobra.Command{
@@ -49,6 +50,7 @@ func init() {
 	statusCmd.PersistentFlags().StringSliceVar(&prefixNamesFilter, "filter-by-names", []string{}, "filters the detailed output by a list of one or more peer FQDN or hostnames, e.g., --filter-by-names peer-a,peer-b.netbird.cloud")
 	statusCmd.PersistentFlags().StringVar(&statusFilter, "filter-by-status", "", "filters the detailed output by connection status(idle|connecting|connected), e.g., --filter-by-status connected")
 	statusCmd.PersistentFlags().StringVar(&connectionTypeFilter, "filter-by-connection-type", "", "filters the detailed output by connection type (P2P|Relayed), e.g., --filter-by-connection-type P2P")
+	statusCmd.PersistentFlags().StringVar(&checkFlag, "check", "", "run a health check and exit with code 0 on success, 1 on failure (live|ready|startup)")
 }
 
 func statusFunc(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) error {
@@ -56,6 +58,10 @@ func statusFunc(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) error {
 
 	cmd.SetOut(cmd.OutOrStdout())
 
+	if checkFlag != "" {
+		return runHealthCheck(cmd)
+	}
+
 	err := parseFilters()
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
@@ -68,15 +74,17 @@ func statusFunc(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) error {
 
 	ctx := internal.CtxInitState(cmd.Context())
 
-	resp, err := getStatus(ctx, false)
+	resp, err := getStatus(ctx, true, false)
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
 
 	status := resp.GetStatus()
 
-	if status == string(internal.StatusNeedsLogin) || status == string(internal.StatusLoginFailed) ||
+	needsAuth := status == string(internal.StatusNeedsLogin) || status == string(internal.StatusLoginFailed) ||
-		status == string(internal.StatusSessionExpired) {
+		status == string(internal.StatusSessionExpired)
+
+	if needsAuth && !jsonFlag && !yamlFlag {
 		cmd.Printf("Daemon status: %s\n\n"+
 			"Run UP command to log in with SSO (interactive login):\n\n"+
 			" netbird up \n\n"+
@@ -99,7 +107,17 @@ func statusFunc(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) error {
 		profName = activeProf.Name
 	}
 
-	var outputInformationHolder = nbstatus.ConvertToStatusOutputOverview(resp.GetFullStatus(), anonymizeFlag, resp.GetDaemonVersion(), statusFilter, prefixNamesFilter, prefixNamesFilterMap, ipsFilterMap, connectionTypeFilter, profName)
+	var outputInformationHolder = nbstatus.ConvertToStatusOutputOverview(resp.GetFullStatus(), nbstatus.ConvertOptions{
+		Anonymize:            anonymizeFlag,
+		DaemonVersion:        resp.GetDaemonVersion(),
+		DaemonStatus:         nbstatus.ParseDaemonStatus(status),
+		StatusFilter:         statusFilter,
+		PrefixNamesFilter:    prefixNamesFilter,
+		PrefixNamesFilterMap: prefixNamesFilterMap,
+		IPsFilter:            ipsFilterMap,
+		ConnectionTypeFilter: connectionTypeFilter,
+		ProfileName:          profName,
+	})
 	var statusOutputString string
 	switch {
 	case detailFlag:
@@ -121,7 +139,7 @@ func statusFunc(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) error {
 	return nil
 }
 
-func getStatus(ctx context.Context, shouldRunProbes bool) (*proto.StatusResponse, error) {
+func getStatus(ctx context.Context, fullPeerStatus bool, shouldRunProbes bool) (*proto.StatusResponse, error) {
 	conn, err := DialClientGRPCServer(ctx, daemonAddr)
 	if err != nil {
 		//nolint
@@ -131,7 +149,7 @@ func getStatus(ctx context.Context, shouldRunProbes bool) (*proto.StatusResponse
 	}
 	defer conn.Close()
 
-	resp, err := proto.NewDaemonServiceClient(conn).Status(ctx, &proto.StatusRequest{GetFullPeerStatus: true, ShouldRunProbes: shouldRunProbes})
+	resp, err := proto.NewDaemonServiceClient(conn).Status(ctx, &proto.StatusRequest{GetFullPeerStatus: fullPeerStatus, ShouldRunProbes: shouldRunProbes})
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, fmt.Errorf("status failed: %v", status.Convert(err).Message())
 	}
@@ -185,6 +203,83 @@ func enableDetailFlagWhenFilterFlag() {
 	}
 }
 
+func runHealthCheck(cmd *cobra.Command) error {
+	check := strings.ToLower(checkFlag)
+	switch check {
+	case "live", "ready", "startup":
+	default:
+		return fmt.Errorf("unknown check %q, must be one of: live, ready, startup", checkFlag)
+	}
+
+	if err := util.InitLog(logLevel, util.LogConsole); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("init log: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	ctx := internal.CtxInitState(cmd.Context())
+
+	isStartup := check == "startup"
+	resp, err := getStatus(ctx, isStartup, false)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+
+	switch check {
+	case "live":
+		return nil
+	case "ready":
+		return checkReadiness(resp)
+	case "startup":
+		return checkStartup(resp)
+	default:
+		return nil
+	}
+}
+
+func checkReadiness(resp *proto.StatusResponse) error {
+	daemonStatus := internal.StatusType(resp.GetStatus())
+	switch daemonStatus {
+	case internal.StatusIdle, internal.StatusConnecting, internal.StatusConnected:
+		return nil
+	case internal.StatusNeedsLogin, internal.StatusLoginFailed, internal.StatusSessionExpired:
+		return fmt.Errorf("readiness check: daemon status is %s", daemonStatus)
+	default:
+		return fmt.Errorf("readiness check: unexpected daemon status %q", daemonStatus)
+	}
+}
+
+func checkStartup(resp *proto.StatusResponse) error {
+	fullStatus := resp.GetFullStatus()
+	if fullStatus == nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("startup check: no full status available")
+	}
+
+	if !fullStatus.GetManagementState().GetConnected() {
+		return fmt.Errorf("startup check: management not connected")
+	}
+
+	if !fullStatus.GetSignalState().GetConnected() {
+		return fmt.Errorf("startup check: signal not connected")
+	}
+
+	var relayCount, relaysConnected int
+	for _, r := range fullStatus.GetRelays() {
+		uri := r.GetURI()
+		if !strings.HasPrefix(uri, "rel://") && !strings.HasPrefix(uri, "rels://") {
+			continue
+		}
+		relayCount++
+		if r.GetAvailable() {
+			relaysConnected++
+		}
+	}
+
+	if relayCount > 0 && relaysConnected == 0 {
+		return fmt.Errorf("startup check: no relay servers available (0/%d connected)", relayCount)
+	}
+
+	return nil
+}
+
 func parseInterfaceIP(interfaceIP string) string {
 	ip, _, err := net.ParseCIDR(interfaceIP)
 	if err != nil {

client/cmd/testutil_test.go

@@ -13,6 +13,8 @@ import (
 
 	"github.com/netbirdio/management-integrations/integrations"
 
+	nbcache "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/management/server/cache"
+
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/management/internals/controllers/network_map/controller"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/management/internals/controllers/network_map/update_channel"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/management/internals/modules/peers"
@@ -100,9 +102,16 @@ func startManagement(t *testing.T, config *config.Config, testFile string) (*grp
 
 	jobManager := job.NewJobManager(nil, store, peersmanager)
 
-	iv, _ := integrations.NewIntegratedValidator(context.Background(), peersmanager, settingsManagerMock, eventStore)
+	ctx := context.Background()
 
-	metrics, err := telemetry.NewDefaultAppMetrics(context.Background())
+	cacheStore, err := nbcache.NewStore(ctx, 100*time.Millisecond, 300*time.Millisecond, 100)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+
+	iv, _ := integrations.NewIntegratedValidator(ctx, peersmanager, settingsManagerMock, eventStore, cacheStore)
+
+	metrics, err := telemetry.NewDefaultAppMetrics(ctx)
 	require.NoError(t, err)
 
 	settingsMockManager := settings.NewMockManager(ctrl)
@@ -113,12 +122,11 @@ func startManagement(t *testing.T, config *config.Config, testFile string) (*grp
 		Return(&types.Settings{}, nil).
 		AnyTimes()
 
-	ctx := context.Background()
 	updateManager := update_channel.NewPeersUpdateManager(metrics)
 	requestBuffer := mgmt.NewAccountRequestBuffer(ctx, store)
 	networkMapController := controller.NewController(ctx, store, metrics, updateManager, requestBuffer, mgmt.MockIntegratedValidator{}, settingsMockManager, "netbird.cloud", port_forwarding.NewControllerMock(), manager.NewEphemeralManager(store, peersmanager), config)
 
-	accountManager, err := mgmt.BuildManager(context.Background(), config, store, networkMapController, jobManager, nil, "", eventStore, nil, false, iv, metrics, port_forwarding.NewControllerMock(), settingsMockManager, permissionsManagerMock, false)
+	accountManager, err := mgmt.BuildManager(ctx, config, store, networkMapController, jobManager, nil, "", eventStore, nil, false, iv, metrics, port_forwarding.NewControllerMock(), settingsMockManager, permissionsManagerMock, false, cacheStore)
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
@@ -152,7 +160,7 @@ func startClientDaemon(
 	s := grpc.NewServer()
 
 	server := client.New(ctx,
-		"", "", false, false)
+		"", "", false, false, false)
 	if err := server.Start(); err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}

client/cmd/up.go

@@ -197,7 +197,7 @@ func runInForegroundMode(ctx context.Context, cmd *cobra.Command, activeProf *pr
 	r := peer.NewRecorder(config.ManagementURL.String())
 	r.GetFullStatus()
 
-	connectClient := internal.NewConnectClient(ctx, config, r, false)
+	connectClient := internal.NewConnectClient(ctx, config, r)
 	SetupDebugHandler(ctx, config, r, connectClient, "")
 
 	return connectClient.Run(nil, util.FindFirstLogPath(logFiles))

client/cmd/update_supported.go

@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ import (
 	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
 	"github.com/spf13/cobra"
 
-	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/updatemanager/installer"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/updater/installer"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/util"
 )
 

client/embed/embed.go

@@ -14,6 +14,7 @@ import (
 	"github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
 	wgnetstack "golang.zx2c4.com/wireguard/tun/netstack"
 
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface/netstack"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/auth"
@@ -21,6 +22,7 @@ import (
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/profilemanager"
 	sshcommon "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/ssh"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/system"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/shared/management/domain"
 	mgmProto "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/shared/management/proto"
 )
 
@@ -31,14 +33,14 @@ var (
 	ErrConfigNotInitialized = errors.New("config not initialized")
 )
 
-// PeerConnStatus is a peer's connection status.
-type PeerConnStatus = peer.ConnStatus
-
 const (
 	// PeerStatusConnected indicates the peer is in connected state.
 	PeerStatusConnected = peer.StatusConnected
 )
 
+// PeerConnStatus is a peer's connection status.
+type PeerConnStatus = peer.ConnStatus
+
 // Client manages a netbird embedded client instance.
 type Client struct {
 	deviceName string
@@ -81,6 +83,14 @@ type Options struct {
 	BlockInbound bool
 	// WireguardPort is the port for the WireGuard interface. Use 0 for a random port.
 	WireguardPort *int
+	// MTU is the MTU for the WireGuard interface.
+	// Valid values are in the range 576..8192 bytes.
+	// If non-nil, this value overrides any value stored in the config file.
+	// If nil, the existing config MTU (if non-zero) is preserved; otherwise it defaults to 1280.
+	// Set to a higher value (e.g. 1400) if carrying QUIC or other protocols that require larger datagrams.
+	MTU *uint16
+	// DNSLabels defines additional DNS labels configured in the peer.
+	DNSLabels []string
 }
 
 // validateCredentials checks that exactly one credential type is provided
@@ -112,6 +122,12 @@ func New(opts Options) (*Client, error) {
 		return nil, err
 	}
 
+	if opts.MTU != nil {
+		if err := iface.ValidateMTU(*opts.MTU); err != nil {
+			return nil, fmt.Errorf("invalid MTU: %w", err)
+		}
+	}
+
 	if opts.LogOutput != nil {
 		logrus.SetOutput(opts.LogOutput)
 	}
@@ -140,9 +156,14 @@ func New(opts Options) (*Client, error) {
 		}
 	}
 
+	var err error
+	var parsedLabels domain.List
+	if parsedLabels, err = domain.FromStringList(opts.DNSLabels); err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("invalid dns labels: %w", err)
+	}
+
 	t := true
 	var config *profilemanager.Config
-	var err error
 	input := profilemanager.ConfigInput{
 		ConfigPath:          opts.ConfigPath,
 		ManagementURL:       opts.ManagementURL,
@@ -151,6 +172,8 @@ func New(opts Options) (*Client, error) {
 		DisableClientRoutes: &opts.DisableClientRoutes,
 		BlockInbound:        &opts.BlockInbound,
 		WireguardPort:       opts.WireguardPort,
+		MTU:                 opts.MTU,
+		DNSLabels:           parsedLabels,
 	}
 	if opts.ConfigPath != "" {
 		config, err = profilemanager.UpdateOrCreateConfig(input)
@@ -202,7 +225,7 @@ func (c *Client) Start(startCtx context.Context) error {
 	if err, _ := authClient.Login(ctx, c.setupKey, c.jwtToken); err != nil {
 		return fmt.Errorf("login: %w", err)
 	}
-	client := internal.NewConnectClient(ctx, c.config, c.recorder, false)
+	client := internal.NewConnectClient(ctx, c.config, c.recorder)
 	client.SetSyncResponsePersistence(true)
 
 	// either startup error (permanent backoff err) or nil err (successful engine up)
@@ -352,6 +375,32 @@ func (c *Client) NewHTTPClient() *http.Client {
 	}
 }
 
+// Expose exposes a local service via the NetBird reverse proxy, making it accessible through a public URL.
+// It returns an ExposeSession. Call Wait on the session to keep it alive.
+func (c *Client) Expose(ctx context.Context, req ExposeRequest) (*ExposeSession, error) {
+	engine, err := c.getEngine()
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+
+	mgr := engine.GetExposeManager()
+	if mgr == nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("expose manager not available")
+	}
+
+	resp, err := mgr.Expose(ctx, req)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("expose: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	return &ExposeSession{
+		Domain:      resp.Domain,
+		ServiceName: resp.ServiceName,
+		ServiceURL:  resp.ServiceURL,
+		mgr:         mgr,
+	}, nil
+}
+
 // Status returns the current status of the client.
 func (c *Client) Status() (peer.FullStatus, error) {
 	c.mu.Lock()

client/embed/expose.go

@@ -0,0 +1,45 @@
+package embed
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"errors"
+
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/expose"
+)
+
+const (
+	// ExposeProtocolHTTP exposes the service as HTTP.
+	ExposeProtocolHTTP = expose.ProtocolHTTP
+	// ExposeProtocolHTTPS exposes the service as HTTPS.
+	ExposeProtocolHTTPS = expose.ProtocolHTTPS
+	// ExposeProtocolTCP exposes the service as TCP.
+	ExposeProtocolTCP = expose.ProtocolTCP
+	// ExposeProtocolUDP exposes the service as UDP.
+	ExposeProtocolUDP = expose.ProtocolUDP
+	// ExposeProtocolTLS exposes the service as TLS.
+	ExposeProtocolTLS = expose.ProtocolTLS
+)
+
+// ExposeRequest is a request to expose a local service via the NetBird reverse proxy.
+type ExposeRequest = expose.Request
+
+// ExposeProtocolType represents the protocol used for exposing a service.
+type ExposeProtocolType = expose.ProtocolType
+
+// ExposeSession represents an active expose session. Use Wait to block until the session ends.
+type ExposeSession struct {
+	Domain      string
+	ServiceName string
+	ServiceURL  string
+
+	mgr *expose.Manager
+}
+
+// Wait blocks while keeping the expose session alive.
+// It returns when ctx is cancelled or a keep-alive error occurs, then terminates the session.
+func (s *ExposeSession) Wait(ctx context.Context) error {
+	if s == nil || s.mgr == nil {
+		return errors.New("expose session is not initialized")
+	}
+	return s.mgr.KeepAlive(ctx, s.Domain)
+}

client/firewall/create_linux.go

@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ import (
 	"errors"
 	"fmt"
 	"os"
+	"strconv"
 
 	"github.com/coreos/go-iptables/iptables"
 	"github.com/google/nftables"
@@ -35,20 +36,34 @@ const SKIP_NFTABLES_ENV = "NB_SKIP_NFTABLES_CHECK"
 type FWType int
 
 func NewFirewall(iface IFaceMapper, stateManager *statemanager.Manager, flowLogger nftypes.FlowLogger, disableServerRoutes bool, mtu uint16) (firewall.Manager, error) {
-	// on the linux system we try to user nftables or iptables
+	// We run in userspace mode and force userspace firewall was requested. We don't attempt native firewall.
-	// in any case, because we need to allow netbird interface traffic
+	if iface.IsUserspaceBind() && forceUserspaceFirewall() {
-	// so we use AllowNetbird traffic from these firewall managers
+		log.Info("forcing userspace firewall")
-	// for the userspace packet filtering firewall
+		return createUserspaceFirewall(iface, nil, disableServerRoutes, flowLogger, mtu)
+	}
+
+	// Use native firewall for either kernel or userspace, the interface appears identical to netfilter
 	fm, err := createNativeFirewall(iface, stateManager, disableServerRoutes, mtu)
 
+	// Kernel cannot fall back to anything else, need to return error
 	if !iface.IsUserspaceBind() {
 		return fm, err
 	}
 
+	// Fall back to the userspace packet filter if native is unavailable
 	if err != nil {
 		log.Warnf("failed to create native firewall: %v. Proceeding with userspace", err)
+		return createUserspaceFirewall(iface, nil, disableServerRoutes, flowLogger, mtu)
 	}
-	return createUserspaceFirewall(iface, fm, disableServerRoutes, flowLogger, mtu)
+
+	// Native firewall handles packet filtering, but the userspace WireGuard bind
+	// needs a device filter for DNS interception hooks. Install a minimal
+	// hooks-only filter that passes all traffic through to the kernel firewall.
+	if err := iface.SetFilter(&uspfilter.HooksFilter{}); err != nil {
+		log.Warnf("failed to set hooks filter, DNS via memory hooks will not work: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	return fm, nil
 }
 
 func createNativeFirewall(iface IFaceMapper, stateManager *statemanager.Manager, routes bool, mtu uint16) (firewall.Manager, error) {
@@ -160,3 +175,17 @@ func isIptablesClientAvailable(client *iptables.IPTables) bool {
 	_, err := client.ListChains("filter")
 	return err == nil
 }
+
+func forceUserspaceFirewall() bool {
+	val := os.Getenv(EnvForceUserspaceFirewall)
+	if val == "" {
+		return false
+	}
+
+	force, err := strconv.ParseBool(val)
+	if err != nil {
+		log.Warnf("failed to parse %s: %v", EnvForceUserspaceFirewall, err)
+		return false
+	}
+	return force
+}

client/firewall/firewalld/firewalld.go

@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+// Package firewalld integrates with the firewalld daemon so NetBird can place
+// its wg interface into firewalld's "trusted" zone. This is required because
+// firewalld's nftables chains are created with NFT_CHAIN_OWNER on recent
+// versions, which returns EPERM to any other process that tries to insert
+// rules into them. The workaround mirrors what Tailscale does: let firewalld
+// itself add the accept rules to its own chains by trusting the interface.
+package firewalld
+
+// TrustedZone is the firewalld zone name used for interfaces whose traffic
+// should bypass firewalld filtering.
+const TrustedZone = "trusted"

client/firewall/firewalld/firewalld_linux.go

@@ -0,0 +1,260 @@
+//go:build linux
+
+package firewalld
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"errors"
+	"fmt"
+	"os/exec"
+	"strings"
+	"sync"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/godbus/dbus/v5"
+	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
+)
+
+const (
+	dbusDest      = "org.fedoraproject.FirewallD1"
+	dbusPath      = "/org/fedoraproject/FirewallD1"
+	dbusRootIface = "org.fedoraproject.FirewallD1"
+	dbusZoneIface = "org.fedoraproject.FirewallD1.zone"
+
+	errZoneAlreadySet = "ZONE_ALREADY_SET"
+	errAlreadyEnabled = "ALREADY_ENABLED"
+	errUnknownIface   = "UNKNOWN_INTERFACE"
+	errNotEnabled     = "NOT_ENABLED"
+
+	// callTimeout bounds each individual DBus or firewall-cmd invocation.
+	// A fresh context is created for each call so a slow DBus probe can't
+	// exhaust the deadline before the firewall-cmd fallback gets to run.
+	callTimeout = 3 * time.Second
+)
+
+var (
+	errDBusUnavailable = errors.New("firewalld dbus unavailable")
+
+	// trustLogOnce ensures the "added to trusted zone" message is logged at
+	// Info level only for the first successful add per process; repeat adds
+	// from other init paths are quieter.
+	trustLogOnce sync.Once
+
+	parentCtxMu sync.RWMutex
+	parentCtx   context.Context = context.Background()
+)
+
+// SetParentContext installs a parent context whose cancellation aborts any
+// in-flight TrustInterface call. It does not affect UntrustInterface, which
+// always uses a fresh Background-rooted timeout so cleanup can still run
+// during engine shutdown when the engine context is already cancelled.
+func SetParentContext(ctx context.Context) {
+	parentCtxMu.Lock()
+	parentCtx = ctx
+	parentCtxMu.Unlock()
+}
+
+func getParentContext() context.Context {
+	parentCtxMu.RLock()
+	defer parentCtxMu.RUnlock()
+	return parentCtx
+}
+
+// TrustInterface places iface into firewalld's trusted zone if firewalld is
+// running. It is idempotent and best-effort: errors are returned so callers
+// can log, but a non-running firewalld is not an error. Only the first
+// successful call per process logs at Info. Respects the parent context set
+// via SetParentContext so startup-time cancellation unblocks it.
+func TrustInterface(iface string) error {
+	parent := getParentContext()
+	if !isRunning(parent) {
+		return nil
+	}
+	if err := addTrusted(parent, iface); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("add %s to firewalld trusted zone: %w", iface, err)
+	}
+	trustLogOnce.Do(func() {
+		log.Infof("added %s to firewalld trusted zone", iface)
+	})
+	log.Debugf("firewalld: ensured %s is in trusted zone", iface)
+	return nil
+}
+
+// UntrustInterface removes iface from firewalld's trusted zone if firewalld
+// is running. Idempotent. Uses a Background-rooted timeout so it still runs
+// during shutdown after the engine context has been cancelled.
+func UntrustInterface(iface string) error {
+	if !isRunning(context.Background()) {
+		return nil
+	}
+	if err := removeTrusted(context.Background(), iface); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("remove %s from firewalld trusted zone: %w", iface, err)
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
+func newCallContext(parent context.Context) (context.Context, context.CancelFunc) {
+	return context.WithTimeout(parent, callTimeout)
+}
+
+func isRunning(parent context.Context) bool {
+	ctx, cancel := newCallContext(parent)
+	ok, err := isRunningDBus(ctx)
+	cancel()
+	if err == nil {
+		return ok
+	}
+	if errors.Is(err, errDBusUnavailable) || errors.Is(err, context.DeadlineExceeded) {
+		ctx, cancel = newCallContext(parent)
+		defer cancel()
+		return isRunningCLI(ctx)
+	}
+	return false
+}
+
+func addTrusted(parent context.Context, iface string) error {
+	ctx, cancel := newCallContext(parent)
+	err := addDBus(ctx, iface)
+	cancel()
+	if err == nil {
+		return nil
+	}
+	if !errors.Is(err, errDBusUnavailable) {
+		log.Debugf("firewalld: dbus add failed, falling back to firewall-cmd: %v", err)
+	}
+	ctx, cancel = newCallContext(parent)
+	defer cancel()
+	return addCLI(ctx, iface)
+}
+
+func removeTrusted(parent context.Context, iface string) error {
+	ctx, cancel := newCallContext(parent)
+	err := removeDBus(ctx, iface)
+	cancel()
+	if err == nil {
+		return nil
+	}
+	if !errors.Is(err, errDBusUnavailable) {
+		log.Debugf("firewalld: dbus remove failed, falling back to firewall-cmd: %v", err)
+	}
+	ctx, cancel = newCallContext(parent)
+	defer cancel()
+	return removeCLI(ctx, iface)
+}
+
+func isRunningDBus(ctx context.Context) (bool, error) {
+	conn, err := dbus.SystemBus()
+	if err != nil {
+		return false, fmt.Errorf("%w: %v", errDBusUnavailable, err)
+	}
+	obj := conn.Object(dbusDest, dbusPath)
+
+	var zone string
+	if err := obj.CallWithContext(ctx, dbusRootIface+".getDefaultZone", 0).Store(&zone); err != nil {
+		return false, fmt.Errorf("firewalld getDefaultZone: %w", err)
+	}
+	return true, nil
+}
+
+func isRunningCLI(ctx context.Context) bool {
+	if _, err := exec.LookPath("firewall-cmd"); err != nil {
+		return false
+	}
+	return exec.CommandContext(ctx, "firewall-cmd", "--state").Run() == nil
+}
+
+func addDBus(ctx context.Context, iface string) error {
+	conn, err := dbus.SystemBus()
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("%w: %v", errDBusUnavailable, err)
+	}
+	obj := conn.Object(dbusDest, dbusPath)
+
+	call := obj.CallWithContext(ctx, dbusZoneIface+".addInterface", 0, TrustedZone, iface)
+	if call.Err == nil {
+		return nil
+	}
+
+	if dbusErrContains(call.Err, errAlreadyEnabled) {
+		return nil
+	}
+
+	if dbusErrContains(call.Err, errZoneAlreadySet) {
+		move := obj.CallWithContext(ctx, dbusZoneIface+".changeZoneOfInterface", 0, TrustedZone, iface)
+		if move.Err != nil {
+			return fmt.Errorf("firewalld changeZoneOfInterface: %w", move.Err)
+		}
+		return nil
+	}
+
+	return fmt.Errorf("firewalld addInterface: %w", call.Err)
+}
+
+func removeDBus(ctx context.Context, iface string) error {
+	conn, err := dbus.SystemBus()
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("%w: %v", errDBusUnavailable, err)
+	}
+	obj := conn.Object(dbusDest, dbusPath)
+
+	call := obj.CallWithContext(ctx, dbusZoneIface+".removeInterface", 0, TrustedZone, iface)
+	if call.Err == nil {
+		return nil
+	}
+
+	if dbusErrContains(call.Err, errUnknownIface) || dbusErrContains(call.Err, errNotEnabled) {
+		return nil
+	}
+
+	return fmt.Errorf("firewalld removeInterface: %w", call.Err)
+}
+
+func addCLI(ctx context.Context, iface string) error {
+	if _, err := exec.LookPath("firewall-cmd"); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("firewall-cmd not available: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	// --change-interface (no --permanent) binds the interface for the
+	// current runtime only; we do not want membership to persist across
+	// reboots because netbird re-asserts it on every startup.
+	out, err := exec.CommandContext(ctx,
+		"firewall-cmd", "--zone="+TrustedZone, "--change-interface="+iface,
+	).CombinedOutput()
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("firewall-cmd change-interface: %w: %s", err, strings.TrimSpace(string(out)))
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
+func removeCLI(ctx context.Context, iface string) error {
+	if _, err := exec.LookPath("firewall-cmd"); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("firewall-cmd not available: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	out, err := exec.CommandContext(ctx,
+		"firewall-cmd", "--zone="+TrustedZone, "--remove-interface="+iface,
+	).CombinedOutput()
+	if err != nil {
+		msg := strings.TrimSpace(string(out))
+		if strings.Contains(msg, errUnknownIface) || strings.Contains(msg, errNotEnabled) {
+			return nil
+		}
+		return fmt.Errorf("firewall-cmd remove-interface: %w: %s", err, msg)
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
+func dbusErrContains(err error, code string) bool {
+	if err == nil {
+		return false
+	}
+	var de dbus.Error
+	if errors.As(err, &de) {
+		for _, b := range de.Body {
+			if s, ok := b.(string); ok && strings.Contains(s, code) {
+				return true
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	return strings.Contains(err.Error(), code)
+}

client/firewall/firewalld/firewalld_linux_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,49 @@
+//go:build linux
+
+package firewalld
+
+import (
+	"errors"
+	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/godbus/dbus/v5"
+)
+
+func TestDBusErrContains(t *testing.T) {
+	tests := []struct {
+		name string
+		err  error
+		code string
+		want bool
+	}{
+		{"nil error", nil, errZoneAlreadySet, false},
+		{"plain error match", errors.New("ZONE_ALREADY_SET: wt0"), errZoneAlreadySet, true},
+		{"plain error miss", errors.New("something else"), errZoneAlreadySet, false},
+		{
+			"dbus.Error body match",
+			dbus.Error{Name: "org.fedoraproject.FirewallD1.Exception", Body: []any{"ZONE_ALREADY_SET: wt0"}},
+			errZoneAlreadySet,
+			true,
+		},
+		{
+			"dbus.Error body miss",
+			dbus.Error{Name: "org.fedoraproject.FirewallD1.Exception", Body: []any{"INVALID_INTERFACE"}},
+			errAlreadyEnabled,
+			false,
+		},
+		{
+			"dbus.Error non-string body falls back to Error()",
+			dbus.Error{Name: "x", Body: []any{123}},
+			"x",
+			true,
+		},
+	}
+	for _, tc := range tests {
+		t.Run(tc.name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			got := dbusErrContains(tc.err, tc.code)
+			if got != tc.want {
+				t.Fatalf("dbusErrContains(%v, %q) = %v; want %v", tc.err, tc.code, got, tc.want)
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}

client/firewall/firewalld/firewalld_other.go

@@ -0,0 +1,25 @@
+//go:build !linux
+
+package firewalld
+
+import "context"
+
+// SetParentContext is a no-op on non-Linux platforms because firewalld only
+// runs on Linux.
+func SetParentContext(context.Context) {
+	// intentionally empty: firewalld is a Linux-only daemon
+}
+
+// TrustInterface is a no-op on non-Linux platforms because firewalld only
+// runs on Linux.
+func TrustInterface(string) error {
+	// intentionally empty: firewalld is a Linux-only daemon
+	return nil
+}
+
+// UntrustInterface is a no-op on non-Linux platforms because firewalld only
+// runs on Linux.
+func UntrustInterface(string) error {
+	// intentionally empty: firewalld is a Linux-only daemon
+	return nil
+}

client/firewall/iface.go

@@ -7,6 +7,12 @@ import (
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface/wgaddr"
 )
 
+// EnvForceUserspaceFirewall forces the use of the userspace packet filter even when
+// native iptables/nftables is available. This only applies when the WireGuard interface
+// runs in userspace mode. When set, peer ACLs are handled by USPFilter instead of
+// kernel netfilter rules.
+const EnvForceUserspaceFirewall = "NB_FORCE_USERSPACE_FIREWALL"
+
 // IFaceMapper defines subset methods of interface required for manager
 type IFaceMapper interface {
 	Name() string

client/firewall/iptables/acl_linux.go

@@ -21,6 +21,10 @@ const (
 
 	// rules chains contains the effective ACL rules
 	chainNameInputRules = "NETBIRD-ACL-INPUT"
+
+	// mangleFwdKey is the entries map key for mangle FORWARD guard rules that prevent
+	// external DNAT from bypassing ACL rules.
+	mangleFwdKey = "MANGLE-FORWARD"
 )
 
 type aclEntries map[string][][]string
@@ -274,6 +278,12 @@ func (m *aclManager) cleanChains() error {
 		}
 	}
 
+	for _, rule := range m.entries[mangleFwdKey] {
+		if err := m.iptablesClient.DeleteIfExists(tableMangle, chainFORWARD, rule...); err != nil {
+			log.Errorf("failed to delete mangle FORWARD guard rule: %v, %s", rule, err)
+		}
+	}
+
 	for _, ipsetName := range m.ipsetStore.ipsetNames() {
 		if err := m.flushIPSet(ipsetName); err != nil {
 			if errors.Is(err, ipset.ErrSetNotExist) {
@@ -303,6 +313,10 @@ func (m *aclManager) createDefaultChains() error {
 	}
 
 	for chainName, rules := range m.entries {
+		// mangle FORWARD guard rules are handled separately below
+		if chainName == mangleFwdKey {
+			continue
+		}
 		for _, rule := range rules {
 			if err := m.iptablesClient.InsertUnique(tableName, chainName, 1, rule...); err != nil {
 				log.Debugf("failed to create input chain jump rule: %s", err)
@@ -322,6 +336,13 @@ func (m *aclManager) createDefaultChains() error {
 	}
 	clear(m.optionalEntries)
 
+	// Insert mangle FORWARD guard rules to prevent external DNAT bypass.
+	for _, rule := range m.entries[mangleFwdKey] {
+		if err := m.iptablesClient.AppendUnique(tableMangle, chainFORWARD, rule...); err != nil {
+			log.Errorf("failed to add mangle FORWARD guard rule: %v", err)
+		}
+	}
+
 	return nil
 }
 
@@ -343,6 +364,22 @@ func (m *aclManager) seedInitialEntries() {
 
 	m.appendToEntries("FORWARD", []string{"-o", m.wgIface.Name(), "-j", chainRTFWDOUT})
 	m.appendToEntries("FORWARD", []string{"-i", m.wgIface.Name(), "-j", chainRTFWDIN})
+
+	// Mangle FORWARD guard: when external DNAT redirects traffic from the wg interface, it
+	// traverses FORWARD instead of INPUT, bypassing ACL rules. ACCEPT rules in filter FORWARD
+	// can be inserted above ours. Mangle runs before filter, so these guard rules enforce the
+	// ACL mark check where it cannot be overridden.
+	m.appendToEntries(mangleFwdKey, []string{
+		"-i", m.wgIface.Name(),
+		"-m", "conntrack", "--ctstate", "RELATED,ESTABLISHED",
+		"-j", "ACCEPT",
+	})
+	m.appendToEntries(mangleFwdKey, []string{
+		"-i", m.wgIface.Name(),
+		"-m", "conntrack", "--ctstate", "DNAT",
+		"-m", "mark", "!", "--mark", fmt.Sprintf("%#x", nbnet.PreroutingFwmarkRedirected),
+		"-j", "DROP",
+	})
 }
 
 func (m *aclManager) seedInitialOptionalEntries() {

client/firewall/iptables/manager_linux.go

@@ -12,6 +12,7 @@ import (
 	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
 
 	nberrors "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/errors"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/firewall/firewalld"
 	firewall "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/firewall/manager"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface/wgaddr"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/statemanager"
@@ -26,13 +27,13 @@ type Manager struct {
 	ipv4Client   *iptables.IPTables
 	aclMgr       *aclManager
 	router       *router
+	rawSupported bool
 }
 
 // iFaceMapper defines subset methods of interface required for manager
 type iFaceMapper interface {
 	Name() string
 	Address() wgaddr.Address
-	IsUserspaceBind() bool
 }
 
 // Create iptables firewall manager
@@ -65,7 +66,6 @@ func (m *Manager) Init(stateManager *statemanager.Manager) error {
 		InterfaceState: &InterfaceState{
 			NameStr:   m.wgIface.Name(),
 			WGAddress: m.wgIface.Address(),
-			UserspaceBind: m.wgIface.IsUserspaceBind(),
 			MTU:       m.router.mtu,
 		},
 	}
@@ -84,7 +84,13 @@ func (m *Manager) Init(stateManager *statemanager.Manager) error {
 	}
 
 	if err := m.initNoTrackChain(); err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("init notrack chain: %w", err)
+		log.Warnf("raw table not available, notrack rules will be disabled: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	// Trust after all fatal init steps so a later failure doesn't leave the
+	// interface in firewalld's trusted zone without a corresponding Close.
+	if err := firewalld.TrustInterface(m.wgIface.Name()); err != nil {
+		log.Warnf("failed to trust interface in firewalld: %v", err)
 	}
 
 	// persist early to ensure cleanup of chains
@@ -192,6 +198,12 @@ func (m *Manager) Close(stateManager *statemanager.Manager) error {
 		merr = multierror.Append(merr, fmt.Errorf("reset router: %w", err))
 	}
 
+	// Appending to merr intentionally blocks DeleteState below so ShutdownState
+	// stays persisted and the crash-recovery path retries firewalld cleanup.
+	if err := firewalld.UntrustInterface(m.wgIface.Name()); err != nil {
+		merr = multierror.Append(merr, err)
+	}
+
 	// attempt to delete state only if all other operations succeeded
 	if merr == nil {
 		if err := stateManager.DeleteState(&ShutdownState{}); err != nil {
@@ -202,12 +214,10 @@ func (m *Manager) Close(stateManager *statemanager.Manager) error {
 	return nberrors.FormatErrorOrNil(merr)
 }
 
-// AllowNetbird allows netbird interface traffic
+// AllowNetbird allows netbird interface traffic.
+// This is called when USPFilter wraps the native firewall, adding blanket accept
+// rules so that packet filtering is handled in userspace instead of by netfilter.
 func (m *Manager) AllowNetbird() error {
-	if !m.wgIface.IsUserspaceBind() {
-		return nil
-	}
-
 	_, err := m.AddPeerFiltering(
 		nil,
 		net.IP{0, 0, 0, 0},
@@ -220,6 +230,11 @@ func (m *Manager) AllowNetbird() error {
 	if err != nil {
 		return fmt.Errorf("allow netbird interface traffic: %w", err)
 	}
+
+	if err := firewalld.TrustInterface(m.wgIface.Name()); err != nil {
+		log.Warnf("failed to trust interface in firewalld: %v", err)
+	}
+
 	return nil
 }
 
@@ -285,6 +300,22 @@ func (m *Manager) RemoveInboundDNAT(localAddr netip.Addr, protocol firewall.Prot
 	return m.router.RemoveInboundDNAT(localAddr, protocol, sourcePort, targetPort)
 }
 
+// AddOutputDNAT adds an OUTPUT chain DNAT rule for locally-generated traffic.
+func (m *Manager) AddOutputDNAT(localAddr netip.Addr, protocol firewall.Protocol, sourcePort, targetPort uint16) error {
+	m.mutex.Lock()
+	defer m.mutex.Unlock()
+
+	return m.router.AddOutputDNAT(localAddr, protocol, sourcePort, targetPort)
+}
+
+// RemoveOutputDNAT removes an OUTPUT chain DNAT rule.
+func (m *Manager) RemoveOutputDNAT(localAddr netip.Addr, protocol firewall.Protocol, sourcePort, targetPort uint16) error {
+	m.mutex.Lock()
+	defer m.mutex.Unlock()
+
+	return m.router.RemoveOutputDNAT(localAddr, protocol, sourcePort, targetPort)
+}
+
 const (
 	chainNameRaw = "NETBIRD-RAW"
 	chainOUTPUT  = "OUTPUT"
@@ -318,6 +349,10 @@ func (m *Manager) SetupEBPFProxyNoTrack(proxyPort, wgPort uint16) error {
 	m.mutex.Lock()
 	defer m.mutex.Unlock()
 
+	if !m.rawSupported {
+		return fmt.Errorf("raw table not available")
+	}
+
 	wgPortStr := fmt.Sprintf("%d", wgPort)
 	proxyPortStr := fmt.Sprintf("%d", proxyPort)
 
@@ -375,12 +410,16 @@ func (m *Manager) initNoTrackChain() error {
 		return fmt.Errorf("add prerouting jump rule: %w", err)
 	}
 
+	m.rawSupported = true
 	return nil
 }
 
 func (m *Manager) cleanupNoTrackChain() error {
 	exists, err := m.ipv4Client.ChainExists(tableRaw, chainNameRaw)
 	if err != nil {
+		if !m.rawSupported {
+			return nil
+		}
 		return fmt.Errorf("check chain exists: %w", err)
 	}
 	if !exists {
@@ -401,6 +440,7 @@ func (m *Manager) cleanupNoTrackChain() error {
 		return fmt.Errorf("clear and delete chain: %w", err)
 	}
 
+	m.rawSupported = false
 	return nil
 }
 

client/firewall/iptables/manager_linux_test.go

@@ -47,8 +47,6 @@ func (i *iFaceMock) Address() wgaddr.Address {
 	panic("AddressFunc is not set")
 }
 
-func (i *iFaceMock) IsUserspaceBind() bool { return false }
-
 func TestIptablesManager(t *testing.T) {
 	ipv4Client, err := iptables.NewWithProtocol(iptables.ProtocolIPv4)
 	require.NoError(t, err)

client/firewall/iptables/router_linux.go

@@ -36,6 +36,7 @@ const (
 	chainRTFWDOUT           = "NETBIRD-RT-FWD-OUT"
 	chainRTPRE              = "NETBIRD-RT-PRE"
 	chainRTRDR              = "NETBIRD-RT-RDR"
+	chainNATOutput          = "NETBIRD-NAT-OUTPUT"
 	chainRTMSSCLAMP         = "NETBIRD-RT-MSSCLAMP"
 	routingFinalForwardJump = "ACCEPT"
 	routingFinalNatJump     = "MASQUERADE"
@@ -43,6 +44,7 @@ const (
 	jumpManglePre  = "jump-mangle-pre"
 	jumpNatPre     = "jump-nat-pre"
 	jumpNatPost    = "jump-nat-post"
+	jumpNatOutput  = "jump-nat-output"
 	jumpMSSClamp   = "jump-mss-clamp"
 	markManglePre  = "mark-mangle-pre"
 	markManglePost = "mark-mangle-post"
@@ -387,6 +389,14 @@ func (r *router) cleanUpDefaultForwardRules() error {
 	}
 
 	log.Debug("flushing routing related tables")
+
+	// Remove jump rules from built-in chains before deleting custom chains,
+	// otherwise the chain deletion fails with "device or resource busy".
+	jumpRule := []string{"-j", chainNATOutput}
+	if err := r.iptablesClient.Delete(tableNat, "OUTPUT", jumpRule...); err != nil {
+		log.Debugf("clean OUTPUT jump rule: %v", err)
+	}
+
 	for _, chainInfo := range []struct {
 		chain string
 		table string
@@ -396,6 +406,7 @@ func (r *router) cleanUpDefaultForwardRules() error {
 		{chainRTPRE, tableMangle},
 		{chainRTNAT, tableNat},
 		{chainRTRDR, tableNat},
+		{chainNATOutput, tableNat},
 		{chainRTMSSCLAMP, tableMangle},
 	} {
 		ok, err := r.iptablesClient.ChainExists(chainInfo.table, chainInfo.chain)
@@ -970,6 +981,81 @@ func (r *router) RemoveInboundDNAT(localAddr netip.Addr, protocol firewall.Proto
 	return nil
 }
 
+// ensureNATOutputChain lazily creates the OUTPUT NAT chain and jump rule on first use.
+func (r *router) ensureNATOutputChain() error {
+	if _, exists := r.rules[jumpNatOutput]; exists {
+		return nil
+	}
+
+	chainExists, err := r.iptablesClient.ChainExists(tableNat, chainNATOutput)
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("check chain %s: %w", chainNATOutput, err)
+	}
+	if !chainExists {
+		if err := r.iptablesClient.NewChain(tableNat, chainNATOutput); err != nil {
+			return fmt.Errorf("create chain %s: %w", chainNATOutput, err)
+		}
+	}
+
+	jumpRule := []string{"-j", chainNATOutput}
+	if err := r.iptablesClient.Insert(tableNat, "OUTPUT", 1, jumpRule...); err != nil {
+		if !chainExists {
+			if delErr := r.iptablesClient.ClearAndDeleteChain(tableNat, chainNATOutput); delErr != nil {
+				log.Warnf("failed to rollback chain %s: %v", chainNATOutput, delErr)
+			}
+		}
+		return fmt.Errorf("add OUTPUT jump rule: %w", err)
+	}
+	r.rules[jumpNatOutput] = jumpRule
+
+	r.updateState()
+	return nil
+}
+
+// AddOutputDNAT adds an OUTPUT chain DNAT rule for locally-generated traffic.
+func (r *router) AddOutputDNAT(localAddr netip.Addr, protocol firewall.Protocol, sourcePort, targetPort uint16) error {
+	ruleID := fmt.Sprintf("output-dnat-%s-%s-%d-%d", localAddr.String(), protocol, sourcePort, targetPort)
+
+	if _, exists := r.rules[ruleID]; exists {
+		return nil
+	}
+
+	if err := r.ensureNATOutputChain(); err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+
+	dnatRule := []string{
+		"-p", strings.ToLower(string(protocol)),
+		"--dport", strconv.Itoa(int(sourcePort)),
+		"-d", localAddr.String(),
+		"-j", "DNAT",
+		"--to-destination", ":" + strconv.Itoa(int(targetPort)),
+	}
+
+	if err := r.iptablesClient.Append(tableNat, chainNATOutput, dnatRule...); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("add output DNAT rule: %w", err)
+	}
+	r.rules[ruleID] = dnatRule
+
+	r.updateState()
+	return nil
+}
+
+// RemoveOutputDNAT removes an OUTPUT chain DNAT rule.
+func (r *router) RemoveOutputDNAT(localAddr netip.Addr, protocol firewall.Protocol, sourcePort, targetPort uint16) error {
+	ruleID := fmt.Sprintf("output-dnat-%s-%s-%d-%d", localAddr.String(), protocol, sourcePort, targetPort)
+
+	if dnatRule, exists := r.rules[ruleID]; exists {
+		if err := r.iptablesClient.Delete(tableNat, chainNATOutput, dnatRule...); err != nil {
+			return fmt.Errorf("delete output DNAT rule: %w", err)
+		}
+		delete(r.rules, ruleID)
+	}
+
+	r.updateState()
+	return nil
+}
+
 func applyPort(flag string, port *firewall.Port) []string {
 	if port == nil {
 		return nil

client/firewall/iptables/state_linux.go

@@ -11,7 +11,6 @@ import (
 type InterfaceState struct {
 	NameStr   string         `json:"name"`
 	WGAddress wgaddr.Address `json:"wg_address"`
-	UserspaceBind bool           `json:"userspace_bind"`
 	MTU       uint16         `json:"mtu"`
 }
 
@@ -23,10 +22,6 @@ func (i *InterfaceState) Address() wgaddr.Address {
 	return i.WGAddress
 }
 
-func (i *InterfaceState) IsUserspaceBind() bool {
-	return i.UserspaceBind
-}
-
 type ShutdownState struct {
 	sync.Mutex
 

client/firewall/manager/firewall.go

@@ -169,6 +169,14 @@ type Manager interface {
 	// RemoveInboundDNAT removes inbound DNAT rule
 	RemoveInboundDNAT(localAddr netip.Addr, protocol Protocol, sourcePort, targetPort uint16) error
 
+	// AddOutputDNAT adds an OUTPUT chain DNAT rule for locally-generated traffic.
+	// localAddr must be IPv4; the underlying iptables/nftables backends are IPv4-only.
+	AddOutputDNAT(localAddr netip.Addr, protocol Protocol, sourcePort, targetPort uint16) error
+
+	// RemoveOutputDNAT removes an OUTPUT chain DNAT rule.
+	// localAddr must be IPv4; the underlying iptables/nftables backends are IPv4-only.
+	RemoveOutputDNAT(localAddr netip.Addr, protocol Protocol, sourcePort, targetPort uint16) error
+
 	// SetupEBPFProxyNoTrack creates static notrack rules for eBPF proxy loopback traffic.
 	// This prevents conntrack from interfering with WireGuard proxy communication.
 	SetupEBPFProxyNoTrack(proxyPort, wgPort uint16) error

client/firewall/nftables/manager_linux.go

@@ -14,6 +14,7 @@ import (
 	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
 	"golang.org/x/sys/unix"
 
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/firewall/firewalld"
 	firewall "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/firewall/manager"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface/wgaddr"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/statemanager"
@@ -40,7 +41,6 @@ func getTableName() string {
 type iFaceMapper interface {
 	Name() string
 	Address() wgaddr.Address
-	IsUserspaceBind() bool
 }
 
 // Manager of iptables firewall
@@ -95,7 +95,7 @@ func (m *Manager) Init(stateManager *statemanager.Manager) error {
 	}
 
 	if err := m.initNoTrackChains(workTable); err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("init notrack chains: %w", err)
+		log.Warnf("raw priority chains not available, notrack rules will be disabled: %v", err)
 	}
 
 	stateManager.RegisterState(&ShutdownState{})
@@ -108,7 +108,6 @@ func (m *Manager) Init(stateManager *statemanager.Manager) error {
 		InterfaceState: &InterfaceState{
 			NameStr:   m.wgIface.Name(),
 			WGAddress: m.wgIface.Address(),
-			UserspaceBind: m.wgIface.IsUserspaceBind(),
 			MTU:       m.router.mtu,
 		},
 	}); err != nil {
@@ -205,12 +204,10 @@ func (m *Manager) RemoveNatRule(pair firewall.RouterPair) error {
 	return m.router.RemoveNatRule(pair)
 }
 
-// AllowNetbird allows netbird interface traffic
+// AllowNetbird allows netbird interface traffic.
+// This is called when USPFilter wraps the native firewall, adding blanket accept
+// rules so that packet filtering is handled in userspace instead of by netfilter.
 func (m *Manager) AllowNetbird() error {
-	if !m.wgIface.IsUserspaceBind() {
-		return nil
-	}
-
 	m.mutex.Lock()
 	defer m.mutex.Unlock()
 
@@ -221,6 +218,10 @@ func (m *Manager) AllowNetbird() error {
 		return fmt.Errorf("flush allow input netbird rules: %w", err)
 	}
 
+	if err := firewalld.TrustInterface(m.wgIface.Name()); err != nil {
+		log.Warnf("failed to trust interface in firewalld: %v", err)
+	}
+
 	return nil
 }
 
@@ -346,6 +347,22 @@ func (m *Manager) RemoveInboundDNAT(localAddr netip.Addr, protocol firewall.Prot
 	return m.router.RemoveInboundDNAT(localAddr, protocol, sourcePort, targetPort)
 }
 
+// AddOutputDNAT adds an OUTPUT chain DNAT rule for locally-generated traffic.
+func (m *Manager) AddOutputDNAT(localAddr netip.Addr, protocol firewall.Protocol, sourcePort, targetPort uint16) error {
+	m.mutex.Lock()
+	defer m.mutex.Unlock()
+
+	return m.router.AddOutputDNAT(localAddr, protocol, sourcePort, targetPort)
+}
+
+// RemoveOutputDNAT removes an OUTPUT chain DNAT rule.
+func (m *Manager) RemoveOutputDNAT(localAddr netip.Addr, protocol firewall.Protocol, sourcePort, targetPort uint16) error {
+	m.mutex.Lock()
+	defer m.mutex.Unlock()
+
+	return m.router.RemoveOutputDNAT(localAddr, protocol, sourcePort, targetPort)
+}
+
 const (
 	chainNameRawOutput     = "netbird-raw-out"
 	chainNameRawPrerouting = "netbird-raw-pre"

client/firewall/nftables/manager_linux_test.go

@@ -52,8 +52,6 @@ func (i *iFaceMock) Address() wgaddr.Address {
 	panic("AddressFunc is not set")
 }
 
-func (i *iFaceMock) IsUserspaceBind() bool { return false }
-
 func TestNftablesManager(t *testing.T) {
 
 	// just check on the local interface

client/firewall/nftables/router_linux.go

@@ -19,6 +19,7 @@ import (
 	"golang.org/x/sys/unix"
 
 	nberrors "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/errors"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/firewall/firewalld"
 	firewall "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/firewall/manager"
 	nbid "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/acl/id"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/routemanager/ipfwdstate"
@@ -36,9 +37,12 @@ const (
 	chainNameRoutingFw     = "netbird-rt-fwd"
 	chainNameRoutingNat    = "netbird-rt-postrouting"
 	chainNameRoutingRdr    = "netbird-rt-redirect"
+	chainNameNATOutput     = "netbird-nat-output"
 	chainNameForward       = "FORWARD"
 	chainNameMangleForward = "netbird-mangle-forward"
 
+	firewalldTableName = "firewalld"
+
 	userDataAcceptForwardRuleIif = "frwacceptiif"
 	userDataAcceptForwardRuleOif = "frwacceptoif"
 	userDataAcceptInputRule      = "inputaccept"
@@ -132,6 +136,10 @@ func (r *router) Reset() error {
 		merr = multierror.Append(merr, fmt.Errorf("remove accept filter rules: %w", err))
 	}
 
+	if err := firewalld.UntrustInterface(r.wgIface.Name()); err != nil {
+		merr = multierror.Append(merr, err)
+	}
+
 	if err := r.removeNatPreroutingRules(); err != nil {
 		merr = multierror.Append(merr, fmt.Errorf("remove filter prerouting rules: %w", err))
 	}
@@ -279,6 +287,10 @@ func (r *router) createContainers() error {
 		log.Errorf("failed to add accept rules for the forward chain: %s", err)
 	}
 
+	if err := firewalld.TrustInterface(r.wgIface.Name()); err != nil {
+		log.Warnf("failed to trust interface in firewalld: %v", err)
+	}
+
 	if err := r.refreshRulesMap(); err != nil {
 		log.Errorf("failed to refresh rules: %s", err)
 	}
@@ -1318,6 +1330,13 @@ func (r *router) isExternalChain(chain *nftables.Chain) bool {
 		return false
 	}
 
+	// Skip firewalld-owned chains. Firewalld creates its chains with the
+	// NFT_CHAIN_OWNER flag, so inserting rules into them returns EPERM.
+	// We delegate acceptance to firewalld by trusting the interface instead.
+	if chain.Table.Name == firewalldTableName {
+		return false
+	}
+
 	// Skip all iptables-managed tables in the ip family
 	if chain.Table.Family == nftables.TableFamilyIPv4 && isIptablesTable(chain.Table.Name) {
 		return false
@@ -1853,6 +1872,130 @@ func (r *router) RemoveInboundDNAT(localAddr netip.Addr, protocol firewall.Proto
 	return nil
 }
 
+// ensureNATOutputChain lazily creates the OUTPUT NAT chain on first use.
+func (r *router) ensureNATOutputChain() error {
+	if _, exists := r.chains[chainNameNATOutput]; exists {
+		return nil
+	}
+
+	r.chains[chainNameNATOutput] = r.conn.AddChain(&nftables.Chain{
+		Name:     chainNameNATOutput,
+		Table:    r.workTable,
+		Hooknum:  nftables.ChainHookOutput,
+		Priority: nftables.ChainPriorityNATDest,
+		Type:     nftables.ChainTypeNAT,
+	})
+
+	if err := r.conn.Flush(); err != nil {
+		delete(r.chains, chainNameNATOutput)
+		return fmt.Errorf("create NAT output chain: %w", err)
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
+// AddOutputDNAT adds an OUTPUT chain DNAT rule for locally-generated traffic.
+func (r *router) AddOutputDNAT(localAddr netip.Addr, protocol firewall.Protocol, sourcePort, targetPort uint16) error {
+	ruleID := fmt.Sprintf("output-dnat-%s-%s-%d-%d", localAddr.String(), protocol, sourcePort, targetPort)
+
+	if _, exists := r.rules[ruleID]; exists {
+		return nil
+	}
+
+	if err := r.ensureNATOutputChain(); err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+
+	protoNum, err := protoToInt(protocol)
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("convert protocol to number: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	exprs := []expr.Any{
+		&expr.Meta{Key: expr.MetaKeyL4PROTO, Register: 1},
+		&expr.Cmp{
+			Op:       expr.CmpOpEq,
+			Register: 1,
+			Data:     []byte{protoNum},
+		},
+		&expr.Payload{
+			DestRegister: 2,
+			Base:         expr.PayloadBaseTransportHeader,
+			Offset:       2,
+			Len:          2,
+		},
+		&expr.Cmp{
+			Op:       expr.CmpOpEq,
+			Register: 2,
+			Data:     binaryutil.BigEndian.PutUint16(sourcePort),
+		},
+	}
+
+	exprs = append(exprs, applyPrefix(netip.PrefixFrom(localAddr, 32), false)...)
+
+	exprs = append(exprs,
+		&expr.Immediate{
+			Register: 1,
+			Data:     localAddr.AsSlice(),
+		},
+		&expr.Immediate{
+			Register: 2,
+			Data:     binaryutil.BigEndian.PutUint16(targetPort),
+		},
+		&expr.NAT{
+			Type:        expr.NATTypeDestNAT,
+			Family:      uint32(nftables.TableFamilyIPv4),
+			RegAddrMin:  1,
+			RegProtoMin: 2,
+		},
+	)
+
+	dnatRule := &nftables.Rule{
+		Table:    r.workTable,
+		Chain:    r.chains[chainNameNATOutput],
+		Exprs:    exprs,
+		UserData: []byte(ruleID),
+	}
+	r.conn.AddRule(dnatRule)
+
+	if err := r.conn.Flush(); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("add output DNAT rule: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	r.rules[ruleID] = dnatRule
+
+	return nil
+}
+
+// RemoveOutputDNAT removes an OUTPUT chain DNAT rule.
+func (r *router) RemoveOutputDNAT(localAddr netip.Addr, protocol firewall.Protocol, sourcePort, targetPort uint16) error {
+	if err := r.refreshRulesMap(); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf(refreshRulesMapError, err)
+	}
+
+	ruleID := fmt.Sprintf("output-dnat-%s-%s-%d-%d", localAddr.String(), protocol, sourcePort, targetPort)
+
+	rule, exists := r.rules[ruleID]
+	if !exists {
+		return nil
+	}
+
+	if rule.Handle == 0 {
+		log.Warnf("output DNAT rule %s has no handle, removing stale entry", ruleID)
+		delete(r.rules, ruleID)
+		return nil
+	}
+
+	if err := r.conn.DelRule(rule); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("delete output DNAT rule %s: %w", ruleID, err)
+	}
+	if err := r.conn.Flush(); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("flush delete output DNAT rule: %w", err)
+	}
+	delete(r.rules, ruleID)
+
+	return nil
+}
+
 // applyNetwork generates nftables expressions for networks (CIDR) or sets
 func (r *router) applyNetwork(
 	network firewall.Network,

client/firewall/nftables/state_linux.go

@@ -10,7 +10,6 @@ import (
 type InterfaceState struct {
 	NameStr   string         `json:"name"`
 	WGAddress wgaddr.Address `json:"wg_address"`
-	UserspaceBind bool           `json:"userspace_bind"`
 	MTU       uint16         `json:"mtu"`
 }
 
@@ -22,10 +21,6 @@ func (i *InterfaceState) Address() wgaddr.Address {
 	return i.WGAddress
 }
 
-func (i *InterfaceState) IsUserspaceBind() bool {
-	return i.UserspaceBind
-}
-
 type ShutdownState struct {
 	InterfaceState *InterfaceState `json:"interface_state,omitempty"`
 }

client/firewall/uspfilter/allow_netbird.go

@@ -3,6 +3,9 @@
 package uspfilter
 
 import (
+	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
+
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/firewall/firewalld"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/statemanager"
 )
 
@@ -16,6 +19,9 @@ func (m *Manager) Close(stateManager *statemanager.Manager) error {
 	if m.nativeFirewall != nil {
 		return m.nativeFirewall.Close(stateManager)
 	}
+	if err := firewalld.UntrustInterface(m.wgIface.Name()); err != nil {
+		log.Warnf("failed to untrust interface in firewalld: %v", err)
+	}
 	return nil
 }
 
@@ -24,5 +30,8 @@ func (m *Manager) AllowNetbird() error {
 	if m.nativeFirewall != nil {
 		return m.nativeFirewall.AllowNetbird()
 	}
+	if err := firewalld.TrustInterface(m.wgIface.Name()); err != nil {
+		log.Warnf("failed to trust interface in firewalld: %v", err)
+	}
 	return nil
 }

client/firewall/uspfilter/common/hooks.go

@@ -0,0 +1,37 @@
+package common
+
+import (
+	"net/netip"
+	"sync/atomic"
+)
+
+// PacketHook stores a registered hook for a specific IP:port.
+type PacketHook struct {
+	IP   netip.Addr
+	Port uint16
+	Fn   func([]byte) bool
+}
+
+// HookMatches checks if a packet's destination matches the hook and invokes it.
+func HookMatches(h *PacketHook, dstIP netip.Addr, dport uint16, packetData []byte) bool {
+	if h == nil {
+		return false
+	}
+	if h.IP == dstIP && h.Port == dport {
+		return h.Fn(packetData)
+	}
+	return false
+}
+
+// SetHook atomically stores a hook, handling nil removal.
+func SetHook(ptr *atomic.Pointer[PacketHook], ip netip.Addr, dPort uint16, hook func([]byte) bool) {
+	if hook == nil {
+		ptr.Store(nil)
+		return
+	}
+	ptr.Store(&PacketHook{
+		IP:   ip,
+		Port: dPort,
+		Fn:   hook,
+	})
+}

client/firewall/uspfilter/common/iface.go

@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ import (
 
 // IFaceMapper defines subset methods of interface required for manager
 type IFaceMapper interface {
+	Name() string
 	SetFilter(device.PacketFilter) error
 	Address() wgaddr.Address
 	GetWGDevice() *wgdevice.Device

client/firewall/uspfilter/filter.go

@@ -140,6 +140,10 @@ type Manager struct {
 	mtu             uint16
 	mssClampValue   uint16
 	mssClampEnabled bool
+
+	// Only one hook per protocol is supported. Outbound direction only.
+	udpHookOut atomic.Pointer[common.PacketHook]
+	tcpHookOut atomic.Pointer[common.PacketHook]
 }
 
 // decoder for packages
@@ -594,6 +598,8 @@ func (m *Manager) resetState() {
 	maps.Clear(m.incomingRules)
 	maps.Clear(m.routeRulesMap)
 	m.routeRules = m.routeRules[:0]
+	m.udpHookOut.Store(nil)
+	m.tcpHookOut.Store(nil)
 
 	if m.udpTracker != nil {
 		m.udpTracker.Close()
@@ -713,6 +719,9 @@ func (m *Manager) filterOutbound(packetData []byte, size int) bool {
 			return true
 		}
 	case layers.LayerTypeTCP:
+		if m.tcpHooksDrop(uint16(d.tcp.DstPort), dstIP, packetData) {
+			return true
+		}
 		// Clamp MSS on all TCP SYN packets, including those from local IPs.
 		// SNATed routed traffic may appear as local IP but still requires clamping.
 		if m.mssClampEnabled {
@@ -895,39 +904,12 @@ func (m *Manager) trackInbound(d *decoder, srcIP, dstIP netip.Addr, ruleID []byt
 	d.dnatOrigPort = 0
 }
 
-// udpHooksDrop checks if any UDP hooks should drop the packet
 func (m *Manager) udpHooksDrop(dport uint16, dstIP netip.Addr, packetData []byte) bool {
-	m.mutex.RLock()
+	return common.HookMatches(m.udpHookOut.Load(), dstIP, dport, packetData)
-	defer m.mutex.RUnlock()
+}
 
-	// Check specific destination IP first
+func (m *Manager) tcpHooksDrop(dport uint16, dstIP netip.Addr, packetData []byte) bool {
-	if rules, exists := m.outgoingRules[dstIP]; exists {
+	return common.HookMatches(m.tcpHookOut.Load(), dstIP, dport, packetData)
-		for _, rule := range rules {
-			if rule.udpHook != nil && portsMatch(rule.dPort, dport) {
-				return rule.udpHook(packetData)
-			}
-		}
-	}
-
-	// Check IPv4 unspecified address
-	if rules, exists := m.outgoingRules[netip.IPv4Unspecified()]; exists {
-		for _, rule := range rules {
-			if rule.udpHook != nil && portsMatch(rule.dPort, dport) {
-				return rule.udpHook(packetData)
-			}
-		}
-	}
-
-	// Check IPv6 unspecified address
-	if rules, exists := m.outgoingRules[netip.IPv6Unspecified()]; exists {
-		for _, rule := range rules {
-			if rule.udpHook != nil && portsMatch(rule.dPort, dport) {
-				return rule.udpHook(packetData)
-			}
-		}
-	}
-
-	return false
 }
 
 // filterInbound implements filtering logic for incoming packets.
@@ -1278,12 +1260,6 @@ func validateRule(ip netip.Addr, packetData []byte, rules map[string]PeerRule, d
 				return rule.mgmtId, rule.drop, true
 			}
 		case layers.LayerTypeUDP:
-			// if rule has UDP hook (and if we are here we match this rule)
-			// we ignore rule.drop and call this hook
-			if rule.udpHook != nil {
-				return rule.mgmtId, rule.udpHook(packetData), true
-			}
-
 			if portsMatch(rule.sPort, uint16(d.udp.SrcPort)) && portsMatch(rule.dPort, uint16(d.udp.DstPort)) {
 				return rule.mgmtId, rule.drop, true
 			}
@@ -1342,65 +1318,14 @@ func (m *Manager) ruleMatches(rule *RouteRule, srcAddr, dstAddr netip.Addr, prot
 	return sourceMatched
 }
 
-// AddUDPPacketHook calls hook when UDP packet from given direction matched
+// SetUDPPacketHook sets the outbound UDP packet hook. Pass nil hook to remove.
-//
+func (m *Manager) SetUDPPacketHook(ip netip.Addr, dPort uint16, hook func(packet []byte) bool) {
-// Hook function returns flag which indicates should be the matched package dropped or not
+	common.SetHook(&m.udpHookOut, ip, dPort, hook)
-func (m *Manager) AddUDPPacketHook(in bool, ip netip.Addr, dPort uint16, hook func(packet []byte) bool) string {
-	r := PeerRule{
-		id:         uuid.New().String(),
-		ip:         ip,
-		protoLayer: layers.LayerTypeUDP,
-		dPort:      &firewall.Port{Values: []uint16{dPort}},
-		ipLayer:    layers.LayerTypeIPv6,
-		udpHook:    hook,
-	}
-
-	if ip.Is4() {
-		r.ipLayer = layers.LayerTypeIPv4
-	}
-
-	m.mutex.Lock()
-	if in {
-		// Incoming UDP hooks are stored in allow rules map
-		if _, ok := m.incomingRules[r.ip]; !ok {
-			m.incomingRules[r.ip] = make(map[string]PeerRule)
-		}
-		m.incomingRules[r.ip][r.id] = r
-	} else {
-		if _, ok := m.outgoingRules[r.ip]; !ok {
-			m.outgoingRules[r.ip] = make(map[string]PeerRule)
-		}
-		m.outgoingRules[r.ip][r.id] = r
-	}
-	m.mutex.Unlock()
-
-	return r.id
 }
 
-// RemovePacketHook removes packet hook by given ID
+// SetTCPPacketHook sets the outbound TCP packet hook. Pass nil hook to remove.
-func (m *Manager) RemovePacketHook(hookID string) error {
+func (m *Manager) SetTCPPacketHook(ip netip.Addr, dPort uint16, hook func(packet []byte) bool) {
-	m.mutex.Lock()
+	common.SetHook(&m.tcpHookOut, ip, dPort, hook)
-	defer m.mutex.Unlock()
-
-	// Check incoming hooks (stored in allow rules)
-	for _, arr := range m.incomingRules {
-		for _, r := range arr {
-			if r.id == hookID {
-				delete(arr, r.id)
-				return nil
-			}
-		}
-	}
-	// Check outgoing hooks
-	for _, arr := range m.outgoingRules {
-		for _, r := range arr {
-			if r.id == hookID {
-				delete(arr, r.id)
-				return nil
-			}
-		}
-	}
-	return fmt.Errorf("hook with given id not found")
 }
 
 // SetLogLevel sets the log level for the firewall manager

client/firewall/uspfilter/filter_test.go

@@ -12,6 +12,7 @@ import (
 	"github.com/google/gopacket"
 	"github.com/google/gopacket/layers"
 	"github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
+	"github.com/stretchr/testify/assert"
 	"github.com/stretchr/testify/require"
 	wgdevice "golang.zx2c4.com/wireguard/device"
 
@@ -30,12 +31,20 @@ var logger = log.NewFromLogrus(logrus.StandardLogger())
 var flowLogger = netflow.NewManager(nil, []byte{}, nil).GetLogger()
 
 type IFaceMock struct {
+	NameFunc        func() string
 	SetFilterFunc   func(device.PacketFilter) error
 	AddressFunc     func() wgaddr.Address
 	GetWGDeviceFunc func() *wgdevice.Device
 	GetDeviceFunc   func() *device.FilteredDevice
 }
 
+func (i *IFaceMock) Name() string {
+	if i.NameFunc == nil {
+		return "wgtest"
+	}
+	return i.NameFunc()
+}
+
 func (i *IFaceMock) GetWGDevice() *wgdevice.Device {
 	if i.GetWGDeviceFunc == nil {
 		return nil
@@ -186,81 +195,52 @@ func TestManagerDeleteRule(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 }
 
-func TestAddUDPPacketHook(t *testing.T) {
+func TestSetUDPPacketHook(t *testing.T) {
-	tests := []struct {
-		name       string
-		in         bool
-		expDir     fw.RuleDirection
-		ip         netip.Addr
-		dPort      uint16
-		hook       func([]byte) bool
-		expectedID string
-	}{
-		{
-			name:   "Test Outgoing UDP Packet Hook",
-			in:     false,
-			expDir: fw.RuleDirectionOUT,
-			ip:     netip.MustParseAddr("10.168.0.1"),
-			dPort:  8000,
-			hook:   func([]byte) bool { return true },
-		},
-		{
-			name:   "Test Incoming UDP Packet Hook",
-			in:     true,
-			expDir: fw.RuleDirectionIN,
-			ip:     netip.MustParseAddr("::1"),
-			dPort:  9000,
-			hook:   func([]byte) bool { return false },
-		},
-	}
-
-	for _, tt := range tests {
-		t.Run(tt.name, func(t *testing.T) {
 	manager, err := Create(&IFaceMock{
 		SetFilterFunc: func(device.PacketFilter) error { return nil },
 	}, false, flowLogger, nbiface.DefaultMTU)
 	require.NoError(t, err)
+	t.Cleanup(func() { require.NoError(t, manager.Close(nil)) })
 
-			manager.AddUDPPacketHook(tt.in, tt.ip, tt.dPort, tt.hook)
+	var called bool
-
+	manager.SetUDPPacketHook(netip.MustParseAddr("10.168.0.1"), 8000, func([]byte) bool {
-			var addedRule PeerRule
+		called = true
-			if tt.in {
+		return true
-				// Incoming UDP hooks are stored in allow rules map
-				if len(manager.incomingRules[tt.ip]) != 1 {
-					t.Errorf("expected 1 incoming rule, got %d", len(manager.incomingRules[tt.ip]))
-					return
-				}
-				for _, rule := range manager.incomingRules[tt.ip] {
-					addedRule = rule
-				}
-			} else {
-				if len(manager.outgoingRules[tt.ip]) != 1 {
-					t.Errorf("expected 1 outgoing rule, got %d", len(manager.outgoingRules[tt.ip]))
-					return
-				}
-				for _, rule := range manager.outgoingRules[tt.ip] {
-					addedRule = rule
-				}
-			}
-
-			if tt.ip.Compare(addedRule.ip) != 0 {
-				t.Errorf("expected ip %s, got %s", tt.ip, addedRule.ip)
-				return
-			}
-			if tt.dPort != addedRule.dPort.Values[0] {
-				t.Errorf("expected dPort %d, got %d", tt.dPort, addedRule.dPort.Values[0])
-				return
-			}
-			if layers.LayerTypeUDP != addedRule.protoLayer {
-				t.Errorf("expected protoLayer %s, got %s", layers.LayerTypeUDP, addedRule.protoLayer)
-				return
-			}
-			if addedRule.udpHook == nil {
-				t.Errorf("expected udpHook to be set")
-				return
-			}
 	})
-	}
+
+	h := manager.udpHookOut.Load()
+	require.NotNil(t, h)
+	assert.Equal(t, netip.MustParseAddr("10.168.0.1"), h.IP)
+	assert.Equal(t, uint16(8000), h.Port)
+	assert.True(t, h.Fn(nil))
+	assert.True(t, called)
+
+	manager.SetUDPPacketHook(netip.MustParseAddr("10.168.0.1"), 8000, nil)
+	assert.Nil(t, manager.udpHookOut.Load())
+}
+
+func TestSetTCPPacketHook(t *testing.T) {
+	manager, err := Create(&IFaceMock{
+		SetFilterFunc: func(device.PacketFilter) error { return nil },
+	}, false, flowLogger, nbiface.DefaultMTU)
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+	t.Cleanup(func() { require.NoError(t, manager.Close(nil)) })
+
+	var called bool
+	manager.SetTCPPacketHook(netip.MustParseAddr("10.168.0.1"), 53, func([]byte) bool {
+		called = true
+		return true
+	})
+
+	h := manager.tcpHookOut.Load()
+	require.NotNil(t, h)
+	assert.Equal(t, netip.MustParseAddr("10.168.0.1"), h.IP)
+	assert.Equal(t, uint16(53), h.Port)
+	assert.True(t, h.Fn(nil))
+	assert.True(t, called)
+
+	manager.SetTCPPacketHook(netip.MustParseAddr("10.168.0.1"), 53, nil)
+	assert.Nil(t, manager.tcpHookOut.Load())
 }
 
 // TestPeerRuleLifecycleDenyRules verifies that deny rules are correctly added
@@ -530,39 +510,12 @@ func TestRemovePacketHook(t *testing.T) {
 		require.NoError(t, manager.Close(nil))
 	}()
 
-	// Add a UDP packet hook
+	manager.SetUDPPacketHook(netip.MustParseAddr("192.168.0.1"), 8080, func([]byte) bool { return true })
-	hookFunc := func(data []byte) bool { return true }
-	hookID := manager.AddUDPPacketHook(false, netip.MustParseAddr("192.168.0.1"), 8080, hookFunc)
 
-	// Assert the hook is added by finding it in the manager's outgoing rules
+	require.NotNil(t, manager.udpHookOut.Load(), "hook should be registered")
-	found := false
-	for _, arr := range manager.outgoingRules {
-		for _, rule := range arr {
-			if rule.id == hookID {
-				found = true
-				break
-			}
-		}
-	}
 
-	if !found {
+	manager.SetUDPPacketHook(netip.MustParseAddr("192.168.0.1"), 8080, nil)
-		t.Fatalf("The hook was not added properly.")
+	assert.Nil(t, manager.udpHookOut.Load(), "hook should be removed")
-	}
-
-	// Now remove the packet hook
-	err = manager.RemovePacketHook(hookID)
-	if err != nil {
-		t.Fatalf("Failed to remove hook: %s", err)
-	}
-
-	// Assert the hook is removed by checking it in the manager's outgoing rules
-	for _, arr := range manager.outgoingRules {
-		for _, rule := range arr {
-			if rule.id == hookID {
-				t.Fatalf("The hook was not removed properly.")
-			}
-		}
-	}
 }
 
 func TestProcessOutgoingHooks(t *testing.T) {
@@ -592,8 +545,7 @@ func TestProcessOutgoingHooks(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 
 	hookCalled := false
-	hookID := manager.AddUDPPacketHook(
+	manager.SetUDPPacketHook(
-		false,
 		netip.MustParseAddr("100.10.0.100"),
 		53,
 		func([]byte) bool {
@@ -601,7 +553,6 @@ func TestProcessOutgoingHooks(t *testing.T) {
 			return true
 		},
 	)
-	require.NotEmpty(t, hookID)
 
 	// Create test UDP packet
 	ipv4 := &layers.IPv4{

client/firewall/uspfilter/hooks_filter.go

@@ -0,0 +1,90 @@
+package uspfilter
+
+import (
+	"encoding/binary"
+	"net/netip"
+	"sync/atomic"
+
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/firewall/uspfilter/common"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface/device"
+)
+
+const (
+	ipv4HeaderMinLen = 20
+	ipv4ProtoOffset  = 9
+	ipv4FlagsOffset  = 6
+	ipv4DstOffset    = 16
+	ipProtoUDP       = 17
+	ipProtoTCP       = 6
+	ipv4FragOffMask  = 0x1fff
+	// dstPortOffset is the offset of the destination port within a UDP or TCP header.
+	dstPortOffset = 2
+)
+
+// HooksFilter is a minimal packet filter that only handles outbound DNS hooks.
+// It is installed on the WireGuard interface when the userspace bind is active
+// but a full firewall filter (Manager) is not needed because a native kernel
+// firewall (nftables/iptables) handles packet filtering.
+type HooksFilter struct {
+	udpHook atomic.Pointer[common.PacketHook]
+	tcpHook atomic.Pointer[common.PacketHook]
+}
+
+var _ device.PacketFilter = (*HooksFilter)(nil)
+
+// FilterOutbound checks outbound packets for DNS hook matches.
+// Only IPv4 packets matching the registered hook IP:port are intercepted.
+// IPv6 and non-IP packets pass through unconditionally.
+func (f *HooksFilter) FilterOutbound(packetData []byte, _ int) bool {
+	if len(packetData) < ipv4HeaderMinLen {
+		return false
+	}
+
+	// Only process IPv4 packets, let everything else pass through.
+	if packetData[0]>>4 != 4 {
+		return false
+	}
+
+	ihl := int(packetData[0]&0x0f) * 4
+	if ihl < ipv4HeaderMinLen || len(packetData) < ihl+4 {
+		return false
+	}
+
+	// Skip non-first fragments: they don't carry L4 headers.
+	flagsAndOffset := binary.BigEndian.Uint16(packetData[ipv4FlagsOffset : ipv4FlagsOffset+2])
+	if flagsAndOffset&ipv4FragOffMask != 0 {
+		return false
+	}
+
+	dstIP, ok := netip.AddrFromSlice(packetData[ipv4DstOffset : ipv4DstOffset+4])
+	if !ok {
+		return false
+	}
+
+	proto := packetData[ipv4ProtoOffset]
+	dstPort := binary.BigEndian.Uint16(packetData[ihl+dstPortOffset : ihl+dstPortOffset+2])
+
+	switch proto {
+	case ipProtoUDP:
+		return common.HookMatches(f.udpHook.Load(), dstIP, dstPort, packetData)
+	case ipProtoTCP:
+		return common.HookMatches(f.tcpHook.Load(), dstIP, dstPort, packetData)
+	default:
+		return false
+	}
+}
+
+// FilterInbound allows all inbound packets (native firewall handles filtering).
+func (f *HooksFilter) FilterInbound([]byte, int) bool {
+	return false
+}
+
+// SetUDPPacketHook registers the UDP packet hook.
+func (f *HooksFilter) SetUDPPacketHook(ip netip.Addr, dPort uint16, hook func([]byte) bool) {
+	common.SetHook(&f.udpHook, ip, dPort, hook)
+}
+
+// SetTCPPacketHook registers the TCP packet hook.
+func (f *HooksFilter) SetTCPPacketHook(ip netip.Addr, dPort uint16, hook func([]byte) bool) {
+	common.SetHook(&f.tcpHook, ip, dPort, hook)
+}

client/firewall/uspfilter/localip.go

@@ -144,6 +144,8 @@ func (m *localIPManager) UpdateLocalIPs(iface common.IFaceMapper) (err error) {
 	if err != nil {
 		log.Warnf("failed to get interfaces: %v", err)
 	} else {
+		// TODO: filter out down interfaces (net.FlagUp). Also handle the reverse
+		// case where an interface comes up between refreshes.
 		for _, intf := range interfaces {
 			m.processInterface(intf, &newIPv4Bitmap, ipv4Set, &ipv4Addresses)
 		}

client/firewall/uspfilter/nat.go

@@ -421,6 +421,7 @@ func (m *Manager) addPortRedirection(targetIP netip.Addr, protocol gopacket.Laye
 }
 
 // AddInboundDNAT adds an inbound DNAT rule redirecting traffic from NetBird peers to local services.
+// TODO: also delegate to nativeFirewall when available for kernel WG mode
 func (m *Manager) AddInboundDNAT(localAddr netip.Addr, protocol firewall.Protocol, sourcePort, targetPort uint16) error {
 	var layerType gopacket.LayerType
 	switch protocol {
@@ -466,6 +467,22 @@ func (m *Manager) RemoveInboundDNAT(localAddr netip.Addr, protocol firewall.Prot
 	return m.removePortRedirection(localAddr, layerType, sourcePort, targetPort)
 }
 
+// AddOutputDNAT delegates to the native firewall if available.
+func (m *Manager) AddOutputDNAT(localAddr netip.Addr, protocol firewall.Protocol, sourcePort, targetPort uint16) error {
+	if m.nativeFirewall == nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("output DNAT not supported without native firewall")
+	}
+	return m.nativeFirewall.AddOutputDNAT(localAddr, protocol, sourcePort, targetPort)
+}
+
+// RemoveOutputDNAT delegates to the native firewall if available.
+func (m *Manager) RemoveOutputDNAT(localAddr netip.Addr, protocol firewall.Protocol, sourcePort, targetPort uint16) error {
+	if m.nativeFirewall == nil {
+		return nil
+	}
+	return m.nativeFirewall.RemoveOutputDNAT(localAddr, protocol, sourcePort, targetPort)
+}
+
 // translateInboundPortDNAT applies port-specific DNAT translation to inbound packets.
 func (m *Manager) translateInboundPortDNAT(packetData []byte, d *decoder, srcIP, dstIP netip.Addr) bool {
 	if !m.portDNATEnabled.Load() {

client/firewall/uspfilter/rule.go

@@ -19,8 +19,6 @@ type PeerRule struct {
 	sPort      *firewall.Port
 	dPort      *firewall.Port
 	drop bool
-
-	udpHook func([]byte) bool
 }
 
 // ID returns the rule id

client/firewall/uspfilter/tracer_test.go

@@ -399,21 +399,17 @@ func TestTracePacket(t *testing.T) {
 		{
 			name: "UDPTraffic_WithHook",
 			setup: func(m *Manager) {
-				hookFunc := func([]byte) bool {
+				m.SetUDPPacketHook(netip.MustParseAddr("100.10.255.254"), 53, func([]byte) bool {
-					return true
+					return true // drop (intercepted by hook)
-				}
+				})
-				m.AddUDPPacketHook(true, netip.MustParseAddr("1.1.1.1"), 53, hookFunc)
 			},
 			packetBuilder: func() *PacketBuilder {
-				return createPacketBuilder("1.1.1.1", "100.10.0.100", "udp", 12345, 53, fw.RuleDirectionIN)
+				return createPacketBuilder("100.10.0.100", "100.10.255.254", "udp", 12345, 53, fw.RuleDirectionOUT)
 			},
 			expectedStages: []PacketStage{
 				StageReceived,
-				StageInboundPortDNAT,
+				StageOutbound1to1NAT,
-				StageInbound1to1NAT,
+				StageOutboundPortReverse,
-				StageConntrack,
-				StageRouting,
-				StagePeerACL,
 				StageCompleted,
 			},
 			expectedAllow: false,

client/grpc/dialer.go

@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@ func Backoff(ctx context.Context) backoff.BackOff {
 
 // CreateConnection creates a gRPC client connection with the appropriate transport options.
 // The component parameter specifies the WebSocket proxy component path (e.g., "/management", "/signal").
-func CreateConnection(ctx context.Context, addr string, tlsEnabled bool, component string) (*grpc.ClientConn, error) {
+func CreateConnection(ctx context.Context, addr string, tlsEnabled bool, component string, extraOpts ...grpc.DialOption) (*grpc.ClientConn, error) {
 	transportOption := grpc.WithTransportCredentials(insecure.NewCredentials())
 	// for js, the outer websocket layer takes care of tls
 	if tlsEnabled && runtime.GOOS != "js" {
@@ -46,9 +46,7 @@ func CreateConnection(ctx context.Context, addr string, tlsEnabled bool, compone
 	connCtx, cancel := context.WithTimeout(ctx, 30*time.Second)
 	defer cancel()
 
-	conn, err := grpc.DialContext(
+	opts := []grpc.DialOption{
-		connCtx,
-		addr,
 		transportOption,
 		WithCustomDialer(tlsEnabled, component),
 		grpc.WithBlock(),
@@ -56,7 +54,10 @@ func CreateConnection(ctx context.Context, addr string, tlsEnabled bool, compone
 			Time:    30 * time.Second,
 			Timeout: 10 * time.Second,
 		}),
-	)
+	}
+	opts = append(opts, extraOpts...)
+
+	conn, err := grpc.DialContext(connCtx, addr, opts...)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, fmt.Errorf("dial context: %w", err)
 	}

client/iface/bind/ice_bind_test.go

@@ -239,8 +239,12 @@ func TestICEBind_HandlesConcurrentMixedTraffic(t *testing.T) {
 		ipv6Count++
 	}
 
-	assert.Equal(t, packetsPerFamily, ipv4Count)
+	// Allow some UDP packet loss under load (e.g. FreeBSD/QEMU runners). The
-	assert.Equal(t, packetsPerFamily, ipv6Count)
+	// routing-correctness checks above are the real assertions; the counts
+	// are a sanity bound to catch a totally silent path.
+	minDelivered := packetsPerFamily * 80 / 100
+	assert.GreaterOrEqual(t, ipv4Count, minDelivered, "IPv4 delivery below threshold")
+	assert.GreaterOrEqual(t, ipv6Count, minDelivered, "IPv6 delivery below threshold")
 }
 
 func TestICEBind_DetectsAddressFamilyFromConnection(t *testing.T) {

client/iface/configurer/uapi.go

@@ -5,20 +5,18 @@ package configurer
 import (
 	"net"
 
-	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
 	"golang.zx2c4.com/wireguard/ipc"
 )
 
 func openUAPI(deviceName string) (net.Listener, error) {
 	uapiSock, err := ipc.UAPIOpen(deviceName)
 	if err != nil {
-		log.Errorf("failed to open uapi socket: %v", err)
 		return nil, err
 	}
 
 	listener, err := ipc.UAPIListen(deviceName, uapiSock)
 	if err != nil {
-		log.Errorf("failed to listen on uapi socket: %v", err)
+		_ = uapiSock.Close()
 		return nil, err
 	}
 

client/iface/configurer/usp.go

@@ -54,6 +54,14 @@ func NewUSPConfigurer(device *device.Device, deviceName string, activityRecorder
 	return wgCfg
 }
 
+func NewUSPConfigurerNoUAPI(device *device.Device, deviceName string, activityRecorder *bind.ActivityRecorder) *WGUSPConfigurer {
+	return &WGUSPConfigurer{
+		device:           device,
+		deviceName:       deviceName,
+		activityRecorder: activityRecorder,
+	}
+}
+
 func (c *WGUSPConfigurer) ConfigureInterface(privateKey string, port int) error {
 	log.Debugf("adding Wireguard private key")
 	key, err := wgtypes.ParseKey(privateKey)

client/iface/device/device_filter.go

@@ -15,14 +15,17 @@ type PacketFilter interface {
 	// FilterInbound filter incoming packets from external sources to host
 	FilterInbound(packetData []byte, size int) bool
 
-	// AddUDPPacketHook calls hook when UDP packet from given direction matched
+	// SetUDPPacketHook registers a hook for outbound UDP packets matching the given IP and port.
-	//
+	// Hook function returns true if the packet should be dropped.
-	// Hook function returns flag which indicates should be the matched package dropped or not.
+	// Only one UDP hook is supported; calling again replaces the previous hook.
-	// Hook function receives raw network packet data as argument.
+	// Pass nil hook to remove.
-	AddUDPPacketHook(in bool, ip netip.Addr, dPort uint16, hook func(packet []byte) bool) string
+	SetUDPPacketHook(ip netip.Addr, dPort uint16, hook func(packet []byte) bool)
 
-	// RemovePacketHook removes hook by ID
+	// SetTCPPacketHook registers a hook for outbound TCP packets matching the given IP and port.
-	RemovePacketHook(hookID string) error
+	// Hook function returns true if the packet should be dropped.
+	// Only one TCP hook is supported; calling again replaces the previous hook.
+	// Pass nil hook to remove.
+	SetTCPPacketHook(ip netip.Addr, dPort uint16, hook func(packet []byte) bool)
 }
 
 // FilteredDevice to override Read or Write of packets

client/iface/device/device_netstack.go

@@ -79,7 +79,7 @@ func (t *TunNetstackDevice) create() (WGConfigurer, error) {
 		device.NewLogger(wgLogLevel(), "[netbird] "),
 	)
 
-	t.configurer = configurer.NewUSPConfigurer(t.device, t.name, t.bind.ActivityRecorder())
+	t.configurer = configurer.NewUSPConfigurerNoUAPI(t.device, t.name, t.bind.ActivityRecorder())
 	err = t.configurer.ConfigureInterface(t.key, t.port)
 	if err != nil {
 		if cErr := tunIface.Close(); cErr != nil {

client/iface/iface.go

@@ -217,7 +217,6 @@ func (w *WGIface) RemoveAllowedIP(peerKey string, allowedIP netip.Prefix) error
 // Close closes the tunnel interface
 func (w *WGIface) Close() error {
 	w.mu.Lock()
-	defer w.mu.Unlock()
 
 	var result *multierror.Error
 
@@ -225,7 +224,15 @@ func (w *WGIface) Close() error {
 		result = multierror.Append(result, fmt.Errorf("failed to free WireGuard proxy: %w", err))
 	}
 
-	if err := w.tun.Close(); err != nil {
+	// Release w.mu before calling w.tun.Close(): the underlying
+	// wireguard-go device.Close() waits for its send/receive goroutines
+	// to drain. Some of those goroutines re-enter WGIface methods that
+	// take w.mu (e.g. the packet filter DNS hook calls GetDevice()), so
+	// holding the mutex here would deadlock the shutdown path.
+	tun := w.tun
+	w.mu.Unlock()
+
+	if err := tun.Close(); err != nil {
 		result = multierror.Append(result, fmt.Errorf("failed to close wireguard interface %s: %w", w.Name(), err))
 	}
 

client/iface/iface_close_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,113 @@
+//go:build !android
+
+package iface
+
+import (
+	"errors"
+	"sync"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	wgdevice "golang.zx2c4.com/wireguard/device"
+	"golang.zx2c4.com/wireguard/tun/netstack"
+
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface/device"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface/udpmux"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface/wgaddr"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface/wgproxy"
+)
+
+// fakeTunDevice implements WGTunDevice and lets the test control when
+// Close() returns. It mimics the wireguard-go shutdown path, which blocks
+// until its goroutines drain. Some of those goroutines (e.g. the packet
+// filter DNS hook in client/internal/dns) call back into WGIface, so if
+// WGIface.Close() held w.mu across tun.Close() the shutdown would
+// deadlock.
+type fakeTunDevice struct {
+	closeStarted chan struct{}
+	unblockClose chan struct{}
+}
+
+func (f *fakeTunDevice) Create() (device.WGConfigurer, error) {
+	return nil, errors.New("not implemented")
+}
+func (f *fakeTunDevice) Up() (*udpmux.UniversalUDPMuxDefault, error) {
+	return nil, errors.New("not implemented")
+}
+func (f *fakeTunDevice) UpdateAddr(wgaddr.Address) error      { return nil }
+func (f *fakeTunDevice) WgAddress() wgaddr.Address            { return wgaddr.Address{} }
+func (f *fakeTunDevice) MTU() uint16                          { return DefaultMTU }
+func (f *fakeTunDevice) DeviceName() string                   { return "nb-close-test" }
+func (f *fakeTunDevice) FilteredDevice() *device.FilteredDevice { return nil }
+func (f *fakeTunDevice) Device() *wgdevice.Device             { return nil }
+func (f *fakeTunDevice) GetNet() *netstack.Net                { return nil }
+func (f *fakeTunDevice) GetICEBind() device.EndpointManager   { return nil }
+
+func (f *fakeTunDevice) Close() error {
+	close(f.closeStarted)
+	<-f.unblockClose
+	return nil
+}
+
+type fakeProxyFactory struct{}
+
+func (fakeProxyFactory) GetProxy() wgproxy.Proxy { return nil }
+func (fakeProxyFactory) GetProxyPort() uint16    { return 0 }
+func (fakeProxyFactory) Free() error             { return nil }
+
+// TestWGIface_CloseReleasesMutexBeforeTunClose guards against a deadlock
+// that surfaces as a macOS test-timeout in
+// TestDNSPermanent_updateUpstream: WGIface.Close() used to hold w.mu
+// while waiting for the wireguard-go device goroutines to finish, and
+// one of those goroutines (the DNS filter hook) calls back into
+// WGIface.GetDevice() which needs the same mutex. The fix is to drop
+// the lock before tun.Close() returns control.
+func TestWGIface_CloseReleasesMutexBeforeTunClose(t *testing.T) {
+	tun := &fakeTunDevice{
+		closeStarted: make(chan struct{}),
+		unblockClose: make(chan struct{}),
+	}
+	w := &WGIface{
+		tun:            tun,
+		wgProxyFactory: fakeProxyFactory{},
+	}
+
+	closeDone := make(chan error, 1)
+	go func() {
+		closeDone <- w.Close()
+	}()
+
+	select {
+	case <-tun.closeStarted:
+	case <-time.After(2 * time.Second):
+		close(tun.unblockClose)
+		t.Fatal("tun.Close() was never invoked")
+	}
+
+	// Simulate the WireGuard read goroutine calling back into WGIface
+	// via the packet filter's DNS hook. If Close() still held w.mu
+	// during tun.Close(), this would block until the test timeout.
+	getDeviceDone := make(chan struct{})
+	var wg sync.WaitGroup
+	wg.Add(1)
+	go func() {
+		defer wg.Done()
+		_ = w.GetDevice()
+		close(getDeviceDone)
+	}()
+
+	select {
+	case <-getDeviceDone:
+	case <-time.After(2 * time.Second):
+		close(tun.unblockClose)
+		wg.Wait()
+		t.Fatal("GetDevice() deadlocked while WGIface.Close was closing the tun")
+	}
+
+	close(tun.unblockClose)
+	select {
+	case <-closeDone:
+	case <-time.After(2 * time.Second):
+		t.Fatal("WGIface.Close() never returned after the tun was unblocked")
+	}
+}

client/iface/mocks/filter.go

@@ -34,18 +34,28 @@ func (m *MockPacketFilter) EXPECT() *MockPacketFilterMockRecorder {
 	return m.recorder
 }
 
-// AddUDPPacketHook mocks base method.
+// SetUDPPacketHook mocks base method.
-func (m *MockPacketFilter) AddUDPPacketHook(arg0 bool, arg1 netip.Addr, arg2 uint16, arg3 func([]byte) bool) string {
+func (m *MockPacketFilter) SetUDPPacketHook(arg0 netip.Addr, arg1 uint16, arg2 func([]byte) bool) {
 	m.ctrl.T.Helper()
-	ret := m.ctrl.Call(m, "AddUDPPacketHook", arg0, arg1, arg2, arg3)
+	m.ctrl.Call(m, "SetUDPPacketHook", arg0, arg1, arg2)
-	ret0, _ := ret[0].(string)
-	return ret0
 }
 
-// AddUDPPacketHook indicates an expected call of AddUDPPacketHook.
+// SetUDPPacketHook indicates an expected call of SetUDPPacketHook.
-func (mr *MockPacketFilterMockRecorder) AddUDPPacketHook(arg0, arg1, arg2, arg3 interface{}) *gomock.Call {
+func (mr *MockPacketFilterMockRecorder) SetUDPPacketHook(arg0, arg1, arg2 interface{}) *gomock.Call {
 	mr.mock.ctrl.T.Helper()
-	return mr.mock.ctrl.RecordCallWithMethodType(mr.mock, "AddUDPPacketHook", reflect.TypeOf((*MockPacketFilter)(nil).AddUDPPacketHook), arg0, arg1, arg2, arg3)
+	return mr.mock.ctrl.RecordCallWithMethodType(mr.mock, "SetUDPPacketHook", reflect.TypeOf((*MockPacketFilter)(nil).SetUDPPacketHook), arg0, arg1, arg2)
+}
+
+// SetTCPPacketHook mocks base method.
+func (m *MockPacketFilter) SetTCPPacketHook(arg0 netip.Addr, arg1 uint16, arg2 func([]byte) bool) {
+	m.ctrl.T.Helper()
+	m.ctrl.Call(m, "SetTCPPacketHook", arg0, arg1, arg2)
+}
+
+// SetTCPPacketHook indicates an expected call of SetTCPPacketHook.
+func (mr *MockPacketFilterMockRecorder) SetTCPPacketHook(arg0, arg1, arg2 interface{}) *gomock.Call {
+	mr.mock.ctrl.T.Helper()
+	return mr.mock.ctrl.RecordCallWithMethodType(mr.mock, "SetTCPPacketHook", reflect.TypeOf((*MockPacketFilter)(nil).SetTCPPacketHook), arg0, arg1, arg2)
 }
 
 // FilterInbound mocks base method.
@@ -75,17 +85,3 @@ func (mr *MockPacketFilterMockRecorder) FilterOutbound(arg0 interface{}, arg1 an
 	mr.mock.ctrl.T.Helper()
 	return mr.mock.ctrl.RecordCallWithMethodType(mr.mock, "FilterOutbound", reflect.TypeOf((*MockPacketFilter)(nil).FilterOutbound), arg0, arg1)
 }
-
-// RemovePacketHook mocks base method.
-func (m *MockPacketFilter) RemovePacketHook(arg0 string) error {
-	m.ctrl.T.Helper()
-	ret := m.ctrl.Call(m, "RemovePacketHook", arg0)
-	ret0, _ := ret[0].(error)
-	return ret0
-}
-
-// RemovePacketHook indicates an expected call of RemovePacketHook.
-func (mr *MockPacketFilterMockRecorder) RemovePacketHook(arg0 interface{}) *gomock.Call {
-	mr.mock.ctrl.T.Helper()
-	return mr.mock.ctrl.RecordCallWithMethodType(mr.mock, "RemovePacketHook", reflect.TypeOf((*MockPacketFilter)(nil).RemovePacketHook), arg0)
-}

client/iface/mocks/iface/mocks/filter.go

@@ -1,87 +0,0 @@
-// Code generated by MockGen. DO NOT EDIT.
-// Source: github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface (interfaces: PacketFilter)
-
-// Package mocks is a generated GoMock package.
-package mocks
-
-import (
-	net "net"
-	reflect "reflect"
-
-	gomock "github.com/golang/mock/gomock"
-)
-
-// MockPacketFilter is a mock of PacketFilter interface.
-type MockPacketFilter struct {
-	ctrl     *gomock.Controller
-	recorder *MockPacketFilterMockRecorder
-}
-
-// MockPacketFilterMockRecorder is the mock recorder for MockPacketFilter.
-type MockPacketFilterMockRecorder struct {
-	mock *MockPacketFilter
-}
-
-// NewMockPacketFilter creates a new mock instance.
-func NewMockPacketFilter(ctrl *gomock.Controller) *MockPacketFilter {
-	mock := &MockPacketFilter{ctrl: ctrl}
-	mock.recorder = &MockPacketFilterMockRecorder{mock}
-	return mock
-}
-
-// EXPECT returns an object that allows the caller to indicate expected use.
-func (m *MockPacketFilter) EXPECT() *MockPacketFilterMockRecorder {
-	return m.recorder
-}
-
-// AddUDPPacketHook mocks base method.
-func (m *MockPacketFilter) AddUDPPacketHook(arg0 bool, arg1 net.IP, arg2 uint16, arg3 func(*net.UDPAddr, []byte) bool) {
-	m.ctrl.T.Helper()
-	m.ctrl.Call(m, "AddUDPPacketHook", arg0, arg1, arg2, arg3)
-}
-
-// AddUDPPacketHook indicates an expected call of AddUDPPacketHook.
-func (mr *MockPacketFilterMockRecorder) AddUDPPacketHook(arg0, arg1, arg2, arg3 interface{}) *gomock.Call {
-	mr.mock.ctrl.T.Helper()
-	return mr.mock.ctrl.RecordCallWithMethodType(mr.mock, "AddUDPPacketHook", reflect.TypeOf((*MockPacketFilter)(nil).AddUDPPacketHook), arg0, arg1, arg2, arg3)
-}
-
-// FilterInbound mocks base method.
-func (m *MockPacketFilter) FilterInbound(arg0 []byte) bool {
-	m.ctrl.T.Helper()
-	ret := m.ctrl.Call(m, "FilterInbound", arg0)
-	ret0, _ := ret[0].(bool)
-	return ret0
-}
-
-// FilterInbound indicates an expected call of FilterInbound.
-func (mr *MockPacketFilterMockRecorder) FilterInbound(arg0 interface{}) *gomock.Call {
-	mr.mock.ctrl.T.Helper()
-	return mr.mock.ctrl.RecordCallWithMethodType(mr.mock, "FilterInbound", reflect.TypeOf((*MockPacketFilter)(nil).FilterInbound), arg0)
-}
-
-// FilterOutbound mocks base method.
-func (m *MockPacketFilter) FilterOutbound(arg0 []byte) bool {
-	m.ctrl.T.Helper()
-	ret := m.ctrl.Call(m, "FilterOutbound", arg0)
-	ret0, _ := ret[0].(bool)
-	return ret0
-}
-
-// FilterOutbound indicates an expected call of FilterOutbound.
-func (mr *MockPacketFilterMockRecorder) FilterOutbound(arg0 interface{}) *gomock.Call {
-	mr.mock.ctrl.T.Helper()
-	return mr.mock.ctrl.RecordCallWithMethodType(mr.mock, "FilterOutbound", reflect.TypeOf((*MockPacketFilter)(nil).FilterOutbound), arg0)
-}
-
-// SetNetwork mocks base method.
-func (m *MockPacketFilter) SetNetwork(arg0 *net.IPNet) {
-	m.ctrl.T.Helper()
-	m.ctrl.Call(m, "SetNetwork", arg0)
-}
-
-// SetNetwork indicates an expected call of SetNetwork.
-func (mr *MockPacketFilterMockRecorder) SetNetwork(arg0 interface{}) *gomock.Call {
-	mr.mock.ctrl.T.Helper()
-	return mr.mock.ctrl.RecordCallWithMethodType(mr.mock, "SetNetwork", reflect.TypeOf((*MockPacketFilter)(nil).SetNetwork), arg0)
-}

client/iface/udpmux/universal.go

@@ -171,7 +171,7 @@ func (u *UDPConn) performFilterCheck(addr net.Addr) error {
 	}
 
 	if u.address.Network.Contains(a) {
-		log.Warnf("Address %s is part of the NetBird network %s, refusing to write", addr, u.address)
+		log.Warnf("address %s is part of the NetBird network %s, refusing to write", addr, u.address)
 		return fmt.Errorf("address %s is part of the NetBird network %s, refusing to write", addr, u.address)
 	}
 
@@ -181,7 +181,7 @@ func (u *UDPConn) performFilterCheck(addr net.Addr) error {
 		u.addrCache.Store(addr.String(), isRouted)
 		if isRouted {
 			// Extra log, as the error only shows up with ICE logging enabled
-			log.Infof("Address %s is part of routed network %s, refusing to write", addr, prefix)
+			log.Infof("address %s is part of routed network %s, refusing to write", addr, prefix)
 			return fmt.Errorf("address %s is part of routed network %s, refusing to write", addr, prefix)
 		}
 	}

client/internal/acl/manager_test.go

@@ -19,6 +19,9 @@ import (
 var flowLogger = netflow.NewManager(nil, []byte{}, nil).GetLogger()
 
 func TestDefaultManager(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Setenv("NB_WG_KERNEL_DISABLED", "true")
+	t.Setenv(firewall.EnvForceUserspaceFirewall, "true")
+
 	networkMap := &mgmProto.NetworkMap{
 		FirewallRules: []*mgmProto.FirewallRule{
 			{
@@ -135,6 +138,7 @@ func TestDefaultManager(t *testing.T) {
 func TestDefaultManagerStateless(t *testing.T) {
 	// stateless currently only in userspace, so we have to disable kernel
 	t.Setenv("NB_WG_KERNEL_DISABLED", "true")
+	t.Setenv(firewall.EnvForceUserspaceFirewall, "true")
 	t.Setenv("NB_DISABLE_CONNTRACK", "true")
 
 	networkMap := &mgmProto.NetworkMap{
@@ -194,6 +198,7 @@ func TestDefaultManagerStateless(t *testing.T) {
 // This tests the full ACL manager -> uspfilter integration.
 func TestDenyRulesNotAccumulatedOnRepeatedApply(t *testing.T) {
 	t.Setenv("NB_WG_KERNEL_DISABLED", "true")
+	t.Setenv(firewall.EnvForceUserspaceFirewall, "true")
 
 	networkMap := &mgmProto.NetworkMap{
 		FirewallRules: []*mgmProto.FirewallRule{
@@ -258,6 +263,7 @@ func TestDenyRulesNotAccumulatedOnRepeatedApply(t *testing.T) {
 // up when they're removed from the network map in a subsequent update.
 func TestDenyRulesCleanedUpOnRemoval(t *testing.T) {
 	t.Setenv("NB_WG_KERNEL_DISABLED", "true")
+	t.Setenv(firewall.EnvForceUserspaceFirewall, "true")
 
 	ctrl := gomock.NewController(t)
 	defer ctrl.Finish()
@@ -339,6 +345,7 @@ func TestDenyRulesCleanedUpOnRemoval(t *testing.T) {
 // one added without leaking.
 func TestRuleUpdateChangingAction(t *testing.T) {
 	t.Setenv("NB_WG_KERNEL_DISABLED", "true")
+	t.Setenv(firewall.EnvForceUserspaceFirewall, "true")
 
 	ctrl := gomock.NewController(t)
 	defer ctrl.Finish()

client/internal/auth/auth.go

@@ -155,7 +155,7 @@ func (a *Auth) IsLoginRequired(ctx context.Context) (bool, error) {
 	var needsLogin bool
 
 	err = a.withRetry(ctx, func(client *mgm.GrpcClient) error {
-		_, _, err := a.doMgmLogin(client, ctx, pubSSHKey)
+		err := a.doMgmLogin(client, ctx, pubSSHKey)
 		if isLoginNeeded(err) {
 			needsLogin = true
 			return nil
@@ -179,8 +179,8 @@ func (a *Auth) Login(ctx context.Context, setupKey string, jwtToken string) (err
 	var isAuthError bool
 
 	err = a.withRetry(ctx, func(client *mgm.GrpcClient) error {
-		serverKey, _, err := a.doMgmLogin(client, ctx, pubSSHKey)
+		err := a.doMgmLogin(client, ctx, pubSSHKey)
-		if serverKey != nil && isRegistrationNeeded(err) {
+		if isRegistrationNeeded(err) {
 			log.Debugf("peer registration required")
 			_, err = a.registerPeer(client, ctx, setupKey, jwtToken, pubSSHKey)
 			if err != nil {
@@ -201,13 +201,7 @@ func (a *Auth) Login(ctx context.Context, setupKey string, jwtToken string) (err
 
 // getPKCEFlow retrieves PKCE authorization flow configuration and creates a flow instance
 func (a *Auth) getPKCEFlow(client *mgm.GrpcClient) (*PKCEAuthorizationFlow, error) {
-	serverKey, err := client.GetServerPublicKey()
+	protoFlow, err := client.GetPKCEAuthorizationFlow()
-	if err != nil {
-		log.Errorf("failed while getting Management Service public key: %v", err)
-		return nil, err
-	}
-
-	protoFlow, err := client.GetPKCEAuthorizationFlow(*serverKey)
 	if err != nil {
 		if s, ok := status.FromError(err); ok && s.Code() == codes.NotFound {
 			log.Warnf("server couldn't find pkce flow, contact admin: %v", err)
@@ -221,7 +215,7 @@ func (a *Auth) getPKCEFlow(client *mgm.GrpcClient) (*PKCEAuthorizationFlow, erro
 	config := &PKCEAuthProviderConfig{
 		Audience:              protoConfig.GetAudience(),
 		ClientID:              protoConfig.GetClientID(),
-		ClientSecret:          protoConfig.GetClientSecret(),
+		ClientSecret:          protoConfig.GetClientSecret(), //nolint:staticcheck
 		TokenEndpoint:         protoConfig.GetTokenEndpoint(),
 		AuthorizationEndpoint: protoConfig.GetAuthorizationEndpoint(),
 		Scope:                 protoConfig.GetScope(),
@@ -246,13 +240,7 @@ func (a *Auth) getPKCEFlow(client *mgm.GrpcClient) (*PKCEAuthorizationFlow, erro
 
 // getDeviceFlow retrieves device authorization flow configuration and creates a flow instance
 func (a *Auth) getDeviceFlow(client *mgm.GrpcClient) (*DeviceAuthorizationFlow, error) {
-	serverKey, err := client.GetServerPublicKey()
+	protoFlow, err := client.GetDeviceAuthorizationFlow()
-	if err != nil {
-		log.Errorf("failed while getting Management Service public key: %v", err)
-		return nil, err
-	}
-
-	protoFlow, err := client.GetDeviceAuthorizationFlow(*serverKey)
 	if err != nil {
 		if s, ok := status.FromError(err); ok && s.Code() == codes.NotFound {
 			log.Warnf("server couldn't find device flow, contact admin: %v", err)
@@ -266,7 +254,7 @@ func (a *Auth) getDeviceFlow(client *mgm.GrpcClient) (*DeviceAuthorizationFlow,
 	config := &DeviceAuthProviderConfig{
 		Audience:           protoConfig.GetAudience(),
 		ClientID:           protoConfig.GetClientID(),
-		ClientSecret:       protoConfig.GetClientSecret(),
+		ClientSecret:       protoConfig.GetClientSecret(), //nolint:staticcheck
 		Domain:             protoConfig.Domain,
 		TokenEndpoint:      protoConfig.GetTokenEndpoint(),
 		DeviceAuthEndpoint: protoConfig.GetDeviceAuthEndpoint(),
@@ -292,28 +280,16 @@ func (a *Auth) getDeviceFlow(client *mgm.GrpcClient) (*DeviceAuthorizationFlow,
 }
 
 // doMgmLogin performs the actual login operation with the management service
-func (a *Auth) doMgmLogin(client *mgm.GrpcClient, ctx context.Context, pubSSHKey []byte) (*wgtypes.Key, *mgmProto.LoginResponse, error) {
+func (a *Auth) doMgmLogin(client *mgm.GrpcClient, ctx context.Context, pubSSHKey []byte) error {
-	serverKey, err := client.GetServerPublicKey()
-	if err != nil {
-		log.Errorf("failed while getting Management Service public key: %v", err)
-		return nil, nil, err
-	}
-
 	sysInfo := system.GetInfo(ctx)
 	a.setSystemInfoFlags(sysInfo)
-	loginResp, err := client.Login(*serverKey, sysInfo, pubSSHKey, a.config.DNSLabels)
+	_, err := client.Login(sysInfo, pubSSHKey, a.config.DNSLabels)
-	return serverKey, loginResp, err
+	return err
 }
 
 // registerPeer checks whether setupKey was provided via cmd line and if not then it prompts user to enter a key.
 // Otherwise tries to register with the provided setupKey via command line.
 func (a *Auth) registerPeer(client *mgm.GrpcClient, ctx context.Context, setupKey string, jwtToken string, pubSSHKey []byte) (*mgmProto.LoginResponse, error) {
-	serverPublicKey, err := client.GetServerPublicKey()
-	if err != nil {
-		log.Errorf("failed while getting Management Service public key: %v", err)
-		return nil, err
-	}
-
 	validSetupKey, err := uuid.Parse(setupKey)
 	if err != nil && jwtToken == "" {
 		return nil, status.Errorf(codes.InvalidArgument, "invalid setup-key or no sso information provided, err: %v", err)
@@ -322,7 +298,7 @@ func (a *Auth) registerPeer(client *mgm.GrpcClient, ctx context.Context, setupKe
 	log.Debugf("sending peer registration request to Management Service")
 	info := system.GetInfo(ctx)
 	a.setSystemInfoFlags(info)
-	loginResp, err := client.Register(*serverPublicKey, validSetupKey.String(), jwtToken, info, pubSSHKey, a.config.DNSLabels)
+	loginResp, err := client.Register(validSetupKey.String(), jwtToken, info, pubSSHKey, a.config.DNSLabels)
 	if err != nil {
 		log.Errorf("failed registering peer %v", err)
 		return nil, err

client/internal/connect.go

@@ -23,12 +23,13 @@ import (
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface/netstack"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/dns"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/listener"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/metrics"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/peer"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/profilemanager"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/statemanager"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/stdnet"
-	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/updatemanager"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/updater"
-	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/updatemanager/installer"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/updater/installer"
 	nbnet "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/net"
 	cProto "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/proto"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/ssh"
@@ -43,14 +44,19 @@ import (
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/version"
 )
 
+// androidRunOverride is set on Android to inject mobile dependencies
+// when using embed.Client (which calls Run() with empty MobileDependency).
+var androidRunOverride func(c *ConnectClient, runningChan chan struct{}, logPath string) error
+
 type ConnectClient struct {
 	ctx            context.Context
 	config         *profilemanager.Config
 	statusRecorder *peer.Status
-	doInitialAutoUpdate bool
 
 	engine        *Engine
 	engineMutex   sync.Mutex
+	clientMetrics *metrics.ClientMetrics
+	updateManager *updater.Manager
 
 	persistSyncResponse bool
 }
@@ -59,19 +65,24 @@ func NewConnectClient(
 	ctx context.Context,
 	config *profilemanager.Config,
 	statusRecorder *peer.Status,
-	doInitalAutoUpdate bool,
 ) *ConnectClient {
 	return &ConnectClient{
 		ctx:            ctx,
 		config:         config,
 		statusRecorder: statusRecorder,
-		doInitialAutoUpdate: doInitalAutoUpdate,
 		engineMutex:    sync.Mutex{},
 	}
 }
 
+func (c *ConnectClient) SetUpdateManager(um *updater.Manager) {
+	c.updateManager = um
+}
+
 // Run with main logic.
 func (c *ConnectClient) Run(runningChan chan struct{}, logPath string) error {
+	if androidRunOverride != nil {
+		return androidRunOverride(c, runningChan, logPath)
+	}
 	return c.run(MobileDependency{}, runningChan, logPath)
 }
 
@@ -83,6 +94,7 @@ func (c *ConnectClient) RunOnAndroid(
 	dnsAddresses []netip.AddrPort,
 	dnsReadyListener dns.ReadyListener,
 	stateFilePath string,
+	cacheDir string,
 ) error {
 	// in case of non Android os these variables will be nil
 	mobileDependency := MobileDependency{
@@ -92,6 +104,7 @@ func (c *ConnectClient) RunOnAndroid(
 		HostDNSAddresses:      dnsAddresses,
 		DnsReadyListener:      dnsReadyListener,
 		StateFilePath:         stateFilePath,
+		TempDir:               cacheDir,
 	}
 	return c.run(mobileDependency, nil, "")
 }
@@ -100,6 +113,7 @@ func (c *ConnectClient) RunOniOS(
 	fileDescriptor int32,
 	networkChangeListener listener.NetworkChangeListener,
 	dnsManager dns.IosDnsManager,
+	dnsAddresses []netip.AddrPort,
 	stateFilePath string,
 ) error {
 	// Set GC percent to 5% to reduce memory usage as iOS only allows 50MB of memory for the extension.
@@ -109,6 +123,7 @@ func (c *ConnectClient) RunOniOS(
 		FileDescriptor:        fileDescriptor,
 		NetworkChangeListener: networkChangeListener,
 		DnsManager:            dnsManager,
+		HostDNSAddresses:      dnsAddresses,
 		StateFilePath:         stateFilePath,
 	}
 	return c.run(mobileDependency, nil, "")
@@ -131,10 +146,34 @@ func (c *ConnectClient) run(mobileDependency MobileDependency, runningChan chan
 		}
 	}()
 
+	// Stop metrics push on exit
+	defer func() {
+		if c.clientMetrics != nil {
+			c.clientMetrics.StopPush()
+		}
+	}()
+
 	log.Infof("starting NetBird client version %s on %s/%s", version.NetbirdVersion(), runtime.GOOS, runtime.GOARCH)
 
 	nbnet.Init()
 
+	// Initialize metrics once at startup (always active for debug bundles)
+	if c.clientMetrics == nil {
+		agentInfo := metrics.AgentInfo{
+			DeploymentType: metrics.DeploymentTypeUnknown,
+			Version:        version.NetbirdVersion(),
+			OS:             runtime.GOOS,
+			Arch:           runtime.GOARCH,
+		}
+		c.clientMetrics = metrics.NewClientMetrics(agentInfo)
+		log.Debugf("initialized client metrics")
+
+		// Start metrics push if enabled (uses daemon context, persists across engine restarts)
+		if metrics.IsMetricsPushEnabled() {
+			c.clientMetrics.StartPush(c.ctx, metrics.PushConfigFromEnv())
+		}
+	}
+
 	backOff := &backoff.ExponentialBackOff{
 		InitialInterval:     time.Second,
 		RandomizationFactor: 1,
@@ -187,15 +226,14 @@ func (c *ConnectClient) run(mobileDependency MobileDependency, runningChan chan
 	stateManager := statemanager.New(path)
 	stateManager.RegisterState(&sshconfig.ShutdownState{})
 
-	updateManager, err := updatemanager.NewManager(c.statusRecorder, stateManager)
+	if c.updateManager != nil {
-	if err == nil {
+		c.updateManager.CheckUpdateSuccess(c.ctx)
-		updateManager.CheckUpdateSuccess(c.ctx)
+	}
 
 	inst := installer.New()
 	if err := inst.CleanUpInstallerFiles(); err != nil {
 		log.Errorf("failed to clean up temporary installer file: %v", err)
 	}
-	}
 
 	defer c.statusRecorder.ClientStop()
 	operation := func() error {
@@ -222,6 +260,16 @@ func (c *ConnectClient) run(mobileDependency MobileDependency, runningChan chan
 		mgmNotifier := statusRecorderToMgmConnStateNotifier(c.statusRecorder)
 		mgmClient.SetConnStateListener(mgmNotifier)
 
+		// Update metrics with actual deployment type after connection
+		deploymentType := metrics.DetermineDeploymentType(mgmClient.GetServerURL())
+		agentInfo := metrics.AgentInfo{
+			DeploymentType: deploymentType,
+			Version:        version.NetbirdVersion(),
+			OS:             runtime.GOOS,
+			Arch:           runtime.GOARCH,
+		}
+		c.clientMetrics.UpdateAgentInfo(agentInfo, myPrivateKey.PublicKey().String())
+
 		log.Debugf("connected to the Management service %s", c.config.ManagementURL.Host)
 		defer func() {
 			if err = mgmClient.Close(); err != nil {
@@ -230,8 +278,10 @@ func (c *ConnectClient) run(mobileDependency MobileDependency, runningChan chan
 		}()
 
 		// connect (just a connection, no stream yet) and login to Management Service to get an initial global Netbird config
+		loginStarted := time.Now()
 		loginResp, err := loginToManagement(engineCtx, mgmClient, publicSSHKey, c.config)
 		if err != nil {
+			c.clientMetrics.RecordLoginDuration(engineCtx, time.Since(loginStarted), false)
 			log.Debug(err)
 			if s, ok := gstatus.FromError(err); ok && (s.Code() == codes.PermissionDenied) {
 				state.Set(StatusNeedsLogin)
@@ -240,6 +290,7 @@ func (c *ConnectClient) run(mobileDependency MobileDependency, runningChan chan
 			}
 			return wrapErr(err)
 		}
+		c.clientMetrics.RecordLoginDuration(engineCtx, time.Since(loginStarted), true)
 		c.statusRecorder.MarkManagementConnected()
 
 		localPeerState := peer.LocalPeerState{
@@ -289,6 +340,7 @@ func (c *ConnectClient) run(mobileDependency MobileDependency, runningChan chan
 			log.Error(err)
 			return wrapErr(err)
 		}
+		engineConfig.TempDir = mobileDependency.TempDir
 
 		relayManager := relayClient.NewManager(engineCtx, relayURLs, myPrivateKey.PublicKey().String(), engineConfig.MTU)
 		c.statusRecorder.SetRelayMgr(relayManager)
@@ -308,7 +360,16 @@ func (c *ConnectClient) run(mobileDependency MobileDependency, runningChan chan
 		checks := loginResp.GetChecks()
 
 		c.engineMutex.Lock()
-		engine := NewEngine(engineCtx, cancel, signalClient, mgmClient, relayManager, engineConfig, mobileDependency, c.statusRecorder, checks, stateManager)
+		engine := NewEngine(engineCtx, cancel, engineConfig, EngineServices{
+			SignalClient:   signalClient,
+			MgmClient:      mgmClient,
+			RelayManager:   relayManager,
+			StatusRecorder: c.statusRecorder,
+			Checks:         checks,
+			StateManager:   stateManager,
+			UpdateManager:  c.updateManager,
+			ClientMetrics:  c.clientMetrics,
+		}, mobileDependency)
 		engine.SetSyncResponsePersistence(c.persistSyncResponse)
 		c.engine = engine
 		c.engineMutex.Unlock()
@@ -318,21 +379,15 @@ func (c *ConnectClient) run(mobileDependency MobileDependency, runningChan chan
 			return wrapErr(err)
 		}
 
-		if loginResp.PeerConfig != nil && loginResp.PeerConfig.AutoUpdate != nil {
-			// AutoUpdate will be true when the user click on "Connect" menu on the UI
-			if c.doInitialAutoUpdate {
-				log.Infof("start engine by ui, run auto-update check")
-				c.engine.InitialUpdateHandling(loginResp.PeerConfig.AutoUpdate)
-				c.doInitialAutoUpdate = false
-			}
-		}
-
 		log.Infof("Netbird engine started, the IP is: %s", peerConfig.GetAddress())
 		state.Set(StatusConnected)
 
 		if runningChan != nil {
+			select {
+			case <-runningChan:
+			default:
 				close(runningChan)
-			runningChan = nil
+			}
 		}
 
 		<-engineCtx.Done()
@@ -567,12 +622,6 @@ func connectToSignal(ctx context.Context, wtConfig *mgmProto.NetbirdConfig, ourP
 
 // loginToManagement creates Management ServiceDependencies client, establishes a connection, logs-in and gets a global Netbird config (signal, turn, stun hosts, etc)
 func loginToManagement(ctx context.Context, client mgm.Client, pubSSHKey []byte, config *profilemanager.Config) (*mgmProto.LoginResponse, error) {
-
-	serverPublicKey, err := client.GetServerPublicKey()
-	if err != nil {
-		return nil, gstatus.Errorf(codes.FailedPrecondition, "failed while getting Management Service public key: %s", err)
-	}
-
 	sysInfo := system.GetInfo(ctx)
 	sysInfo.SetFlags(
 		config.RosenpassEnabled,
@@ -591,12 +640,7 @@ func loginToManagement(ctx context.Context, client mgm.Client, pubSSHKey []byte,
 		config.EnableSSHRemotePortForwarding,
 		config.DisableSSHAuth,
 	)
-	loginResp, err := client.Login(*serverPublicKey, sysInfo, pubSSHKey, config.DNSLabels)
+	return client.Login(sysInfo, pubSSHKey, config.DNSLabels)
-	if err != nil {
-		return nil, err
-	}
-
-	return loginResp, nil
 }
 
 func statusRecorderToMgmConnStateNotifier(statusRecorder *peer.Status) mgm.ConnStateNotifier {

client/internal/connect_android_default.go

@@ -0,0 +1,73 @@
+//go:build android
+
+package internal
+
+import (
+	"net/netip"
+
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/dns"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/listener"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/stdnet"
+)
+
+// noopIFaceDiscover is a stub ExternalIFaceDiscover for embed.Client on Android.
+// It returns an empty interface list, which means ICE P2P candidates won't be
+// discovered — connections will fall back to relay. Applications that need P2P
+// should provide a real implementation via runOnAndroidEmbed that uses
+// Android's ConnectivityManager to enumerate network interfaces.
+type noopIFaceDiscover struct{}
+
+func (noopIFaceDiscover) IFaces() (string, error) {
+	// Return empty JSON array — no local interfaces advertised for ICE.
+	// This is intentional: without Android's ConnectivityManager, we cannot
+	// reliably enumerate interfaces (netlink is restricted on Android 11+).
+	// Relay connections still work; only P2P hole-punching is disabled.
+	return "[]", nil
+}
+
+// noopNetworkChangeListener is a stub for embed.Client on Android.
+// Network change events are ignored since the embed client manages its own
+// reconnection logic via the engine's built-in retry mechanism.
+type noopNetworkChangeListener struct{}
+
+func (noopNetworkChangeListener) OnNetworkChanged(string) {
+	// No-op: embed.Client relies on the engine's internal reconnection
+	// logic rather than OS-level network change notifications.
+}
+
+func (noopNetworkChangeListener) SetInterfaceIP(string) {
+	// No-op: in netstack mode, the overlay IP is managed by the userspace
+	// network stack, not by OS-level interface configuration.
+}
+
+// noopDnsReadyListener is a stub for embed.Client on Android.
+// DNS readiness notifications are not needed in netstack/embed mode
+// since system DNS is disabled and DNS resolution happens externally.
+type noopDnsReadyListener struct{}
+
+func (noopDnsReadyListener) OnReady() {
+	// No-op: embed.Client does not need DNS readiness notifications.
+	// System DNS is disabled in netstack mode.
+}
+
+var _ stdnet.ExternalIFaceDiscover = noopIFaceDiscover{}
+var _ listener.NetworkChangeListener = noopNetworkChangeListener{}
+var _ dns.ReadyListener = noopDnsReadyListener{}
+
+func init() {
+	// Wire up the default override so embed.Client.Start() works on Android
+	// with netstack mode. Provides complete no-op stubs for all mobile
+	// dependencies so the engine's existing Android code paths work unchanged.
+	// Applications that need P2P ICE or real DNS should replace this by
+	// setting androidRunOverride before calling Start().
+	androidRunOverride = func(c *ConnectClient, runningChan chan struct{}, logPath string) error {
+		return c.runOnAndroidEmbed(
+			noopIFaceDiscover{},
+			noopNetworkChangeListener{},
+			[]netip.AddrPort{},
+			noopDnsReadyListener{},
+			runningChan,
+			logPath,
+		)
+	}
+}

client/internal/connect_android_embed.go

@@ -0,0 +1,32 @@
+//go:build android
+
+package internal
+
+import (
+	"net/netip"
+
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/dns"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/listener"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/stdnet"
+)
+
+// runOnAndroidEmbed is like RunOnAndroid but accepts a runningChan
+// so embed.Client.Start() can detect when the engine is ready.
+// It provides complete MobileDependency so the engine's existing
+// Android code paths work unchanged.
+func (c *ConnectClient) runOnAndroidEmbed(
+	iFaceDiscover stdnet.ExternalIFaceDiscover,
+	networkChangeListener listener.NetworkChangeListener,
+	dnsAddresses []netip.AddrPort,
+	dnsReadyListener dns.ReadyListener,
+	runningChan chan struct{},
+	logPath string,
+) error {
+	mobileDependency := MobileDependency{
+		IFaceDiscover:         iFaceDiscover,
+		NetworkChangeListener: networkChangeListener,
+		HostDNSAddresses:      dnsAddresses,
+		DnsReadyListener:      dnsReadyListener,
+	}
+	return c.run(mobileDependency, runningChan, logPath)
+}

client/internal/daemonaddr/resolve.go

@@ -0,0 +1,60 @@
+//go:build !windows && !ios && !android
+
+package daemonaddr
+
+import (
+	"os"
+	"path/filepath"
+	"strings"
+
+	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
+)
+
+var scanDir = "/var/run/netbird"
+
+// setScanDir overrides the scan directory (used by tests).
+func setScanDir(dir string) {
+	scanDir = dir
+}
+
+// ResolveUnixDaemonAddr checks whether the default Unix socket exists and, if not,
+// scans /var/run/netbird/ for a single .sock file to use instead. This handles the
+// mismatch between the netbird@.service template (which places the socket under
+// /var/run/netbird/<instance>.sock) and the CLI default (/var/run/netbird.sock).
+func ResolveUnixDaemonAddr(addr string) string {
+	if !strings.HasPrefix(addr, "unix://") {
+		return addr
+	}
+
+	sockPath := strings.TrimPrefix(addr, "unix://")
+	if _, err := os.Stat(sockPath); err == nil {
+		return addr
+	}
+
+	entries, err := os.ReadDir(scanDir)
+	if err != nil {
+		return addr
+	}
+
+	var found []string
+	for _, e := range entries {
+		if e.IsDir() {
+			continue
+		}
+		if strings.HasSuffix(e.Name(), ".sock") {
+			found = append(found, filepath.Join(scanDir, e.Name()))
+		}
+	}
+
+	switch len(found) {
+	case 1:
+		resolved := "unix://" + found[0]
+		log.Debugf("Default daemon socket not found, using discovered socket: %s", resolved)
+		return resolved
+	case 0:
+		return addr
+	default:
+		log.Warnf("Default daemon socket not found and multiple sockets discovered in %s; pass --daemon-addr explicitly", scanDir)
+		return addr
+	}
+}

client/internal/daemonaddr/resolve_stub.go

@@ -0,0 +1,8 @@
+//go:build windows || ios || android
+
+package daemonaddr
+
+// ResolveUnixDaemonAddr is a no-op on platforms that don't use Unix sockets.
+func ResolveUnixDaemonAddr(addr string) string {
+	return addr
+}

client/internal/daemonaddr/resolve_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,121 @@
+//go:build !windows && !ios && !android
+
+package daemonaddr
+
+import (
+	"os"
+	"path/filepath"
+	"testing"
+)
+
+// createSockFile creates a regular file with a .sock extension.
+// ResolveUnixDaemonAddr uses os.Stat (not net.Dial), so a regular file is
+// sufficient and avoids Unix socket path-length limits on macOS.
+func createSockFile(t *testing.T, path string) {
+	t.Helper()
+	if err := os.WriteFile(path, nil, 0o600); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("failed to create test sock file at %s: %v", path, err)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestResolveUnixDaemonAddr_DefaultExists(t *testing.T) {
+	tmp := t.TempDir()
+	sock := filepath.Join(tmp, "netbird.sock")
+	createSockFile(t, sock)
+
+	addr := "unix://" + sock
+	got := ResolveUnixDaemonAddr(addr)
+	if got != addr {
+		t.Errorf("expected %s, got %s", addr, got)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestResolveUnixDaemonAddr_SingleDiscovered(t *testing.T) {
+	tmp := t.TempDir()
+
+	// Default socket does not exist
+	defaultAddr := "unix://" + filepath.Join(tmp, "netbird.sock")
+
+	// Create a scan dir with one socket
+	sd := filepath.Join(tmp, "netbird")
+	if err := os.MkdirAll(sd, 0o755); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	instanceSock := filepath.Join(sd, "main.sock")
+	createSockFile(t, instanceSock)
+
+	origScanDir := scanDir
+	setScanDir(sd)
+	t.Cleanup(func() { setScanDir(origScanDir) })
+
+	got := ResolveUnixDaemonAddr(defaultAddr)
+	expected := "unix://" + instanceSock
+	if got != expected {
+		t.Errorf("expected %s, got %s", expected, got)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestResolveUnixDaemonAddr_MultipleDiscovered(t *testing.T) {
+	tmp := t.TempDir()
+
+	defaultAddr := "unix://" + filepath.Join(tmp, "netbird.sock")
+
+	sd := filepath.Join(tmp, "netbird")
+	if err := os.MkdirAll(sd, 0o755); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	createSockFile(t, filepath.Join(sd, "main.sock"))
+	createSockFile(t, filepath.Join(sd, "other.sock"))
+
+	origScanDir := scanDir
+	setScanDir(sd)
+	t.Cleanup(func() { setScanDir(origScanDir) })
+
+	got := ResolveUnixDaemonAddr(defaultAddr)
+	if got != defaultAddr {
+		t.Errorf("expected original %s, got %s", defaultAddr, got)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestResolveUnixDaemonAddr_NoSocketsFound(t *testing.T) {
+	tmp := t.TempDir()
+
+	defaultAddr := "unix://" + filepath.Join(tmp, "netbird.sock")
+
+	sd := filepath.Join(tmp, "netbird")
+	if err := os.MkdirAll(sd, 0o755); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+
+	origScanDir := scanDir
+	setScanDir(sd)
+	t.Cleanup(func() { setScanDir(origScanDir) })
+
+	got := ResolveUnixDaemonAddr(defaultAddr)
+	if got != defaultAddr {
+		t.Errorf("expected original %s, got %s", defaultAddr, got)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestResolveUnixDaemonAddr_NonUnixAddr(t *testing.T) {
+	addr := "tcp://127.0.0.1:41731"
+	got := ResolveUnixDaemonAddr(addr)
+	if got != addr {
+		t.Errorf("expected %s, got %s", addr, got)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestResolveUnixDaemonAddr_ScanDirMissing(t *testing.T) {
+	tmp := t.TempDir()
+
+	defaultAddr := "unix://" + filepath.Join(tmp, "netbird.sock")
+
+	origScanDir := scanDir
+	setScanDir(filepath.Join(tmp, "nonexistent"))
+	t.Cleanup(func() { setScanDir(origScanDir) })
+
+	got := ResolveUnixDaemonAddr(defaultAddr)
+	if got != defaultAddr {
+		t.Errorf("expected original %s, got %s", defaultAddr, got)
+	}
+}

client/internal/debug/debug.go

@@ -16,7 +16,6 @@ import (
 	"path/filepath"
 	"runtime"
 	"runtime/pprof"
-	"slices"
 	"sort"
 	"strings"
 	"time"
@@ -25,13 +24,12 @@ import (
 	"google.golang.org/protobuf/encoding/protojson"
 
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/anonymize"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/configs"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/peer"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/profilemanager"
-	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/updatemanager/installer"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/updater/installer"
 	nbstatus "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/status"
 	mgmProto "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/shared/management/proto"
-	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/util"
-	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/version"
 )
 
 const readmeContent = `Netbird debug bundle
@@ -53,6 +51,8 @@ resolved_domains.txt: Anonymized resolved domain IP addresses from the status re
 config.txt: Anonymized configuration information of the NetBird client.
 network_map.json: Anonymized sync response containing peer configurations, routes, DNS settings, and firewall rules.
 state.json: Anonymized client state dump containing netbird states for the active profile.
+service_params.json: Sanitized service install parameters (service.json). Sensitive environment variable values are masked. Only present when service.json exists.
+metrics.txt: Buffered client metrics in InfluxDB line protocol format. Only present when metrics collection is enabled. Peer identifiers are anonymized.
 mutex.prof: Mutex profiling information.
 goroutine.prof: Goroutine profiling information.
 block.prof: Block profiling information.
@@ -219,6 +219,11 @@ const (
 	darwinStdoutLogPath = "/var/log/netbird.err.log"
 )
 
+// MetricsExporter is an interface for exporting metrics
+type MetricsExporter interface {
+	Export(w io.Writer) error
+}
+
 type BundleGenerator struct {
 	anonymizer *anonymize.Anonymizer
 
@@ -227,8 +232,10 @@ type BundleGenerator struct {
 	statusRecorder *peer.Status
 	syncResponse   *mgmProto.SyncResponse
 	logPath        string
+	tempDir        string
 	cpuProfile     []byte
 	refreshStatus  func() // Optional callback to refresh status before bundle generation
+	clientMetrics  MetricsExporter
 
 	anonymize         bool
 	includeSystemInfo bool
@@ -248,8 +255,10 @@ type GeneratorDependencies struct {
 	StatusRecorder *peer.Status
 	SyncResponse   *mgmProto.SyncResponse
 	LogPath        string
+	TempDir        string // Directory for temporary bundle zip files. If empty, os.TempDir() is used.
 	CPUProfile     []byte
 	RefreshStatus  func() // Optional callback to refresh status before bundle generation
+	ClientMetrics  MetricsExporter
 }
 
 func NewBundleGenerator(deps GeneratorDependencies, cfg BundleConfig) *BundleGenerator {
@@ -266,8 +275,10 @@ func NewBundleGenerator(deps GeneratorDependencies, cfg BundleConfig) *BundleGen
 		statusRecorder: deps.StatusRecorder,
 		syncResponse:   deps.SyncResponse,
 		logPath:        deps.LogPath,
+		tempDir:        deps.TempDir,
 		cpuProfile:     deps.CPUProfile,
 		refreshStatus:  deps.RefreshStatus,
+		clientMetrics:  deps.ClientMetrics,
 
 		anonymize:         cfg.Anonymize,
 		includeSystemInfo: cfg.IncludeSystemInfo,
@@ -277,7 +288,7 @@ func NewBundleGenerator(deps GeneratorDependencies, cfg BundleConfig) *BundleGen
 
 // Generate creates a debug bundle and returns the location.
 func (g *BundleGenerator) Generate() (resp string, err error) {
-	bundlePath, err := os.CreateTemp("", "netbird.debug.*.zip")
+	bundlePath, err := os.CreateTemp(g.tempDir, "netbird.debug.*.zip")
 	if err != nil {
 		return "", fmt.Errorf("create zip file: %w", err)
 	}
@@ -351,19 +362,20 @@ func (g *BundleGenerator) createArchive() error {
 		log.Errorf("failed to add corrupted state files to debug bundle: %v", err)
 	}
 
+	if err := g.addServiceParams(); err != nil {
+		log.Errorf("failed to add service params to debug bundle: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	if err := g.addMetrics(); err != nil {
+		log.Errorf("failed to add metrics to debug bundle: %v", err)
+	}
+
 	if err := g.addWgShow(); err != nil {
 		log.Errorf("failed to add wg show output: %v", err)
 	}
 
-	if g.logPath != "" && !slices.Contains(util.SpecialLogs, g.logPath) {
+	if err := g.addPlatformLog(); err != nil {
-		if err := g.addLogfile(); err != nil {
+		log.Errorf("failed to add logs to debug bundle: %v", err)
-			log.Errorf("failed to add log file to debug bundle: %v", err)
-			if err := g.trySystemdLogFallback(); err != nil {
-				log.Errorf("failed to add systemd logs as fallback: %v", err)
-			}
-		}
-	} else if err := g.trySystemdLogFallback(); err != nil {
-		log.Errorf("failed to add systemd logs: %v", err)
 	}
 
 	if err := g.addUpdateLogs(); err != nil {
@@ -418,7 +430,10 @@ func (g *BundleGenerator) addStatus() error {
 		fullStatus := g.statusRecorder.GetFullStatus()
 		protoFullStatus := nbstatus.ToProtoFullStatus(fullStatus)
 		protoFullStatus.Events = g.statusRecorder.GetEventHistory()
-		overview := nbstatus.ConvertToStatusOutputOverview(protoFullStatus, g.anonymize, version.NetbirdVersion(), "", nil, nil, nil, "", profName)
+		overview := nbstatus.ConvertToStatusOutputOverview(protoFullStatus, nbstatus.ConvertOptions{
+			Anonymize:   g.anonymize,
+			ProfileName: profName,
+		})
 		statusOutput := overview.FullDetailSummary()
 
 		statusReader := strings.NewReader(statusOutput)
@@ -473,6 +488,90 @@ func (g *BundleGenerator) addConfig() error {
 	return nil
 }
 
+const (
+	serviceParamsFile    = "service.json"
+	serviceParamsBundle  = "service_params.json"
+	maskedValue          = "***"
+	envVarPrefix         = "NB_"
+	jsonKeyManagementURL = "management_url"
+	jsonKeyServiceEnv    = "service_env_vars"
+)
+
+var sensitiveEnvSubstrings = []string{"key", "token", "secret", "password", "credential"}
+
+// addServiceParams reads the service.json file and adds a sanitized version to the bundle.
+// Non-NB_ env vars and vars with sensitive names are masked. Other NB_ values are anonymized.
+func (g *BundleGenerator) addServiceParams() error {
+	path := filepath.Join(configs.StateDir, serviceParamsFile)
+
+	data, err := os.ReadFile(path)
+	if err != nil {
+		if os.IsNotExist(err) {
+			return nil
+		}
+		return fmt.Errorf("read service params: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	var params map[string]any
+	if err := json.Unmarshal(data, &params); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("parse service params: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	if g.anonymize {
+		if mgmtURL, ok := params[jsonKeyManagementURL].(string); ok && mgmtURL != "" {
+			params[jsonKeyManagementURL] = g.anonymizer.AnonymizeURI(mgmtURL)
+		}
+	}
+
+	g.sanitizeServiceEnvVars(params)
+
+	sanitizedData, err := json.MarshalIndent(params, "", "  ")
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("marshal sanitized service params: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	if err := g.addFileToZip(bytes.NewReader(sanitizedData), serviceParamsBundle); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("add service params to zip: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	return nil
+}
+
+// sanitizeServiceEnvVars masks or anonymizes env var values in service params.
+// Non-NB_ vars and vars with sensitive names (key, token, etc.) are fully masked.
+// Other NB_ var values are passed through the anonymizer when anonymization is enabled.
+func (g *BundleGenerator) sanitizeServiceEnvVars(params map[string]any) {
+	envVars, ok := params[jsonKeyServiceEnv].(map[string]any)
+	if !ok {
+		return
+	}
+
+	sanitized := make(map[string]any, len(envVars))
+	for k, v := range envVars {
+		val, _ := v.(string)
+		switch {
+		case !strings.HasPrefix(k, envVarPrefix) || isSensitiveEnvVar(k):
+			sanitized[k] = maskedValue
+		case g.anonymize:
+			sanitized[k] = g.anonymizer.AnonymizeString(val)
+		default:
+			sanitized[k] = val
+		}
+	}
+	params[jsonKeyServiceEnv] = sanitized
+}
+
+// isSensitiveEnvVar returns true for env var names that may contain secrets.
+func isSensitiveEnvVar(key string) bool {
+	lower := strings.ToLower(key)
+	for _, s := range sensitiveEnvSubstrings {
+		if strings.Contains(lower, s) {
+			return true
+		}
+	}
+	return false
+}
+
 func (g *BundleGenerator) addCommonConfigFields(configContent *strings.Builder) {
 	configContent.WriteString("NetBird Client Configuration:\n\n")
 
@@ -744,6 +843,30 @@ func (g *BundleGenerator) addCorruptedStateFiles() error {
 	return nil
 }
 
+func (g *BundleGenerator) addMetrics() error {
+	if g.clientMetrics == nil {
+		log.Debugf("skipping metrics in debug bundle: no metrics collector")
+		return nil
+	}
+
+	var buf bytes.Buffer
+	if err := g.clientMetrics.Export(&buf); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("export metrics: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	if buf.Len() == 0 {
+		log.Debugf("skipping metrics.txt in debug bundle: no metrics data")
+		return nil
+	}
+
+	if err := g.addFileToZip(&buf, "metrics.txt"); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("add metrics file to zip: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	log.Debugf("added metrics to debug bundle")
+	return nil
+}
+
 func (g *BundleGenerator) addLogfile() error {
 	if g.logPath == "" {
 		log.Debugf("skipping empty log file in debug bundle")

client/internal/debug/debug_android.go

@@ -0,0 +1,41 @@
+//go:build android
+
+package debug
+
+import (
+	"fmt"
+	"io"
+	"os/exec"
+
+	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
+)
+
+func (g *BundleGenerator) addPlatformLog() error {
+	cmd := exec.Command("/system/bin/logcat", "-d")
+	stdout, err := cmd.StdoutPipe()
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("logcat stdout pipe: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	if err := cmd.Start(); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("start logcat: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	var logReader io.Reader = stdout
+	if g.anonymize {
+		var pw *io.PipeWriter
+		logReader, pw = io.Pipe()
+		go anonymizeLog(stdout, pw, g.anonymizer)
+	}
+
+	if err := g.addFileToZip(logReader, "logcat.txt"); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("add logcat to zip: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	if err := cmd.Wait(); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("wait logcat: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	log.Debug("added logcat output to debug bundle")
+	return nil
+}

client/internal/debug/debug_nonandroid.go

@@ -0,0 +1,25 @@
+//go:build !android
+
+package debug
+
+import (
+	"slices"
+
+	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
+
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/util"
+)
+
+func (g *BundleGenerator) addPlatformLog() error {
+	if g.logPath != "" && !slices.Contains(util.SpecialLogs, g.logPath) {
+		if err := g.addLogfile(); err != nil {
+			log.Errorf("failed to add log file to debug bundle: %v", err)
+			if err := g.trySystemdLogFallback(); err != nil {
+				return err
+			}
+		}
+	} else if err := g.trySystemdLogFallback(); err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	return nil
+}

client/internal/debug/debug_test.go

@@ -1,8 +1,12 @@
 package debug
 
 import (
+	"archive/zip"
+	"bytes"
 	"encoding/json"
 	"net"
+	"os"
+	"path/filepath"
 	"strings"
 	"testing"
 
@@ -10,6 +14,7 @@ import (
 	"github.com/stretchr/testify/require"
 
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/anonymize"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/configs"
 	mgmProto "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/shared/management/proto"
 )
 
@@ -420,6 +425,226 @@ func TestAnonymizeNetworkMap(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 }
 
+func TestIsSensitiveEnvVar(t *testing.T) {
+	tests := []struct {
+		key       string
+		sensitive bool
+	}{
+		{"NB_SETUP_KEY", true},
+		{"NB_API_TOKEN", true},
+		{"NB_CLIENT_SECRET", true},
+		{"NB_PASSWORD", true},
+		{"NB_CREDENTIAL", true},
+		{"NB_LOG_LEVEL", false},
+		{"NB_MANAGEMENT_URL", false},
+		{"NB_HOSTNAME", false},
+		{"HOME", false},
+		{"PATH", false},
+	}
+	for _, tt := range tests {
+		t.Run(tt.key, func(t *testing.T) {
+			assert.Equal(t, tt.sensitive, isSensitiveEnvVar(tt.key))
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+func TestSanitizeServiceEnvVars(t *testing.T) {
+	tests := []struct {
+		name      string
+		anonymize bool
+		input     map[string]any
+		check     func(t *testing.T, params map[string]any)
+	}{
+		{
+			name:      "no env vars key",
+			anonymize: false,
+			input:     map[string]any{"management_url": "https://mgmt.example.com"},
+			check: func(t *testing.T, params map[string]any) {
+				t.Helper()
+				assert.Equal(t, "https://mgmt.example.com", params["management_url"], "non-env fields should be untouched")
+				_, ok := params[jsonKeyServiceEnv]
+				assert.False(t, ok, "service_env_vars should not be added")
+			},
+		},
+		{
+			name:      "non-NB vars are masked",
+			anonymize: false,
+			input: map[string]any{
+				jsonKeyServiceEnv: map[string]any{
+					"HOME":       "/root",
+					"PATH":       "/usr/bin",
+					"NB_LOG_LEVEL": "debug",
+				},
+			},
+			check: func(t *testing.T, params map[string]any) {
+				t.Helper()
+				env := params[jsonKeyServiceEnv].(map[string]any)
+				assert.Equal(t, maskedValue, env["HOME"], "non-NB_ var should be masked")
+				assert.Equal(t, maskedValue, env["PATH"], "non-NB_ var should be masked")
+				assert.Equal(t, "debug", env["NB_LOG_LEVEL"], "safe NB_ var should pass through")
+			},
+		},
+		{
+			name:      "sensitive NB vars are masked",
+			anonymize: false,
+			input: map[string]any{
+				jsonKeyServiceEnv: map[string]any{
+					"NB_SETUP_KEY":  "abc123",
+					"NB_API_TOKEN":  "tok_xyz",
+					"NB_LOG_LEVEL":  "info",
+				},
+			},
+			check: func(t *testing.T, params map[string]any) {
+				t.Helper()
+				env := params[jsonKeyServiceEnv].(map[string]any)
+				assert.Equal(t, maskedValue, env["NB_SETUP_KEY"], "sensitive NB_ var should be masked")
+				assert.Equal(t, maskedValue, env["NB_API_TOKEN"], "sensitive NB_ var should be masked")
+				assert.Equal(t, "info", env["NB_LOG_LEVEL"], "safe NB_ var should pass through")
+			},
+		},
+		{
+			name:      "safe NB vars anonymized when anonymize is true",
+			anonymize: true,
+			input: map[string]any{
+				jsonKeyServiceEnv: map[string]any{
+					"NB_MANAGEMENT_URL": "https://mgmt.example.com:443",
+					"NB_LOG_LEVEL":      "debug",
+					"NB_SETUP_KEY":      "secret",
+					"SOME_OTHER":        "val",
+				},
+			},
+			check: func(t *testing.T, params map[string]any) {
+				t.Helper()
+				env := params[jsonKeyServiceEnv].(map[string]any)
+				// Safe NB_ values should be anonymized (not the original, not masked)
+				mgmtVal := env["NB_MANAGEMENT_URL"].(string)
+				assert.NotEqual(t, "https://mgmt.example.com:443", mgmtVal, "should be anonymized")
+				assert.NotEqual(t, maskedValue, mgmtVal, "should not be masked")
+
+				logVal := env["NB_LOG_LEVEL"].(string)
+				assert.NotEqual(t, maskedValue, logVal, "safe NB_ var should not be masked")
+
+				// Sensitive and non-NB_ still masked
+				assert.Equal(t, maskedValue, env["NB_SETUP_KEY"])
+				assert.Equal(t, maskedValue, env["SOME_OTHER"])
+			},
+		},
+	}
+
+	for _, tt := range tests {
+		t.Run(tt.name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			anonymizer := anonymize.NewAnonymizer(anonymize.DefaultAddresses())
+			g := &BundleGenerator{
+				anonymize:  tt.anonymize,
+				anonymizer: anonymizer,
+			}
+			g.sanitizeServiceEnvVars(tt.input)
+			tt.check(t, tt.input)
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+func TestAddServiceParams(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Run("missing service.json returns nil", func(t *testing.T) {
+		g := &BundleGenerator{
+			anonymizer: anonymize.NewAnonymizer(anonymize.DefaultAddresses()),
+		}
+
+		origStateDir := configs.StateDir
+		configs.StateDir = t.TempDir()
+		t.Cleanup(func() { configs.StateDir = origStateDir })
+
+		err := g.addServiceParams()
+		assert.NoError(t, err)
+	})
+
+	t.Run("management_url anonymized when anonymize is true", func(t *testing.T) {
+		dir := t.TempDir()
+		origStateDir := configs.StateDir
+		configs.StateDir = dir
+		t.Cleanup(func() { configs.StateDir = origStateDir })
+
+		input := map[string]any{
+			jsonKeyManagementURL: "https://api.example.com:443",
+			jsonKeyServiceEnv: map[string]any{
+				"NB_LOG_LEVEL": "trace",
+			},
+		}
+		data, err := json.Marshal(input)
+		require.NoError(t, err)
+		require.NoError(t, os.WriteFile(filepath.Join(dir, serviceParamsFile), data, 0600))
+
+		var buf bytes.Buffer
+		zw := zip.NewWriter(&buf)
+
+		g := &BundleGenerator{
+			anonymize:  true,
+			anonymizer: anonymize.NewAnonymizer(anonymize.DefaultAddresses()),
+			archive:    zw,
+		}
+
+		require.NoError(t, g.addServiceParams())
+		require.NoError(t, zw.Close())
+
+		zr, err := zip.NewReader(bytes.NewReader(buf.Bytes()), int64(buf.Len()))
+		require.NoError(t, err)
+		require.Len(t, zr.File, 1)
+		assert.Equal(t, serviceParamsBundle, zr.File[0].Name)
+
+		rc, err := zr.File[0].Open()
+		require.NoError(t, err)
+		defer rc.Close()
+
+		var result map[string]any
+		require.NoError(t, json.NewDecoder(rc).Decode(&result))
+
+		mgmt := result[jsonKeyManagementURL].(string)
+		assert.NotEqual(t, "https://api.example.com:443", mgmt, "management_url should be anonymized")
+		assert.NotEmpty(t, mgmt)
+
+		env := result[jsonKeyServiceEnv].(map[string]any)
+		assert.NotEqual(t, maskedValue, env["NB_LOG_LEVEL"], "safe NB_ var should not be masked")
+	})
+
+	t.Run("management_url preserved when anonymize is false", func(t *testing.T) {
+		dir := t.TempDir()
+		origStateDir := configs.StateDir
+		configs.StateDir = dir
+		t.Cleanup(func() { configs.StateDir = origStateDir })
+
+		input := map[string]any{
+			jsonKeyManagementURL: "https://api.example.com:443",
+		}
+		data, err := json.Marshal(input)
+		require.NoError(t, err)
+		require.NoError(t, os.WriteFile(filepath.Join(dir, serviceParamsFile), data, 0600))
+
+		var buf bytes.Buffer
+		zw := zip.NewWriter(&buf)
+
+		g := &BundleGenerator{
+			anonymize:  false,
+			anonymizer: anonymize.NewAnonymizer(anonymize.DefaultAddresses()),
+			archive:    zw,
+		}
+
+		require.NoError(t, g.addServiceParams())
+		require.NoError(t, zw.Close())
+
+		zr, err := zip.NewReader(bytes.NewReader(buf.Bytes()), int64(buf.Len()))
+		require.NoError(t, err)
+
+		rc, err := zr.File[0].Open()
+		require.NoError(t, err)
+		defer rc.Close()
+
+		var result map[string]any
+		require.NoError(t, json.NewDecoder(rc).Decode(&result))
+
+		assert.Equal(t, "https://api.example.com:443", result[jsonKeyManagementURL], "management_url should be preserved")
+	})
+}
+
 // Helper function to check if IP is in CGNAT range
 func isInCGNATRange(ip net.IP) bool {
 	cgnat := net.IPNet{

client/internal/debug/upload_test.go

@@ -3,10 +3,12 @@ package debug
 import (
 	"context"
 	"errors"
+	"net"
 	"net/http"
 	"os"
 	"path/filepath"
 	"testing"
+	"time"
 
 	"github.com/stretchr/testify/require"
 
@@ -19,8 +21,10 @@ func TestUpload(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Skip("Skipping upload test on docker ci")
 	}
 	testDir := t.TempDir()
-	testURL := "http://localhost:8080"
+	addr := reserveLoopbackPort(t)
+	testURL := "http://" + addr
 	t.Setenv("SERVER_URL", testURL)
+	t.Setenv("SERVER_ADDRESS", addr)
 	t.Setenv("STORE_DIR", testDir)
 	srv := server.NewServer()
 	go func() {
@@ -33,6 +37,7 @@ func TestUpload(t *testing.T) {
 			t.Errorf("Failed to stop server: %v", err)
 		}
 	})
+	waitForServer(t, addr)
 
 	file := filepath.Join(t.TempDir(), "tmpfile")
 	fileContent := []byte("test file content")
@@ -47,3 +52,30 @@ func TestUpload(t *testing.T) {
 	require.NoError(t, err)
 	require.Equal(t, fileContent, createdFileContent)
 }
+
+// reserveLoopbackPort binds an ephemeral port on loopback to learn a free
+// address, then releases it so the server under test can rebind. The close/
+// rebind window is racy in theory; on loopback with a kernel-assigned port
+// it's essentially never contended in practice.
+func reserveLoopbackPort(t *testing.T) string {
+	t.Helper()
+	l, err := net.Listen("tcp", "127.0.0.1:0")
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+	addr := l.Addr().String()
+	require.NoError(t, l.Close())
+	return addr
+}
+
+func waitForServer(t *testing.T, addr string) {
+	t.Helper()
+	deadline := time.Now().Add(5 * time.Second)
+	for time.Now().Before(deadline) {
+		c, err := net.DialTimeout("tcp", addr, 100*time.Millisecond)
+		if err == nil {
+			_ = c.Close()
+			return
+		}
+		time.Sleep(20 * time.Millisecond)
+	}
+	t.Fatalf("server did not start listening on %s in time", addr)
+}

client/internal/dns/file_parser_unix.go

@@ -13,6 +13,7 @@ import (
 
 const (
 	defaultResolvConfPath = "/etc/resolv.conf"
+	nsswitchConfPath      = "/etc/nsswitch.conf"
 )
 
 type resolvConf struct {

client/internal/dns/handler_chain.go

@@ -1,7 +1,10 @@
 package dns
 
 import (
+	"context"
 	"fmt"
+	"math"
+	"net"
 	"slices"
 	"strconv"
 	"strings"
@@ -73,6 +76,9 @@ func (w *ResponseWriterChain) WriteMsg(m *dns.Msg) error {
 		return nil
 	}
 	w.response = m
+	if m.MsgHdr.Truncated {
+		w.SetMeta("truncated", "true")
+	}
 	return w.ResponseWriter.WriteMsg(m)
 }
 
@@ -189,16 +195,26 @@ func (c *HandlerChain) logHandlers() {
 }
 
 func (c *HandlerChain) ServeDNS(w dns.ResponseWriter, r *dns.Msg) {
+	c.dispatch(w, r, math.MaxInt)
+}
+
+// dispatch routes a DNS request through the chain, skipping handlers with
+// priority > maxPriority. Shared by ServeDNS and ResolveInternal.
+func (c *HandlerChain) dispatch(w dns.ResponseWriter, r *dns.Msg, maxPriority int) {
 	if len(r.Question) == 0 {
 		return
 	}
 
 	startTime := time.Now()
 	requestID := resutil.GenerateRequestID()
-	logger := log.WithFields(log.Fields{
+	fields := log.Fields{
 		"request_id": requestID,
 		"dns_id":     fmt.Sprintf("%04x", r.Id),
-	})
+	}
+	if addr := w.RemoteAddr(); addr != nil {
+		fields["client"] = addr.String()
+	}
+	logger := log.WithFields(fields)
 
 	question := r.Question[0]
 	qname := strings.ToLower(question.Name)
@@ -209,6 +225,9 @@ func (c *HandlerChain) ServeDNS(w dns.ResponseWriter, r *dns.Msg) {
 
 	// Try handlers in priority order
 	for _, entry := range handlers {
+		if entry.Priority > maxPriority {
+			continue
+		}
 		if !c.isHandlerMatch(qname, entry) {
 			continue
 		}
@@ -261,9 +280,58 @@ func (c *HandlerChain) logResponse(logger *log.Entry, cw *ResponseWriterChain, q
 		meta += " " + k + "=" + v
 	}
 
-	logger.Tracef("response: domain=%s rcode=%s answers=%s%s took=%s",
+	logger.Tracef("response: domain=%s rcode=%s answers=%s size=%dB%s took=%s",
 		qname, dns.RcodeToString[cw.response.Rcode], resutil.FormatAnswers(cw.response.Answer),
-		meta, time.Since(startTime))
+		cw.response.Len(), meta, time.Since(startTime))
+}
+
+// ResolveInternal runs an in-process DNS query against the chain, skipping any
+// handler with priority > maxPriority. Used by internal callers (e.g. the mgmt
+// cache refresher) that must bypass themselves to avoid loops. Honors ctx
+// cancellation; on ctx.Done the dispatch goroutine is left to drain on its own
+// (bounded by the invoked handler's internal timeout).
+func (c *HandlerChain) ResolveInternal(ctx context.Context, r *dns.Msg, maxPriority int) (*dns.Msg, error) {
+	if len(r.Question) == 0 {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("empty question")
+	}
+
+	base := &internalResponseWriter{}
+	done := make(chan struct{})
+	go func() {
+		c.dispatch(base, r, maxPriority)
+		close(done)
+	}()
+
+	select {
+	case <-done:
+	case <-ctx.Done():
+		// Prefer a completed response if dispatch finished concurrently with cancellation.
+		select {
+		case <-done:
+		default:
+			return nil, fmt.Errorf("resolve %s: %w", strings.ToLower(r.Question[0].Name), ctx.Err())
+		}
+	}
+
+	if base.response == nil || base.response.Rcode == dns.RcodeRefused {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("no handler resolved %s at priority ≤ %d",
+			strings.ToLower(r.Question[0].Name), maxPriority)
+	}
+	return base.response, nil
+}
+
+// HasRootHandlerAtOrBelow reports whether any "." handler is registered at
+// priority ≤ maxPriority.
+func (c *HandlerChain) HasRootHandlerAtOrBelow(maxPriority int) bool {
+	c.mu.RLock()
+	defer c.mu.RUnlock()
+
+	for _, h := range c.handlers {
+		if h.Pattern == "." && h.Priority <= maxPriority {
+			return true
+		}
+	}
+	return false
 }
 
 func (c *HandlerChain) isHandlerMatch(qname string, entry HandlerEntry) bool {
@@ -284,3 +352,36 @@ func (c *HandlerChain) isHandlerMatch(qname string, entry HandlerEntry) bool {
 		}
 	}
 }
+
+// internalResponseWriter captures a dns.Msg for in-process chain queries.
+type internalResponseWriter struct {
+	response *dns.Msg
+}
+
+func (w *internalResponseWriter) WriteMsg(m *dns.Msg) error { w.response = m; return nil }
+func (w *internalResponseWriter) LocalAddr() net.Addr       { return nil }
+func (w *internalResponseWriter) RemoteAddr() net.Addr      { return nil }
+
+// Write unpacks raw DNS bytes so handlers that call Write instead of WriteMsg
+// still surface their answer to ResolveInternal.
+func (w *internalResponseWriter) Write(p []byte) (int, error) {
+	msg := new(dns.Msg)
+	if err := msg.Unpack(p); err != nil {
+		return 0, err
+	}
+	w.response = msg
+	return len(p), nil
+}
+
+func (w *internalResponseWriter) Close() error      { return nil }
+func (w *internalResponseWriter) TsigStatus() error { return nil }
+
+// TsigTimersOnly is part of dns.ResponseWriter.
+func (w *internalResponseWriter) TsigTimersOnly(bool) {
+	// no-op: in-process queries carry no TSIG state.
+}
+
+// Hijack is part of dns.ResponseWriter.
+func (w *internalResponseWriter) Hijack() {
+	// no-op: in-process queries have no underlying connection to hand off.
+}

client/internal/dns/handler_chain_test.go

@@ -1,11 +1,15 @@
 package dns_test
 
 import (
+	"context"
+	"net"
 	"testing"
+	"time"
 
 	"github.com/miekg/dns"
 	"github.com/stretchr/testify/assert"
 	"github.com/stretchr/testify/mock"
+	"github.com/stretchr/testify/require"
 
 	nbdns "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/dns"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/dns/test"
@@ -1042,3 +1046,163 @@ func TestHandlerChain_AddRemoveRoundtrip(t *testing.T) {
 		})
 	}
 }
+
+// answeringHandler writes a fixed A record to ack the query. Used to verify
+// which handler ResolveInternal dispatches to.
+type answeringHandler struct {
+	name string
+	ip   string
+}
+
+func (h *answeringHandler) ServeDNS(w dns.ResponseWriter, r *dns.Msg) {
+	resp := &dns.Msg{}
+	resp.SetReply(r)
+	resp.Answer = []dns.RR{&dns.A{
+		Hdr: dns.RR_Header{Name: r.Question[0].Name, Rrtype: dns.TypeA, Class: dns.ClassINET, Ttl: 60},
+		A:   net.ParseIP(h.ip).To4(),
+	}}
+	_ = w.WriteMsg(resp)
+}
+
+func (h *answeringHandler) String() string { return h.name }
+
+func TestHandlerChain_ResolveInternal_SkipsAboveMaxPriority(t *testing.T) {
+	chain := nbdns.NewHandlerChain()
+
+	high := &answeringHandler{name: "high", ip: "10.0.0.1"}
+	low := &answeringHandler{name: "low", ip: "10.0.0.2"}
+
+	chain.AddHandler("example.com.", high, nbdns.PriorityMgmtCache)
+	chain.AddHandler("example.com.", low, nbdns.PriorityUpstream)
+
+	r := new(dns.Msg)
+	r.SetQuestion("example.com.", dns.TypeA)
+
+	resp, err := chain.ResolveInternal(context.Background(), r, nbdns.PriorityUpstream)
+	assert.NoError(t, err)
+	assert.NotNil(t, resp)
+	assert.Equal(t, 1, len(resp.Answer))
+	a, ok := resp.Answer[0].(*dns.A)
+	assert.True(t, ok)
+	assert.Equal(t, "10.0.0.2", a.A.String(), "should skip mgmtCache handler and resolve via upstream")
+}
+
+func TestHandlerChain_ResolveInternal_ErrorWhenNoMatch(t *testing.T) {
+	chain := nbdns.NewHandlerChain()
+	high := &answeringHandler{name: "high", ip: "10.0.0.1"}
+	chain.AddHandler("example.com.", high, nbdns.PriorityMgmtCache)
+
+	r := new(dns.Msg)
+	r.SetQuestion("example.com.", dns.TypeA)
+
+	_, err := chain.ResolveInternal(context.Background(), r, nbdns.PriorityUpstream)
+	assert.Error(t, err, "no handler at or below maxPriority should error")
+}
+
+// rawWriteHandler packs a response and calls ResponseWriter.Write directly
+// (instead of WriteMsg), exercising the internalResponseWriter.Write path.
+type rawWriteHandler struct {
+	ip string
+}
+
+func (h *rawWriteHandler) ServeDNS(w dns.ResponseWriter, r *dns.Msg) {
+	resp := &dns.Msg{}
+	resp.SetReply(r)
+	resp.Answer = []dns.RR{&dns.A{
+		Hdr: dns.RR_Header{Name: r.Question[0].Name, Rrtype: dns.TypeA, Class: dns.ClassINET, Ttl: 60},
+		A:   net.ParseIP(h.ip).To4(),
+	}}
+	packed, err := resp.Pack()
+	if err != nil {
+		return
+	}
+	_, _ = w.Write(packed)
+}
+
+func TestHandlerChain_ResolveInternal_CapturesRawWrite(t *testing.T) {
+	chain := nbdns.NewHandlerChain()
+	chain.AddHandler("example.com.", &rawWriteHandler{ip: "10.0.0.3"}, nbdns.PriorityUpstream)
+
+	r := new(dns.Msg)
+	r.SetQuestion("example.com.", dns.TypeA)
+
+	resp, err := chain.ResolveInternal(context.Background(), r, nbdns.PriorityUpstream)
+	assert.NoError(t, err)
+	require.NotNil(t, resp)
+	require.Len(t, resp.Answer, 1)
+	a, ok := resp.Answer[0].(*dns.A)
+	require.True(t, ok)
+	assert.Equal(t, "10.0.0.3", a.A.String(), "handlers calling Write(packed) must still surface their answer")
+}
+
+func TestHandlerChain_ResolveInternal_EmptyQuestion(t *testing.T) {
+	chain := nbdns.NewHandlerChain()
+	_, err := chain.ResolveInternal(context.Background(), new(dns.Msg), nbdns.PriorityUpstream)
+	assert.Error(t, err)
+}
+
+// hangingHandler blocks indefinitely until closed, simulating a wedged upstream.
+type hangingHandler struct {
+	block chan struct{}
+}
+
+func (h *hangingHandler) ServeDNS(w dns.ResponseWriter, r *dns.Msg) {
+	<-h.block
+	resp := &dns.Msg{}
+	resp.SetReply(r)
+	_ = w.WriteMsg(resp)
+}
+
+func (h *hangingHandler) String() string { return "hangingHandler" }
+
+func TestHandlerChain_ResolveInternal_HonorsContextTimeout(t *testing.T) {
+	chain := nbdns.NewHandlerChain()
+	h := &hangingHandler{block: make(chan struct{})}
+	defer close(h.block)
+
+	chain.AddHandler("example.com.", h, nbdns.PriorityUpstream)
+
+	r := new(dns.Msg)
+	r.SetQuestion("example.com.", dns.TypeA)
+
+	ctx, cancel := context.WithTimeout(context.Background(), 100*time.Millisecond)
+	defer cancel()
+
+	start := time.Now()
+	_, err := chain.ResolveInternal(ctx, r, nbdns.PriorityUpstream)
+	elapsed := time.Since(start)
+
+	assert.Error(t, err)
+	assert.ErrorIs(t, err, context.DeadlineExceeded)
+	assert.Less(t, elapsed, 500*time.Millisecond, "ResolveInternal must return shortly after ctx deadline")
+}
+
+func TestHandlerChain_HasRootHandlerAtOrBelow(t *testing.T) {
+	chain := nbdns.NewHandlerChain()
+	h := &answeringHandler{name: "h", ip: "10.0.0.1"}
+
+	assert.False(t, chain.HasRootHandlerAtOrBelow(nbdns.PriorityUpstream), "empty chain")
+
+	chain.AddHandler("example.com.", h, nbdns.PriorityUpstream)
+	assert.False(t, chain.HasRootHandlerAtOrBelow(nbdns.PriorityUpstream), "non-root handler does not count")
+
+	chain.AddHandler(".", h, nbdns.PriorityMgmtCache)
+	assert.False(t, chain.HasRootHandlerAtOrBelow(nbdns.PriorityUpstream), "root handler above threshold excluded")
+
+	chain.AddHandler(".", h, nbdns.PriorityDefault)
+	assert.True(t, chain.HasRootHandlerAtOrBelow(nbdns.PriorityUpstream), "root handler at PriorityDefault included")
+
+	chain.RemoveHandler(".", nbdns.PriorityDefault)
+	assert.False(t, chain.HasRootHandlerAtOrBelow(nbdns.PriorityUpstream))
+
+	// Primary nsgroup case: root handler lands at PriorityUpstream.
+	chain.AddHandler(".", h, nbdns.PriorityUpstream)
+	assert.True(t, chain.HasRootHandlerAtOrBelow(nbdns.PriorityUpstream), "root at PriorityUpstream included")
+	chain.RemoveHandler(".", nbdns.PriorityUpstream)
+
+	// Fallback case: original /etc/resolv.conf entries land at PriorityFallback.
+	chain.AddHandler(".", h, nbdns.PriorityFallback)
+	assert.True(t, chain.HasRootHandlerAtOrBelow(nbdns.PriorityUpstream), "root at PriorityFallback included")
+	chain.RemoveHandler(".", nbdns.PriorityFallback)
+	assert.False(t, chain.HasRootHandlerAtOrBelow(nbdns.PriorityUpstream))
+}

client/internal/dns/host_darwin.go

@@ -14,6 +14,8 @@ import (
 	"strings"
 	"sync"
 
+	"github.com/hashicorp/go-multierror"
+	nberrors "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/errors"
 	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
 	"golang.org/x/exp/maps"
 
@@ -22,6 +24,7 @@ import (
 
 const (
 	netbirdDNSStateKeyFormat            = "State:/Network/Service/NetBird-%s/DNS"
+	netbirdDNSStateKeyIndexedFormat     = "State:/Network/Service/NetBird-%s-%d/DNS"
 	globalIPv4State                     = "State:/Network/Global/IPv4"
 	primaryServiceStateKeyFormat        = "State:/Network/Service/%s/DNS"
 	keySupplementalMatchDomains         = "SupplementalMatchDomains"
@@ -35,6 +38,14 @@ const (
 	searchSuffix                        = "Search"
 	matchSuffix                         = "Match"
 	localSuffix                         = "Local"
+
+	// maxDomainsPerResolverEntry is the max number of domains per scutil resolver key.
+	// scutil's d.add has maxArgs=101 (key + * + 99 values), so 99 is the hard cap.
+	maxDomainsPerResolverEntry = 50
+
+	// maxDomainBytesPerResolverEntry is the max total bytes of domain strings per key.
+	// scutil has an undocumented ~2048 byte value buffer; we stay well under it.
+	maxDomainBytesPerResolverEntry = 1500
 )
 
 type systemConfigurator struct {
@@ -84,29 +95,24 @@ func (s *systemConfigurator) applyDNSConfig(config HostDNSConfig, stateManager *
 		searchDomains = append(searchDomains, strings.TrimSuffix(""+dConf.Domain, "."))
 	}
 
-	matchKey := getKeyWithInput(netbirdDNSStateKeyFormat, matchSuffix)
+	if err := s.removeKeysContaining(matchSuffix); err != nil {
-	var err error
+		log.Warnf("failed to remove old match keys: %v", err)
-	if len(matchDomains) != 0 {
-		err = s.addMatchDomains(matchKey, strings.Join(matchDomains, " "), config.ServerIP, config.ServerPort)
-	} else {
-		log.Infof("removing match domains from the system")
-		err = s.removeKeyFromSystemConfig(matchKey)
 	}
-	if err != nil {
+	if len(matchDomains) != 0 {
+		if err := s.addBatchedDomains(matchSuffix, matchDomains, config.ServerIP, config.ServerPort, false); err != nil {
 			return fmt.Errorf("add match domains: %w", err)
 		}
+	}
 	s.updateState(stateManager)
 
-	searchKey := getKeyWithInput(netbirdDNSStateKeyFormat, searchSuffix)
+	if err := s.removeKeysContaining(searchSuffix); err != nil {
-	if len(searchDomains) != 0 {
+		log.Warnf("failed to remove old search keys: %v", err)
-		err = s.addSearchDomains(searchKey, strings.Join(searchDomains, " "), config.ServerIP, config.ServerPort)
-	} else {
-		log.Infof("removing search domains from the system")
-		err = s.removeKeyFromSystemConfig(searchKey)
 	}
-	if err != nil {
+	if len(searchDomains) != 0 {
+		if err := s.addBatchedDomains(searchSuffix, searchDomains, config.ServerIP, config.ServerPort, true); err != nil {
 			return fmt.Errorf("add search domains: %w", err)
 		}
+	}
 	s.updateState(stateManager)
 
 	if err := s.flushDNSCache(); err != nil {
@@ -149,8 +155,7 @@ func (s *systemConfigurator) restoreHostDNS() error {
 
 func (s *systemConfigurator) getRemovableKeysWithDefaults() []string {
 	if len(s.createdKeys) == 0 {
-		// return defaults for startup calls
+		return s.discoverExistingKeys()
-		return []string{getKeyWithInput(netbirdDNSStateKeyFormat, searchSuffix), getKeyWithInput(netbirdDNSStateKeyFormat, matchSuffix)}
 	}
 
 	keys := make([]string, 0, len(s.createdKeys))
@@ -160,6 +165,47 @@ func (s *systemConfigurator) getRemovableKeysWithDefaults() []string {
 	return keys
 }
 
+// discoverExistingKeys probes scutil for all NetBird DNS keys that may exist.
+// This handles the case where createdKeys is empty (e.g., state file lost after unclean shutdown).
+func (s *systemConfigurator) discoverExistingKeys() []string {
+	dnsKeys, err := getSystemDNSKeys()
+	if err != nil {
+		log.Errorf("failed to get system DNS keys: %v", err)
+		return nil
+	}
+
+	var keys []string
+
+	for _, suffix := range []string{searchSuffix, matchSuffix, localSuffix} {
+		key := getKeyWithInput(netbirdDNSStateKeyFormat, suffix)
+		if strings.Contains(dnsKeys, key) {
+			keys = append(keys, key)
+		}
+	}
+
+	for _, suffix := range []string{searchSuffix, matchSuffix} {
+		for i := 0; ; i++ {
+			key := fmt.Sprintf(netbirdDNSStateKeyIndexedFormat, suffix, i)
+			if !strings.Contains(dnsKeys, key) {
+				break
+			}
+			keys = append(keys, key)
+		}
+	}
+
+	return keys
+}
+
+// getSystemDNSKeys gets all DNS keys
+func getSystemDNSKeys() (string, error) {
+	command := "list .*DNS\nquit\n"
+	out, err := runSystemConfigCommand(command)
+	if err != nil {
+		return "", err
+	}
+	return string(out), nil
+}
+
 func (s *systemConfigurator) removeKeyFromSystemConfig(key string) error {
 	line := buildRemoveKeyOperation(key)
 	_, err := runSystemConfigCommand(wrapCommand(line))
@@ -184,12 +230,11 @@ func (s *systemConfigurator) addLocalDNS() error {
 		return nil
 	}
 
-	if err := s.addSearchDomains(
+	domainsStr := strings.Join(s.systemDNSSettings.Domains, " ")
-		localKey,
+	if err := s.addDNSState(localKey, domainsStr, s.systemDNSSettings.ServerIP, s.systemDNSSettings.ServerPort, true); err != nil {
-		strings.Join(s.systemDNSSettings.Domains, " "), s.systemDNSSettings.ServerIP, s.systemDNSSettings.ServerPort,
+		return fmt.Errorf("add local dns state: %w", err)
-	); err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("add search domains: %w", err)
 	}
+	s.createdKeys[localKey] = struct{}{}
 
 	return nil
 }
@@ -280,28 +325,77 @@ func (s *systemConfigurator) getOriginalNameservers() []netip.Addr {
 	return slices.Clone(s.origNameservers)
 }
 
-func (s *systemConfigurator) addSearchDomains(key, domains string, ip netip.Addr, port int) error {
+// splitDomainsIntoBatches splits domains into batches respecting both element count and byte size limits.
-	err := s.addDNSState(key, domains, ip, port, true)
+func splitDomainsIntoBatches(domains []string) [][]string {
-	if err != nil {
+	if len(domains) == 0 {
-		return fmt.Errorf("add dns state: %w", err)
+		return nil
 	}
 
-	log.Infof("added %d search domains to the state. Domain list: %s", len(strings.Split(domains, " ")), domains)
+	var batches [][]string
+	var current []string
+	currentBytes := 0
 
-	s.createdKeys[key] = struct{}{}
+	for _, d := range domains {
+		domainLen := len(d)
+		newBytes := currentBytes + domainLen
+		if currentBytes > 0 {
+			newBytes++ // space separator
+		}
 
-	return nil
+		if len(current) > 0 && (len(current) >= maxDomainsPerResolverEntry || newBytes > maxDomainBytesPerResolverEntry) {
+			batches = append(batches, current)
+			current = nil
+			currentBytes = 0
+		}
+
+		current = append(current, d)
+		if currentBytes > 0 {
+			currentBytes += 1 + domainLen
+		} else {
+			currentBytes = domainLen
+		}
+	}
+
+	if len(current) > 0 {
+		batches = append(batches, current)
+	}
+
+	return batches
 }
 
-func (s *systemConfigurator) addMatchDomains(key, domains string, dnsServer netip.Addr, port int) error {
+// removeKeysContaining removes all created keys that contain the given substring.
-	err := s.addDNSState(key, domains, dnsServer, port, false)
+func (s *systemConfigurator) removeKeysContaining(suffix string) error {
-	if err != nil {
+	var toRemove []string
-		return fmt.Errorf("add dns state: %w", err)
+	for key := range s.createdKeys {
+		if strings.Contains(key, suffix) {
+			toRemove = append(toRemove, key)
+		}
+	}
+	var multiErr *multierror.Error
+	for _, key := range toRemove {
+		if err := s.removeKeyFromSystemConfig(key); err != nil {
+			multiErr = multierror.Append(multiErr, fmt.Errorf("couldn't remove key %s: %w", key, err))
+		}
+	}
+	return nberrors.FormatErrorOrNil(multiErr)
+}
+
+// addBatchedDomains splits domains into batches and creates indexed scutil keys for each batch.
+func (s *systemConfigurator) addBatchedDomains(suffix string, domains []string, ip netip.Addr, port int, enableSearch bool) error {
+	batches := splitDomainsIntoBatches(domains)
+
+	for i, batch := range batches {
+		key := fmt.Sprintf(netbirdDNSStateKeyIndexedFormat, suffix, i)
+		domainsStr := strings.Join(batch, " ")
+
+		if err := s.addDNSState(key, domainsStr, ip, port, enableSearch); err != nil {
+			return fmt.Errorf("add dns state for batch %d: %w", i, err)
 		}
 
-	log.Infof("added %d match domains to the state. Domain list: %s", len(strings.Split(domains, " ")), domains)
-
 		s.createdKeys[key] = struct{}{}
+	}
+
+	log.Infof("added %d %s domains across %d resolver entries", len(domains), suffix, len(batches))
 
 	return nil
 }
@@ -364,7 +458,6 @@ func (s *systemConfigurator) flushDNSCache() error {
 	if out, err := cmd.CombinedOutput(); err != nil {
 		return fmt.Errorf("restart mDNSResponder: %w, output: %s", err, out)
 	}
-
 	log.Info("flushed DNS cache")
 	return nil
 }

client/internal/dns/host_darwin_test.go

@@ -3,7 +3,10 @@
 package dns
 
 import (
+	"bufio"
+	"bytes"
 	"context"
+	"fmt"
 	"net/netip"
 	"os/exec"
 	"path/filepath"
@@ -49,17 +52,22 @@ func TestDarwinDNSUncleanShutdownCleanup(t *testing.T) {
 
 	require.NoError(t, sm.PersistState(context.Background()))
 
-	searchKey := getKeyWithInput(netbirdDNSStateKeyFormat, searchSuffix)
-	matchKey := getKeyWithInput(netbirdDNSStateKeyFormat, matchSuffix)
 	localKey := getKeyWithInput(netbirdDNSStateKeyFormat, localSuffix)
 
+	// Collect all created keys for cleanup verification
+	createdKeys := make([]string, 0, len(configurator.createdKeys))
+	for key := range configurator.createdKeys {
+		createdKeys = append(createdKeys, key)
+	}
+
 	defer func() {
-		for _, key := range []string{searchKey, matchKey, localKey} {
+		for _, key := range createdKeys {
 			_ = removeTestDNSKey(key)
 		}
+		_ = removeTestDNSKey(localKey)
 	}()
 
-	for _, key := range []string{searchKey, matchKey, localKey} {
+	for _, key := range createdKeys {
 		exists, err := checkDNSKeyExists(key)
 		require.NoError(t, err)
 		if exists {
@@ -83,13 +91,223 @@ func TestDarwinDNSUncleanShutdownCleanup(t *testing.T) {
 	err = shutdownState.Cleanup()
 	require.NoError(t, err)
 
-	for _, key := range []string{searchKey, matchKey, localKey} {
+	for _, key := range createdKeys {
 		exists, err := checkDNSKeyExists(key)
 		require.NoError(t, err)
 		assert.False(t, exists, "Key %s should NOT exist after cleanup", key)
 	}
 }
 
+// generateShortDomains generates domains like a.com, b.com, ..., aa.com, ab.com, etc.
+func generateShortDomains(count int) []string {
+	domains := make([]string, 0, count)
+	for i := range count {
+		label := ""
+		n := i
+		for {
+			label = string(rune('a'+n%26)) + label
+			n = n/26 - 1
+			if n < 0 {
+				break
+			}
+		}
+		domains = append(domains, label+".com")
+	}
+	return domains
+}
+
+// generateLongDomains generates domains like subdomain-000.department.organization-name.example.com
+func generateLongDomains(count int) []string {
+	domains := make([]string, 0, count)
+	for i := range count {
+		domains = append(domains, fmt.Sprintf("subdomain-%03d.department.organization-name.example.com", i))
+	}
+	return domains
+}
+
+// readDomainsFromKey reads the SupplementalMatchDomains array back from scutil for a given key.
+func readDomainsFromKey(t *testing.T, key string) []string {
+	t.Helper()
+
+	cmd := exec.Command(scutilPath)
+	cmd.Stdin = strings.NewReader(fmt.Sprintf("open\nshow %s\nquit\n", key))
+	out, err := cmd.Output()
+	require.NoError(t, err, "scutil show should succeed")
+
+	var domains []string
+	inArray := false
+	scanner := bufio.NewScanner(bytes.NewReader(out))
+	for scanner.Scan() {
+		line := strings.TrimSpace(scanner.Text())
+		if strings.HasPrefix(line, "SupplementalMatchDomains") && strings.Contains(line, "<array>") {
+			inArray = true
+			continue
+		}
+		if inArray {
+			if line == "}" {
+				break
+			}
+			// lines look like: "0 : a.com"
+			parts := strings.SplitN(line, " : ", 2)
+			if len(parts) == 2 {
+				domains = append(domains, parts[1])
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	require.NoError(t, scanner.Err())
+	return domains
+}
+
+func TestSplitDomainsIntoBatches(t *testing.T) {
+	tests := []struct {
+		name            string
+		domains         []string
+		expectedCount   int
+		checkAllPresent bool
+	}{
+		{
+			name:          "empty",
+			domains:       nil,
+			expectedCount: 0,
+		},
+		{
+			name:            "under_limit",
+			domains:         generateShortDomains(10),
+			expectedCount:   1,
+			checkAllPresent: true,
+		},
+		{
+			name:            "at_element_limit",
+			domains:         generateShortDomains(50),
+			expectedCount:   1,
+			checkAllPresent: true,
+		},
+		{
+			name:            "over_element_limit",
+			domains:         generateShortDomains(51),
+			expectedCount:   2,
+			checkAllPresent: true,
+		},
+		{
+			name:            "triple_element_limit",
+			domains:         generateShortDomains(150),
+			expectedCount:   3,
+			checkAllPresent: true,
+		},
+		{
+			name:            "long_domains_hit_byte_limit",
+			domains:         generateLongDomains(50),
+			checkAllPresent: true,
+		},
+		{
+			name:            "500_short_domains",
+			domains:         generateShortDomains(500),
+			expectedCount:   10,
+			checkAllPresent: true,
+		},
+		{
+			name:            "500_long_domains",
+			domains:         generateLongDomains(500),
+			checkAllPresent: true,
+		},
+	}
+
+	for _, tc := range tests {
+		t.Run(tc.name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			batches := splitDomainsIntoBatches(tc.domains)
+
+			if tc.expectedCount > 0 {
+				assert.Len(t, batches, tc.expectedCount, "expected %d batches", tc.expectedCount)
+			}
+
+			// Verify each batch respects limits
+			for i, batch := range batches {
+				assert.LessOrEqual(t, len(batch), maxDomainsPerResolverEntry,
+					"batch %d exceeds element limit", i)
+
+				totalBytes := 0
+				for j, d := range batch {
+					if j > 0 {
+						totalBytes++
+					}
+					totalBytes += len(d)
+				}
+				assert.LessOrEqual(t, totalBytes, maxDomainBytesPerResolverEntry,
+					"batch %d exceeds byte limit (%d bytes)", i, totalBytes)
+			}
+
+			if tc.checkAllPresent {
+				var all []string
+				for _, batch := range batches {
+					all = append(all, batch...)
+				}
+				assert.Equal(t, tc.domains, all, "all domains should be present in order")
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+// TestMatchDomainBatching writes increasing numbers of domains via the batching mechanism
+// and verifies all domains are readable across multiple scutil keys.
+func TestMatchDomainBatching(t *testing.T) {
+	if testing.Short() {
+		t.Skip("skipping scutil integration test in short mode")
+	}
+
+	testCases := []struct {
+		name      string
+		count     int
+		generator func(int) []string
+	}{
+		{"short_10", 10, generateShortDomains},
+		{"short_50", 50, generateShortDomains},
+		{"short_100", 100, generateShortDomains},
+		{"short_200", 200, generateShortDomains},
+		{"short_500", 500, generateShortDomains},
+		{"long_10", 10, generateLongDomains},
+		{"long_50", 50, generateLongDomains},
+		{"long_100", 100, generateLongDomains},
+		{"long_200", 200, generateLongDomains},
+		{"long_500", 500, generateLongDomains},
+	}
+
+	for _, tc := range testCases {
+		t.Run(tc.name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			configurator := &systemConfigurator{
+				createdKeys: make(map[string]struct{}),
+			}
+
+			defer func() {
+				for key := range configurator.createdKeys {
+					_ = removeTestDNSKey(key)
+				}
+			}()
+
+			domains := tc.generator(tc.count)
+			err := configurator.addBatchedDomains(matchSuffix, domains, netip.MustParseAddr("100.64.0.1"), 53, false)
+			require.NoError(t, err)
+
+			batches := splitDomainsIntoBatches(domains)
+			t.Logf("wrote %d domains across %d batched keys", tc.count, len(batches))
+
+			// Read back all domains from all batched keys
+			var got []string
+			for i := range batches {
+				key := fmt.Sprintf(netbirdDNSStateKeyIndexedFormat, matchSuffix, i)
+				exists, err := checkDNSKeyExists(key)
+				require.NoError(t, err)
+				require.True(t, exists, "key %s should exist", key)
+
+				got = append(got, readDomainsFromKey(t, key)...)
+			}
+
+			t.Logf("read back %d/%d domains from %d keys", len(got), tc.count, len(batches))
+			assert.Equal(t, tc.count, len(got), "all domains should be readable")
+			assert.Equal(t, domains, got, "domains should match in order")
+		})
+	}
+}
+
 func checkDNSKeyExists(key string) (bool, error) {
 	cmd := exec.Command(scutilPath)
 	cmd.Stdin = strings.NewReader("show " + key + "\nquit\n")
@@ -158,15 +376,15 @@ func setupTestConfigurator(t *testing.T) (*systemConfigurator, *statemanager.Man
 		createdKeys: make(map[string]struct{}),
 	}
 
-	searchKey := getKeyWithInput(netbirdDNSStateKeyFormat, searchSuffix)
-	matchKey := getKeyWithInput(netbirdDNSStateKeyFormat, matchSuffix)
-	localKey := getKeyWithInput(netbirdDNSStateKeyFormat, localSuffix)
-
 	cleanup := func() {
 		_ = sm.Stop(context.Background())
-		for _, key := range []string{searchKey, matchKey, localKey} {
+		for key := range configurator.createdKeys {
 			_ = removeTestDNSKey(key)
 		}
+		// Also clean up old-format keys and local key in case they exist
+		_ = removeTestDNSKey(getKeyWithInput(netbirdDNSStateKeyFormat, searchSuffix))
+		_ = removeTestDNSKey(getKeyWithInput(netbirdDNSStateKeyFormat, matchSuffix))
+		_ = removeTestDNSKey(getKeyWithInput(netbirdDNSStateKeyFormat, localSuffix))
 	}
 
 	return configurator, sm, cleanup

client/internal/dns/host_unix.go

@@ -46,12 +46,12 @@ type restoreHostManager interface {
 }
 
 func newHostManager(wgInterface string) (hostManager, error) {
-	osManager, err := getOSDNSManagerType()
+	osManager, reason, err := getOSDNSManagerType()
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, fmt.Errorf("get os dns manager type: %w", err)
 	}
 
-	log.Infof("System DNS manager discovered: %s", osManager)
+	log.Infof("System DNS manager discovered: %s (%s)", osManager, reason)
 	mgr, err := newHostManagerFromType(wgInterface, osManager)
 	// need to explicitly return nil mgr on error to avoid returning a non-nil interface containing a nil value
 	if err != nil {
@@ -74,17 +74,49 @@ func newHostManagerFromType(wgInterface string, osManager osManagerType) (restor
 	}
 }
 
-func getOSDNSManagerType() (osManagerType, error) {
+func getOSDNSManagerType() (osManagerType, string, error) {
+	resolved := isSystemdResolvedRunning()
+	nss := isLibnssResolveUsed()
+	stub := checkStub()
+
+	// Prefer systemd-resolved whenever it owns libc resolution, regardless of
+	// who wrote /etc/resolv.conf. File-mode rewrites do not affect lookups
+	// that go through nss-resolve, and in foreign mode they can loop back
+	// through resolved as an upstream.
+	if resolved && (nss || stub) {
+		return systemdManager, fmt.Sprintf("systemd-resolved active (nss-resolve=%t, stub=%t)", nss, stub), nil
+	}
+
+	mgr, reason, rejected, err := scanResolvConfHeader()
+	if err != nil {
+		return 0, "", err
+	}
+	if reason != "" {
+		return mgr, reason, nil
+	}
+
+	fallback := fmt.Sprintf("no manager matched (resolved=%t, nss-resolve=%t, stub=%t)", resolved, nss, stub)
+	if len(rejected) > 0 {
+		fallback += "; rejected: " + strings.Join(rejected, ", ")
+	}
+	return fileManager, fallback, nil
+}
+
+// scanResolvConfHeader walks /etc/resolv.conf header comments and returns the
+// matching manager. If reason is empty the caller should pick file mode and
+// use rejected for diagnostics.
+func scanResolvConfHeader() (osManagerType, string, []string, error) {
 	file, err := os.Open(defaultResolvConfPath)
 	if err != nil {
-		return 0, fmt.Errorf("unable to open %s for checking owner, got error: %w", defaultResolvConfPath, err)
+		return 0, "", nil, fmt.Errorf("unable to open %s for checking owner, got error: %w", defaultResolvConfPath, err)
 	}
 	defer func() {
-		if err := file.Close(); err != nil {
+		if cerr := file.Close(); cerr != nil {
-			log.Errorf("close file %s: %s", defaultResolvConfPath, err)
+			log.Errorf("close file %s: %s", defaultResolvConfPath, cerr)
 		}
 	}()
 
+	var rejected []string
 	scanner := bufio.NewScanner(file)
 	for scanner.Scan() {
 		text := scanner.Text()
@@ -92,41 +124,48 @@ func getOSDNSManagerType() (osManagerType, error) {
 			continue
 		}
 		if text[0] != '#' {
-			return fileManager, nil
+			break
 		}
-		if strings.Contains(text, fileGeneratedResolvConfContentHeader) {
+		if mgr, reason, rej := matchResolvConfHeader(text); reason != "" {
-			return netbirdManager, nil
+			return mgr, reason, nil, nil
-		}
+		} else if rej != "" {
-		if strings.Contains(text, "NetworkManager") && isDbusListenerRunning(networkManagerDest, networkManagerDbusObjectNode) && isNetworkManagerSupported() {
+			rejected = append(rejected, rej)
-			return networkManager, nil
-		}
-		if strings.Contains(text, "systemd-resolved") && isSystemdResolvedRunning() {
-			if checkStub() {
-				return systemdManager, nil
-			} else {
-				return fileManager, nil
-			}
-		}
-		if strings.Contains(text, "resolvconf") {
-			if isSystemdResolveConfMode() {
-				return systemdManager, nil
-			}
-
-			return resolvConfManager, nil
 		}
 	}
 	if err := scanner.Err(); err != nil && err != io.EOF {
-		return 0, fmt.Errorf("scan: %w", err)
+		return 0, "", nil, fmt.Errorf("scan: %w", err)
 	}
-
+	return 0, "", rejected, nil
-	return fileManager, nil
 }
 
-// checkStub checks if the stub resolver is disabled in systemd-resolved. If it is disabled, we fall back to file manager.
+// matchResolvConfHeader inspects a single comment line. Returns either a
+// definitive (manager, reason) or a non-empty rejected diagnostic.
+func matchResolvConfHeader(text string) (osManagerType, string, string) {
+	if strings.Contains(text, fileGeneratedResolvConfContentHeader) {
+		return netbirdManager, "netbird-managed resolv.conf header detected", ""
+	}
+	if strings.Contains(text, "NetworkManager") {
+		if isDbusListenerRunning(networkManagerDest, networkManagerDbusObjectNode) && isNetworkManagerSupported() {
+			return networkManager, "NetworkManager header + supported version on dbus", ""
+		}
+		return 0, "", "NetworkManager header (no dbus or unsupported version)"
+	}
+	if strings.Contains(text, "resolvconf") {
+		if isSystemdResolveConfMode() {
+			return systemdManager, "resolvconf header in systemd-resolved compatibility mode", ""
+		}
+		return resolvConfManager, "resolvconf header detected", ""
+	}
+	return 0, "", ""
+}
+
+// checkStub reports whether systemd-resolved's stub (127.0.0.53) is listed
+// in /etc/resolv.conf. On parse failure we assume it is, to avoid dropping
+// into file mode while resolved is active.
 func checkStub() bool {
 	rConf, err := parseDefaultResolvConf()
 	if err != nil {
-		log.Warnf("failed to parse resolv conf: %s", err)
+		log.Warnf("failed to parse resolv conf, assuming stub is active: %s", err)
 		return true
 	}
 
@@ -139,3 +178,36 @@ func checkStub() bool {
 
 	return false
 }
+
+// isLibnssResolveUsed reports whether nss-resolve is listed before dns on
+// the hosts: line of /etc/nsswitch.conf. When it is, libc lookups are
+// delegated to systemd-resolved regardless of /etc/resolv.conf.
+func isLibnssResolveUsed() bool {
+	bs, err := os.ReadFile(nsswitchConfPath)
+	if err != nil {
+		log.Debugf("read %s: %v", nsswitchConfPath, err)
+		return false
+	}
+	return parseNsswitchResolveAhead(bs)
+}
+
+func parseNsswitchResolveAhead(data []byte) bool {
+	for _, line := range strings.Split(string(data), "\n") {
+		if i := strings.IndexByte(line, '#'); i >= 0 {
+			line = line[:i]
+		}
+		fields := strings.Fields(line)
+		if len(fields) < 2 || fields[0] != "hosts:" {
+			continue
+		}
+		for _, module := range fields[1:] {
+			switch module {
+			case "dns":
+				return false
+			case "resolve":
+				return true
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	return false
+}

client/internal/dns/host_unix_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,76 @@
+//go:build (linux && !android) || freebsd
+
+package dns
+
+import "testing"
+
+func TestParseNsswitchResolveAhead(t *testing.T) {
+	tests := []struct {
+		name string
+		in   string
+		want bool
+	}{
+		{
+			name: "resolve before dns with action token",
+			in:   "hosts: mymachines resolve [!UNAVAIL=return] files myhostname dns\n",
+			want: true,
+		},
+		{
+			name: "dns before resolve",
+			in:   "hosts: files mdns4_minimal [NOTFOUND=return] dns resolve\n",
+			want: false,
+		},
+		{
+			name: "debian default with only dns",
+			in:   "hosts: files mdns4_minimal [NOTFOUND=return] dns mymachines\n",
+			want: false,
+		},
+		{
+			name: "neither resolve nor dns",
+			in:   "hosts: files myhostname\n",
+			want: false,
+		},
+		{
+			name: "no hosts line",
+			in:   "passwd: files systemd\ngroup: files systemd\n",
+			want: false,
+		},
+		{
+			name: "empty",
+			in:   "",
+			want: false,
+		},
+		{
+			name: "comments and blank lines ignored",
+			in:   "# comment\n\n# another\nhosts: resolve dns\n",
+			want: true,
+		},
+		{
+			name: "trailing inline comment",
+			in:   "hosts: resolve [!UNAVAIL=return] dns # fallback\n",
+			want: true,
+		},
+		{
+			name: "hosts token must be the first field",
+			in:   "  hosts: resolve dns\n",
+			want: true,
+		},
+		{
+			name: "other db line mentioning resolve is ignored",
+			in:   "networks: resolve\nhosts: dns\n",
+			want: false,
+		},
+		{
+			name: "only resolve, no dns",
+			in:   "hosts: files resolve\n",
+			want: true,
+		},
+	}
+	for _, tt := range tests {
+		t.Run(tt.name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			if got := parseNsswitchResolveAhead([]byte(tt.in)); got != tt.want {
+				t.Errorf("parseNsswitchResolveAhead() = %v, want %v", got, tt.want)
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}