Add embedded VNC server with JWT auth, DXGI capture, and dashboard integration

* [client] Fix flow client Receive retry loop not stopping after Close

Use backoff.Permanent for canceled gRPC errors so Receive returns
immediately instead of retrying until context deadline when the
connection is already closed. Add TestNewClient_PermanentClose to
verify the behavior.

The connectivity.Shutdown check was meaningless because when the connection is
shut down, c.realClient.Events(ctx, grpc.WaitForReady(true)) on the nex line
already fails with codes.Canceled — which is now handled as a permanent error.
The explicit state check was just duplicating what gRPC already reports
through its normal error path.

* [client] remove WaitForReady from stream open call

grpc.WaitForReady(true) parks the RPC call internally until the
connection reaches READY, only unblocking on ctx cancellation.
This means the external backoff.Retry loop in Receive() never gets
control back during a connection outage — it cannot tick, log, or
apply its retry intervals while WaitForReady is blocking.

Removing it restores fail-fast behaviour: Events() returns immediately
with codes.Unavailable when the connection is not ready, which is
exactly what the backoff loop expects. The backoff becomes the single
authority over retry timing and cadence, as originally intended.

* [client] Add connection recreation and improve flow client error handling

Store gRPC dial options on the client to enable connection recreation
on Internal errors (RST_STREAM/PROTOCOL_ERROR). Treat Unauthenticated,
PermissionDenied, and Unimplemented as permanent failures. Unify mutex
usage and add reconnection logging for better observability.

* [client] Remove Unauthenticated, PermissionDenied, and Unimplemented from permanent error handling

* [client] Fix error handling in Receive to properly re-establish stream and improve reconnection messaging

* Fix test

* [client] Add graceful shutdown handling and test for concurrent Close during Receive

Prevent reconnection attempts after client closure by tracking a `closed` flag. Use `backoff.Permanent` for errors caused by operations on a closed client. Add a test to ensure `Close` does not block when `Receive` is actively running.

* [client] Fix connection swap to properly close old gRPC connection

Close the old `gRPC.ClientConn` after successfully swapping to a new connection during reconnection.

* [client] Reset backoff

* [client] Ensure stream closure on error during initialization

* [client] Add test for handling server-side stream closure and reconnection

Introduce `TestReceive_ServerClosesStream` to verify the client's ability to recover and process acknowledgments after the server closes the stream. Enhance test server with a controlled stream closure mechanism.

* [client] Add protocol error simulation and enhance reconnection test

Introduce `connTrackListener` to simulate HTTP/2 RST_STREAM with PROTOCOL_ERROR for testing. Refactor and rename `TestReceive_ServerClosesStream` to `TestReceive_ProtocolErrorStreamReconnect` to verify client recovery on protocol errors.

* [client] Update Close error message in test for clarity

* [client] Fine-tune the tests

* [client] Adjust connection tracking in reconnection test

* [client] Wait for Events handler to exit in RST_STREAM reconnection test

Ensure the old `Events` handler exits fully before proceeding in the reconnection test to avoid dropped acknowledgments on a broken stream. Add a `handlerDone` channel to synchronize handler exits.

* [client] Prevent panic on nil connection during Close

* [client] Refactor connection handling to use explicit target tracking

Introduce `target` field to store the gRPC connection target directly, simplifying reconnections and ensuring consistent connection reuse logic.

* [client] Rename `isCancellation` to `isContextDone` and extend handling for `DeadlineExceeded`

Refactor error handling to include `DeadlineExceeded` scenarios alongside `Canceled`. Update related condition checks for consistency.

* [client] Add connection generation tracking to prevent stale reconnections

Introduce `connGen` to track connection generations and ensure that stale `recreateConnection` calls do not override newer connections. Update stream establishment and reconnection logic to incorporate generation validation.

* [client] Add backoff reset condition to prevent short-lived retry cycles

Refine backoff reset logic to ensure it only occurs for sufficiently long-lived stream connections, avoiding interference with `MaxElapsedTime`.

* [client] Introduce `minHealthyDuration` to refine backoff reset logic

Add `minHealthyDuration` constant to ensure stream retries only reset the backoff timer if the stream survives beyond a minimum duration. Prevents unhealthy, short-lived streams from interfering with `MaxElapsedTime`.

* [client] IPv6 friendly connection

parsedURL.Hostname() strips IPv6 brackets. For http://[::1]:443, this turns it into ::1:443, which is not a valid host:port target for gRPC. Additionally, fmt.Sprintf("%s:%s", hostname, port) produces a trailing colon when the URL has no explicit port—http://example.com becomes example.com:. Both cases break the initial dial and reconnect paths. Use parsedURL.Host directly instead.

* [client] Add `handlerStarted` channel to synchronize stream establishment in tests

Introduce `handlerStarted` channel in the test server to signal when the server-side handler begins, ensuring robust synchronization between client and server during stream establishment. Update relevant test cases to wait for this signal before proceeding.

* [client] Replace `receivedAcks` map with atomic counter and improve stream establishment sync in tests

Refactor acknowledgment tracking in tests to use an `atomic.Int32` counter instead of a map. Replace fixed sleep with robust synchronization by waiting on `handlerStarted` signal for stream establishment.

* [client] Extract `handleReceiveError` to simplify receive logic

Refactor error handling in `receive` to a dedicated `handleReceiveError` method. Streamlines the main logic and isolates error recovery, including backoff reset and connection recreation.

* [client] recreate gRPC ClientConn on every retry to prevent dual backoff

The flow client had two competing retry loops: our custom exponential
backoff and gRPC's internal subchannel reconnection. When establishStream
failed, the same ClientConn was reused, allowing gRPC's internal backoff
state to accumulate and control dial timing independently.

Changes:
- Consolidate error handling into handleRetryableError, which now
 handles context cancellation, permanent errors, backoff reset,
 and connection recreation in a single path
- Call recreateConnection on every retryable error so each retry
 gets a fresh ClientConn with no internal backoff state
- Remove connGen tracking since Receive is sequential and protected
 by a new receiving guard against concurrent calls
- Reduce RandomizationFactor from 1 to 0.5 to avoid near-zero
 backoff intervals

.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/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,te
+          ignore_words_list: erro,clienta,hastable,iif,groupd,testin,groupe,cros,ans,deriver,te,userA
           skip: go.mod,go.sum,**/proxy/web/**
   golangci:
     strategy:

.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
 
@@ -166,6 +186,10 @@ 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>

client/cmd/debug.go

@@ -199,9 +199,11 @@ 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 {
 		cmd.PrintErrf("Failed to bring service down: %v\n", status.Convert(err).Message())
 	} else {
+		needsRestoreUp = !stateWasDown
 		cmd.Println("netbird down")
 	}
 
@@ -217,6 +219,7 @@ func runForDuration(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) error {
 	if _, err := client.Up(cmd.Context(), &proto.UpRequest{}); err != nil {
 		cmd.PrintErrf("Failed to bring service up: %v\n", status.Convert(err).Message())
 	} else {
+		needsRestoreUp = false
 		cmd.Println("netbird up")
 	}
 
@@ -264,6 +267,14 @@ 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 {
 			cmd.PrintErrf("Failed to restore service down state: %v\n", status.Convert(err).Message())

client/cmd/expose.go

@@ -14,6 +14,7 @@ import (
 
 	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"
@@ -201,7 +202,7 @@ func exposeFn(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) error {
 
 	stream, err := client.ExposeService(ctx, req)
 	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("expose service: %w", err)
+		return fmt.Errorf("expose service: %v", status.Convert(err).Message())
 	}
 
 	if err := handleExposeReady(cmd, stream, port); err != nil {
@@ -236,7 +237,7 @@ func toExposeProtocol(exposeProtocol string) (proto.ExposeProtocol, error) {
 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: %w", err)
+		return fmt.Errorf("receive expose event: %v", status.Convert(err).Message())
 	}
 
 	ready, ok := event.Event.(*proto.ExposeServiceEvent_Ready)

client/cmd/root.go

@@ -150,6 +150,7 @@ func init() {
 	rootCmd.AddCommand(logoutCmd)
 	rootCmd.AddCommand(versionCmd)
 	rootCmd.AddCommand(sshCmd)
+	rootCmd.AddCommand(vncCmd)
 	rootCmd.AddCommand(networksCMD)
 	rootCmd.AddCommand(forwardingRulesCmd)
 	rootCmd.AddCommand(debugCmd)

client/cmd/service_params_test.go

@@ -25,10 +25,10 @@ func TestServiceParamsPath(t *testing.T) {
 	t.Cleanup(func() { configs.StateDir = original })
 
 	configs.StateDir = "/var/lib/netbird"
-	assert.Equal(t, "/var/lib/netbird/service.json", serviceParamsPath())
+	assert.Equal(t, filepath.Join("/var/lib/netbird", "service.json"), serviceParamsPath())
 
 	configs.StateDir = "/custom/state"
-	assert.Equal(t, "/custom/state/service.json", serviceParamsPath())
+	assert.Equal(t, filepath.Join("/custom/state", "service.json"), serviceParamsPath())
 }
 
 func TestSaveAndLoadServiceParams(t *testing.T) {

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/ssh.go

@@ -36,7 +36,10 @@ const (
 	enableSSHLocalPortForwardFlag  = "enable-ssh-local-port-forwarding"
 	enableSSHRemotePortForwardFlag = "enable-ssh-remote-port-forwarding"
 	disableSSHAuthFlag             = "disable-ssh-auth"
-	sshJWTCacheTTLFlag             = "ssh-jwt-cache-ttl"
+	jwtCacheTTLFlag                = "jwt-cache-ttl"
+
+	// Alias for backward compatibility.
+	sshJWTCacheTTLFlag = "ssh-jwt-cache-ttl"
 )
 
 var (
@@ -61,7 +64,7 @@ var (
 	enableSSHLocalPortForward  bool
 	enableSSHRemotePortForward bool
 	disableSSHAuth             bool
-	sshJWTCacheTTL             int
+	jwtCacheTTL                int
 )
 
 func init() {
@@ -71,7 +74,9 @@ func init() {
 	upCmd.PersistentFlags().BoolVar(&enableSSHLocalPortForward, enableSSHLocalPortForwardFlag, false, "Enable local port forwarding for SSH server")
 	upCmd.PersistentFlags().BoolVar(&enableSSHRemotePortForward, enableSSHRemotePortForwardFlag, false, "Enable remote port forwarding for SSH server")
 	upCmd.PersistentFlags().BoolVar(&disableSSHAuth, disableSSHAuthFlag, false, "Disable SSH authentication")
-	upCmd.PersistentFlags().IntVar(&sshJWTCacheTTL, sshJWTCacheTTLFlag, 0, "SSH JWT token cache TTL in seconds (0=disabled)")
+	upCmd.PersistentFlags().IntVar(&jwtCacheTTL, jwtCacheTTLFlag, 0, "JWT token cache TTL in seconds (0=disabled)")
+	upCmd.PersistentFlags().IntVar(&jwtCacheTTL, sshJWTCacheTTLFlag, 0, "JWT token cache TTL in seconds (alias for --jwt-cache-ttl)")
+	_ = upCmd.PersistentFlags().MarkDeprecated(sshJWTCacheTTLFlag, "use --jwt-cache-ttl instead")
 
 	sshCmd.PersistentFlags().IntVarP(&port, "port", "p", sshserver.DefaultSSHPort, "Remote SSH port")
 	sshCmd.PersistentFlags().StringVarP(&username, "user", "u", "", sshUsernameDesc)

client/cmd/up.go

@@ -356,6 +356,9 @@ func setupSetConfigReq(customDNSAddressConverted []byte, cmd *cobra.Command, pro
 	if cmd.Flag(serverSSHAllowedFlag).Changed {
 		req.ServerSSHAllowed = &serverSSHAllowed
 	}
+	if cmd.Flag(serverVNCAllowedFlag).Changed {
+		req.ServerVNCAllowed = &serverVNCAllowed
+	}
 	if cmd.Flag(enableSSHRootFlag).Changed {
 		req.EnableSSHRoot = &enableSSHRoot
 	}
@@ -371,9 +374,12 @@ func setupSetConfigReq(customDNSAddressConverted []byte, cmd *cobra.Command, pro
 	if cmd.Flag(disableSSHAuthFlag).Changed {
 		req.DisableSSHAuth = &disableSSHAuth
 	}
-	if cmd.Flag(sshJWTCacheTTLFlag).Changed {
-		sshJWTCacheTTL32 := int32(sshJWTCacheTTL)
-		req.SshJWTCacheTTL = &sshJWTCacheTTL32
+	if cmd.Flag(disableVNCAuthFlag).Changed {
+		req.DisableVNCAuth = &disableVNCAuth
+	}
+	if cmd.Flag(jwtCacheTTLFlag).Changed || cmd.Flag(sshJWTCacheTTLFlag).Changed {
+		jwtCacheTTL32 := int32(jwtCacheTTL)
+		req.SshJWTCacheTTL = &jwtCacheTTL32
 	}
 	if cmd.Flag(interfaceNameFlag).Changed {
 		if err := parseInterfaceName(interfaceName); err != nil {
@@ -458,6 +464,9 @@ func setupConfig(customDNSAddressConverted []byte, cmd *cobra.Command, configFil
 	if cmd.Flag(serverSSHAllowedFlag).Changed {
 		ic.ServerSSHAllowed = &serverSSHAllowed
 	}
+	if cmd.Flag(serverVNCAllowedFlag).Changed {
+		ic.ServerVNCAllowed = &serverVNCAllowed
+	}
 
 	if cmd.Flag(enableSSHRootFlag).Changed {
 		ic.EnableSSHRoot = &enableSSHRoot
@@ -479,8 +488,12 @@ func setupConfig(customDNSAddressConverted []byte, cmd *cobra.Command, configFil
 		ic.DisableSSHAuth = &disableSSHAuth
 	}
 
-	if cmd.Flag(sshJWTCacheTTLFlag).Changed {
-		ic.SSHJWTCacheTTL = &sshJWTCacheTTL
+	if cmd.Flag(disableVNCAuthFlag).Changed {
+		ic.DisableVNCAuth = &disableVNCAuth
+	}
+
+	if cmd.Flag(jwtCacheTTLFlag).Changed || cmd.Flag(sshJWTCacheTTLFlag).Changed {
+		ic.SSHJWTCacheTTL = &jwtCacheTTL
 	}
 
 	if cmd.Flag(interfaceNameFlag).Changed {
@@ -582,6 +595,9 @@ func setupLoginRequest(providedSetupKey string, customDNSAddressConverted []byte
 	if cmd.Flag(serverSSHAllowedFlag).Changed {
 		loginRequest.ServerSSHAllowed = &serverSSHAllowed
 	}
+	if cmd.Flag(serverVNCAllowedFlag).Changed {
+		loginRequest.ServerVNCAllowed = &serverVNCAllowed
+	}
 
 	if cmd.Flag(enableSSHRootFlag).Changed {
 		loginRequest.EnableSSHRoot = &enableSSHRoot
@@ -603,9 +619,13 @@ func setupLoginRequest(providedSetupKey string, customDNSAddressConverted []byte
 		loginRequest.DisableSSHAuth = &disableSSHAuth
 	}
 
-	if cmd.Flag(sshJWTCacheTTLFlag).Changed {
-		sshJWTCacheTTL32 := int32(sshJWTCacheTTL)
-		loginRequest.SshJWTCacheTTL = &sshJWTCacheTTL32
+	if cmd.Flag(disableVNCAuthFlag).Changed {
+		loginRequest.DisableVNCAuth = &disableVNCAuth
+	}
+
+	if cmd.Flag(jwtCacheTTLFlag).Changed || cmd.Flag(sshJWTCacheTTLFlag).Changed {
+		jwtCacheTTL32 := int32(jwtCacheTTL)
+		loginRequest.SshJWTCacheTTL = &jwtCacheTTL32
 	}
 
 	if cmd.Flag(disableAutoConnectFlag).Changed {

client/cmd/vnc.go

@@ -0,0 +1,271 @@
+package cmd
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"encoding/binary"
+	"fmt"
+	"io"
+	"net"
+	"os"
+	"os/signal"
+	"os/user"
+	"strings"
+	"syscall"
+	"time"
+
+	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
+	"github.com/spf13/cobra"
+	"google.golang.org/grpc"
+	"google.golang.org/grpc/credentials/insecure"
+
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/profilemanager"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/proto"
+	nbssh "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/ssh"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/util"
+)
+
+var (
+	vncUsername  string
+	vncHost      string
+	vncMode      string
+	vncListen    string
+	vncNoBrowser bool
+	vncNoCache   bool
+)
+
+func init() {
+	vncCmd.PersistentFlags().StringVar(&vncUsername, "user", "", "OS username for session mode")
+	vncCmd.PersistentFlags().StringVar(&vncMode, "mode", "attach", "Connection mode: attach (view current display) or session (virtual desktop)")
+	vncCmd.PersistentFlags().StringVar(&vncListen, "listen", "", "Start local VNC proxy on this address (e.g., :5900) for external VNC viewers")
+	vncCmd.PersistentFlags().BoolVar(&vncNoBrowser, noBrowserFlag, false, noBrowserDesc)
+	vncCmd.PersistentFlags().BoolVar(&vncNoCache, "no-cache", false, "Skip cached JWT token and force fresh authentication")
+}
+
+var vncCmd = &cobra.Command{
+	Use:   "vnc [flags] [user@]host",
+	Short: "Connect to a NetBird peer via VNC",
+	Long: `Connect to a NetBird peer using VNC with JWT-based authentication.
+The target peer must have the VNC server enabled.
+
+Two modes are available:
+  - attach: view the current physical display (remote support)
+  - session: start a virtual desktop as the specified user (passwordless login)
+
+Use --listen to start a local proxy for external VNC viewers:
+  netbird vnc --listen :5900 peer-hostname
+  vncviewer localhost:5900
+
+Examples:
+  netbird vnc peer-hostname
+  netbird vnc --mode session --user alice peer-hostname
+  netbird vnc --listen :5900 peer-hostname`,
+	Args: cobra.MinimumNArgs(1),
+	RunE: vncFn,
+}
+
+func vncFn(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) error {
+	SetFlagsFromEnvVars(rootCmd)
+	SetFlagsFromEnvVars(cmd)
+	cmd.SetOut(cmd.OutOrStdout())
+
+	logOutput := "console"
+	if firstLogFile := util.FindFirstLogPath(logFiles); firstLogFile != "" && firstLogFile != defaultLogFile {
+		logOutput = firstLogFile
+	}
+	if err := util.InitLog(logLevel, logOutput); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("init log: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	if err := parseVNCHostArg(args[0]); err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+
+	ctx := internal.CtxInitState(cmd.Context())
+	sig := make(chan os.Signal, 1)
+	signal.Notify(sig, syscall.SIGTERM, syscall.SIGINT)
+	vncCtx, cancel := context.WithCancel(ctx)
+
+	errCh := make(chan error, 1)
+	go func() {
+		if err := runVNC(vncCtx, cmd); err != nil {
+			errCh <- err
+		}
+		cancel()
+	}()
+
+	select {
+	case <-sig:
+		cancel()
+		<-vncCtx.Done()
+		return nil
+	case err := <-errCh:
+		return err
+	case <-vncCtx.Done():
+	}
+
+	return nil
+}
+
+func parseVNCHostArg(arg string) error {
+	if strings.Contains(arg, "@") {
+		parts := strings.SplitN(arg, "@", 2)
+		if len(parts) != 2 || parts[0] == "" || parts[1] == "" {
+			return fmt.Errorf("invalid user@host format")
+		}
+		if vncUsername == "" {
+			vncUsername = parts[0]
+		}
+		vncHost = parts[1]
+		if vncMode == "attach" {
+			vncMode = "session"
+		}
+	} else {
+		vncHost = arg
+	}
+
+	if vncMode == "session" && vncUsername == "" {
+		if sudoUser := os.Getenv("SUDO_USER"); sudoUser != "" {
+			vncUsername = sudoUser
+		} else if currentUser, err := user.Current(); err == nil {
+			vncUsername = currentUser.Username
+		}
+	}
+
+	return nil
+}
+
+func runVNC(ctx context.Context, cmd *cobra.Command) error {
+	grpcAddr := strings.TrimPrefix(daemonAddr, "tcp://")
+	grpcConn, err := grpc.NewClient(grpcAddr, grpc.WithTransportCredentials(insecure.NewCredentials()))
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("connect to daemon: %w", err)
+	}
+	defer func() { _ = grpcConn.Close() }()
+
+	daemonClient := proto.NewDaemonServiceClient(grpcConn)
+
+	if vncMode == "session" {
+		cmd.Printf("Connecting to %s@%s [session mode]...\n", vncUsername, vncHost)
+	} else {
+		cmd.Printf("Connecting to %s [attach mode]...\n", vncHost)
+	}
+
+	// Obtain JWT token. If the daemon has no SSO configured, proceed without one
+	// (the server will accept unauthenticated connections if --disable-vnc-auth is set).
+	var jwtToken string
+	hint := profilemanager.GetLoginHint()
+	var browserOpener func(string) error
+	if !vncNoBrowser {
+		browserOpener = util.OpenBrowser
+	}
+
+	token, err := nbssh.RequestJWTToken(ctx, daemonClient, nil, cmd.ErrOrStderr(), !vncNoCache, hint, browserOpener)
+	if err != nil {
+		log.Debugf("JWT authentication unavailable, connecting without token: %v", err)
+	} else {
+		jwtToken = token
+		log.Debug("JWT authentication successful")
+	}
+
+	// Connect to the VNC server on the standard port (5900). The peer's firewall
+	// DNATs 5900 -> 25900 (internal), so both ports work on the overlay network.
+	vncAddr := net.JoinHostPort(vncHost, "5900")
+	vncConn, err := net.DialTimeout("tcp", vncAddr, vncDialTimeout)
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("connect to VNC at %s: %w", vncAddr, err)
+	}
+	defer vncConn.Close()
+
+	// Send session header with mode, username, and JWT.
+	if err := sendVNCHeader(vncConn, vncMode, vncUsername, jwtToken); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("send VNC header: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	cmd.Printf("VNC connected to %s\n", vncHost)
+
+	if vncListen != "" {
+		return runVNCLocalProxy(ctx, cmd, vncConn)
+	}
+
+	// No --listen flag: inform the user they need to use --listen for external viewers.
+	cmd.Printf("VNC tunnel established. Use --listen :5900 to proxy for local VNC viewers.\n")
+	cmd.Printf("Press Ctrl+C to disconnect.\n")
+	<-ctx.Done()
+	return nil
+}
+
+const vncDialTimeout = 15 * time.Second
+
+// sendVNCHeader writes the NetBird VNC session header.
+func sendVNCHeader(conn net.Conn, mode, username, jwt string) error {
+	var modeByte byte
+	if mode == "session" {
+		modeByte = 1
+	}
+
+	usernameBytes := []byte(username)
+	jwtBytes := []byte(jwt)
+	hdr := make([]byte, 3+len(usernameBytes)+2+len(jwtBytes))
+	hdr[0] = modeByte
+	binary.BigEndian.PutUint16(hdr[1:3], uint16(len(usernameBytes)))
+	off := 3
+	copy(hdr[off:], usernameBytes)
+	off += len(usernameBytes)
+	binary.BigEndian.PutUint16(hdr[off:off+2], uint16(len(jwtBytes)))
+	off += 2
+	copy(hdr[off:], jwtBytes)
+
+	_, err := conn.Write(hdr)
+	return err
+}
+
+// runVNCLocalProxy listens on the given address and proxies incoming
+// connections to the already-established VNC tunnel.
+func runVNCLocalProxy(ctx context.Context, cmd *cobra.Command, vncConn net.Conn) error {
+	listener, err := net.Listen("tcp", vncListen)
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("listen on %s: %w", vncListen, err)
+	}
+	defer listener.Close()
+
+	cmd.Printf("VNC proxy listening on %s - connect with your VNC viewer\n", listener.Addr())
+	cmd.Printf("Press Ctrl+C to stop.\n")
+
+	go func() {
+		<-ctx.Done()
+		listener.Close()
+	}()
+
+	// Accept a single viewer connection. VNC is single-session: the RFB
+	// handshake completes on vncConn for the first viewer, so subsequent
+	// viewers would get a mid-stream connection. The loop handles transient
+	// accept errors until a valid connection arrives.
+	for {
+		clientConn, err := listener.Accept()
+		if err != nil {
+			select {
+			case <-ctx.Done():
+				return nil
+			default:
+			}
+			log.Debugf("accept VNC proxy client: %v", err)
+			continue
+		}
+
+		cmd.Printf("VNC viewer connected from %s\n", clientConn.RemoteAddr())
+
+		// Bidirectional copy.
+		done := make(chan struct{})
+		go func() {
+			io.Copy(vncConn, clientConn)
+			close(done)
+		}()
+		io.Copy(clientConn, vncConn)
+		<-done
+		clientConn.Close()
+
+		cmd.Printf("VNC viewer disconnected\n")
+		return nil
+	}
+}

client/cmd/vnc_agent.go

@@ -0,0 +1,62 @@
+//go:build windows
+
+package cmd
+
+import (
+	"net/netip"
+	"os"
+
+	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
+	"github.com/spf13/cobra"
+
+	vncserver "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/vnc/server"
+)
+
+var vncAgentPort string
+
+func init() {
+	vncAgentCmd.Flags().StringVar(&vncAgentPort, "port", "15900", "Port for the VNC agent to listen on")
+	rootCmd.AddCommand(vncAgentCmd)
+}
+
+// vncAgentCmd runs a VNC server in the current user session, listening on
+// localhost. It is spawned by the NetBird service (Session 0) via
+// CreateProcessAsUser into the interactive console session.
+var vncAgentCmd = &cobra.Command{
+	Use:    "vnc-agent",
+	Short:  "Run VNC capture agent (internal, spawned by service)",
+	Hidden: true,
+	RunE: func(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) error {
+		// Agent's stderr is piped to the service which relogs it.
+		// Use JSON format with caller info for structured parsing.
+		log.SetReportCaller(true)
+		log.SetFormatter(&log.JSONFormatter{})
+		log.SetOutput(os.Stderr)
+
+		sessionID := vncserver.GetCurrentSessionID()
+		log.Infof("VNC agent starting on 127.0.0.1:%s (session %d)", vncAgentPort, sessionID)
+
+		capturer := vncserver.NewDesktopCapturer()
+		injector := vncserver.NewWindowsInputInjector()
+		srv := vncserver.New(capturer, injector, "")
+		// Auth is handled by the service. The agent verifies a token on each
+		// connection to ensure only the service process can connect.
+		// The token is passed via environment variable to avoid exposing it
+		// in the process command line (visible via tasklist/wmic).
+		srv.SetDisableAuth(true)
+		srv.SetAgentToken(os.Getenv("NB_VNC_AGENT_TOKEN"))
+
+		port, err := netip.ParseAddrPort("127.0.0.1:" + vncAgentPort)
+		if err != nil {
+			return err
+		}
+
+		loopback := netip.PrefixFrom(netip.AddrFrom4([4]byte{127, 0, 0, 0}), 8)
+		if err := srv.Start(cmd.Context(), port, loopback); err != nil {
+			return err
+		}
+
+		<-cmd.Context().Done()
+		return srv.Stop()
+	},
+}

client/cmd/vnc_flags.go

@@ -0,0 +1,16 @@
+package cmd
+
+const (
+	serverVNCAllowedFlag = "allow-server-vnc"
+	disableVNCAuthFlag   = "disable-vnc-auth"
+)
+
+var (
+	serverVNCAllowed bool
+	disableVNCAuth   bool
+)
+
+func init() {
+	upCmd.PersistentFlags().BoolVar(&serverVNCAllowed, serverVNCAllowedFlag, false, "Allow embedded VNC server on peer")
+	upCmd.PersistentFlags().BoolVar(&disableVNCAuth, disableVNCAuthFlag, false, "Disable JWT authentication for VNC")
+}

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 +36,27 @@ 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
-	// in any case, because we need to allow netbird interface traffic
-	// so we use AllowNetbird traffic from these firewall managers
-	// for the userspace packet filtering firewall
+	// We run in userspace mode and force userspace firewall was requested. We don't attempt native firewall.
+	if iface.IsUserspaceBind() && forceUserspaceFirewall() {
+		log.Info("forcing userspace 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)
+
+	return fm, nil
 }
 
 func createNativeFirewall(iface IFaceMapper, stateManager *statemanager.Manager, routes bool, mtu uint16) (firewall.Manager, error) {
@@ -160,3 +168,17 @@ 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/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/manager_linux.go

@@ -33,7 +33,6 @@ type Manager struct {
 type iFaceMapper interface {
 	Name() string
 	Address() wgaddr.Address
-	IsUserspaceBind() bool
 }
 
 // Create iptables firewall manager
@@ -64,10 +63,9 @@ func Create(wgIface iFaceMapper, mtu uint16) (*Manager, error) {
 func (m *Manager) Init(stateManager *statemanager.Manager) error {
 	state := &ShutdownState{
 		InterfaceState: &InterfaceState{
-			NameStr:       m.wgIface.Name(),
-			WGAddress:     m.wgIface.Address(),
-			UserspaceBind: m.wgIface.IsUserspaceBind(),
-			MTU:           m.router.mtu,
+			NameStr:   m.wgIface.Name(),
+			WGAddress: m.wgIface.Address(),
+			MTU:       m.router.mtu,
 		},
 	}
 	stateManager.RegisterState(state)
@@ -203,12 +201,10 @@ 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},
@@ -286,6 +282,22 @@ 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"

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

@@ -9,10 +9,9 @@ import (
 )
 
 type InterfaceState struct {
-	NameStr       string         `json:"name"`
-	WGAddress     wgaddr.Address `json:"wg_address"`
-	UserspaceBind bool           `json:"userspace_bind"`
-	MTU           uint16         `json:"mtu"`
+	NameStr   string         `json:"name"`
+	WGAddress wgaddr.Address `json:"wg_address"`
+	MTU       uint16         `json:"mtu"`
 }
 
 func (i *InterfaceState) Name() string {
@@ -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

@@ -40,7 +40,6 @@ func getTableName() string {
 type iFaceMapper interface {
 	Name() string
 	Address() wgaddr.Address
-	IsUserspaceBind() bool
 }
 
 // Manager of iptables firewall
@@ -106,10 +105,9 @@ func (m *Manager) Init(stateManager *statemanager.Manager) error {
 	// cleanup using Close() without needing to store specific rules.
 	if err := stateManager.UpdateState(&ShutdownState{
 		InterfaceState: &InterfaceState{
-			NameStr:       m.wgIface.Name(),
-			WGAddress:     m.wgIface.Address(),
-			UserspaceBind: m.wgIface.IsUserspaceBind(),
-			MTU:           m.router.mtu,
+			NameStr:   m.wgIface.Name(),
+			WGAddress: m.wgIface.Address(),
+			MTU:       m.router.mtu,
 		},
 	}); err != nil {
 		log.Errorf("failed to update state: %v", err)
@@ -205,12 +203,10 @@ 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()
 
@@ -346,6 +342,22 @@ 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

@@ -36,6 +36,7 @@ const (
 	chainNameRoutingFw     = "netbird-rt-fwd"
 	chainNameRoutingNat    = "netbird-rt-postrouting"
 	chainNameRoutingRdr    = "netbird-rt-redirect"
+	chainNameNATOutput     = "netbird-nat-output"
 	chainNameForward       = "FORWARD"
 	chainNameMangleForward = "netbird-mangle-forward"
 
@@ -1853,6 +1854,130 @@ 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

@@ -8,10 +8,9 @@ import (
 )
 
 type InterfaceState struct {
-	NameStr       string         `json:"name"`
-	WGAddress     wgaddr.Address `json:"wg_address"`
-	UserspaceBind bool           `json:"userspace_bind"`
-	MTU           uint16         `json:"mtu"`
+	NameStr   string         `json:"name"`
+	WGAddress wgaddr.Address `json:"wg_address"`
+	MTU       uint16         `json:"mtu"`
 }
 
 func (i *InterfaceState) Name() string {
@@ -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/filter.go

@@ -140,6 +140,17 @@ type Manager struct {
 	mtu             uint16
 	mssClampValue   uint16
 	mssClampEnabled bool
+
+	// Only one hook per protocol is supported. Outbound direction only.
+	udpHookOut atomic.Pointer[packetHook]
+	tcpHookOut atomic.Pointer[packetHook]
+}
+
+// packetHook stores a registered hook for a specific IP:port.
+type packetHook struct {
+	ip   netip.Addr
+	port uint16
+	fn   func([]byte) bool
 }
 
 // decoder for packages
@@ -594,6 +605,8 @@ 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 +726,9 @@ 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 {
@@ -895,38 +911,21 @@ 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()
-	defer m.mutex.RUnlock()
+	return hookMatches(m.udpHookOut.Load(), dstIP, dport, packetData)
+}
 
-	// Check specific destination IP first
-	if rules, exists := m.outgoingRules[dstIP]; exists {
-		for _, rule := range rules {
-			if rule.udpHook != nil && portsMatch(rule.dPort, dport) {
-				return rule.udpHook(packetData)
-			}
-		}
+func (m *Manager) tcpHooksDrop(dport uint16, dstIP netip.Addr, packetData []byte) bool {
+	return hookMatches(m.tcpHookOut.Load(), dstIP, dport, packetData)
+}
+
+func hookMatches(h *packetHook, dstIP netip.Addr, dport uint16, packetData []byte) bool {
+	if h == nil {
+		return false
 	}
-
-	// 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)
-			}
-		}
+	if h.ip == dstIP && h.port == dport {
+		return h.fn(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
 }
 
@@ -1278,12 +1277,6 @@ 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 +1335,30 @@ func (m *Manager) ruleMatches(rule *RouteRule, srcAddr, dstAddr netip.Addr, prot
 	return sourceMatched
 }
 
-// AddUDPPacketHook calls hook when UDP packet from given direction matched
-//
-// Hook function returns flag which indicates should be the matched package dropped or not
-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,
+// 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) {
+	if hook == nil {
+		m.udpHookOut.Store(nil)
+		return
 	}
-
-	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
+	m.udpHookOut.Store(&packetHook{
+		ip:   ip,
+		port: dPort,
+		fn:   hook,
+	})
 }
 
-// RemovePacketHook removes packet hook by given ID
-func (m *Manager) RemovePacketHook(hookID string) error {
-	m.mutex.Lock()
-	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
-			}
-		}
+// SetTCPPacketHook sets the outbound TCP packet hook. Pass nil hook to remove.
+func (m *Manager) SetTCPPacketHook(ip netip.Addr, dPort uint16, hook func(packet []byte) bool) {
+	if hook == nil {
+		m.tcpHookOut.Store(nil)
+		return
 	}
-	// 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")
+	m.tcpHookOut.Store(&packetHook{
+		ip:   ip,
+		port: dPort,
+		fn:   hook,
+	})
 }
 
 // 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"
 
@@ -186,81 +187,52 @@ func TestManagerDeleteRule(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 }
 
-func TestAddUDPPacketHook(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 },
-		},
-	}
+func TestSetUDPPacketHook(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)) })
 
-	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)
+	var called bool
+	manager.SetUDPPacketHook(netip.MustParseAddr("10.168.0.1"), 8000, func([]byte) bool {
+		called = true
+		return true
+	})
 
-			manager.AddUDPPacketHook(tt.in, tt.ip, tt.dPort, tt.hook)
+	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)
 
-			var addedRule PeerRule
-			if tt.in {
-				// 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
-				}
-			}
+	manager.SetUDPPacketHook(netip.MustParseAddr("10.168.0.1"), 8000, nil)
+	assert.Nil(t, manager.udpHookOut.Load())
+}
 
-			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
-			}
-		})
-	}
+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 +502,12 @@ func TestRemovePacketHook(t *testing.T) {
 		require.NoError(t, manager.Close(nil))
 	}()
 
-	// Add a UDP packet hook
-	hookFunc := func(data []byte) bool { return true }
-	hookID := manager.AddUDPPacketHook(false, netip.MustParseAddr("192.168.0.1"), 8080, hookFunc)
+	manager.SetUDPPacketHook(netip.MustParseAddr("192.168.0.1"), 8080, func([]byte) bool { return true })
 
-	// Assert the hook is added by finding it in the manager's outgoing rules
-	found := false
-	for _, arr := range manager.outgoingRules {
-		for _, rule := range arr {
-			if rule.id == hookID {
-				found = true
-				break
-			}
-		}
-	}
+	require.NotNil(t, manager.udpHookOut.Load(), "hook should be registered")
 
-	if !found {
-		t.Fatalf("The hook was not added properly.")
-	}
-
-	// 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.")
-			}
-		}
-	}
+	manager.SetUDPPacketHook(netip.MustParseAddr("192.168.0.1"), 8080, nil)
+	assert.Nil(t, manager.udpHookOut.Load(), "hook should be removed")
 }
 
 func TestProcessOutgoingHooks(t *testing.T) {
@@ -592,8 +537,7 @@ func TestProcessOutgoingHooks(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 
 	hookCalled := false
-	hookID := manager.AddUDPPacketHook(
-		false,
+	manager.SetUDPPacketHook(
 		netip.MustParseAddr("100.10.0.100"),
 		53,
 		func([]byte) bool {
@@ -601,7 +545,6 @@ func TestProcessOutgoingHooks(t *testing.T) {
 			return true
 		},
 	)
-	require.NotEmpty(t, hookID)
 
 	// Create test UDP packet
 	ipv4 := &layers.IPv4{

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

@@ -18,9 +18,7 @@ type PeerRule struct {
 	protoLayer gopacket.LayerType
 	sPort      *firewall.Port
 	dPort      *firewall.Port
-	drop       bool
-
-	udpHook func([]byte) bool
+	drop 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 {
-					return true
-				}
-				m.AddUDPPacketHook(true, netip.MustParseAddr("1.1.1.1"), 53, hookFunc)
+				m.SetUDPPacketHook(netip.MustParseAddr("100.10.255.254"), 53, func([]byte) bool {
+					return true // drop (intercepted by hook)
+				})
 			},
 			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,
-				StageInbound1to1NAT,
-				StageConntrack,
-				StageRouting,
-				StagePeerACL,
+				StageOutbound1to1NAT,
+				StageOutboundPortReverse,
 				StageCompleted,
 			},
 			expectedAllow: false,

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
-	//
-	// Hook function returns flag which indicates should be the matched package dropped or not.
-	// Hook function receives raw network packet data as argument.
-	AddUDPPacketHook(in bool, ip netip.Addr, dPort uint16, hook func(packet []byte) bool) string
+	// SetUDPPacketHook registers a hook for outbound UDP packets matching the given IP and port.
+	// Hook function returns true if the packet should be dropped.
+	// Only one UDP hook is supported; calling again replaces the previous hook.
+	// Pass nil hook to remove.
+	SetUDPPacketHook(ip netip.Addr, dPort uint16, hook func(packet []byte) bool)
 
-	// RemovePacketHook removes hook by ID
-	RemovePacketHook(hookID string) error
+	// SetTCPPacketHook registers a hook for outbound TCP packets matching the given IP and port.
+	// 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/mocks/filter.go

@@ -34,18 +34,28 @@ func (m *MockPacketFilter) EXPECT() *MockPacketFilterMockRecorder {
 	return m.recorder
 }
 
-// AddUDPPacketHook mocks base method.
-func (m *MockPacketFilter) AddUDPPacketHook(arg0 bool, arg1 netip.Addr, arg2 uint16, arg3 func([]byte) bool) string {
+// SetUDPPacketHook mocks base method.
+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)
-	ret0, _ := ret[0].(string)
-	return ret0
+	m.ctrl.Call(m, "SetUDPPacketHook", arg0, arg1, arg2)
 }
 
-// AddUDPPacketHook indicates an expected call of AddUDPPacketHook.
-func (mr *MockPacketFilterMockRecorder) AddUDPPacketHook(arg0, arg1, arg2, arg3 interface{}) *gomock.Call {
+// SetUDPPacketHook indicates an expected call of SetUDPPacketHook.
+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/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)
-		if serverKey != nil && isRegistrationNeeded(err) {
+		err := a.doMgmLogin(client, ctx, pubSSHKey)
+		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()
-	if err != nil {
-		log.Errorf("failed while getting Management Service public key: %v", err)
-		return nil, err
-	}
-
-	protoFlow, err := client.GetPKCEAuthorizationFlow(*serverKey)
+	protoFlow, err := client.GetPKCEAuthorizationFlow()
 	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()
-	if err != nil {
-		log.Errorf("failed while getting Management Service public key: %v", err)
-		return nil, err
-	}
-
-	protoFlow, err := client.GetDeviceAuthorizationFlow(*serverKey)
+	protoFlow, err := client.GetDeviceAuthorizationFlow()
 	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) {
-	serverKey, err := client.GetServerPublicKey()
-	if err != nil {
-		log.Errorf("failed while getting Management Service public key: %v", err)
-		return nil, nil, err
-	}
-
+func (a *Auth) doMgmLogin(client *mgm.GrpcClient, ctx context.Context, pubSSHKey []byte) error {
 	sysInfo := system.GetInfo(ctx)
 	a.setSystemInfoFlags(sysInfo)
-	loginResp, err := client.Login(*serverKey, sysInfo, pubSSHKey, a.config.DNSLabels)
-	return serverKey, loginResp, err
+	_, err := client.Login(sysInfo, pubSSHKey, a.config.DNSLabels)
+	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
@@ -339,6 +315,7 @@ func (a *Auth) setSystemInfoFlags(info *system.Info) {
 		a.config.RosenpassEnabled,
 		a.config.RosenpassPermissive,
 		a.config.ServerSSHAllowed,
+		a.config.ServerVNCAllowed,
 		a.config.DisableClientRoutes,
 		a.config.DisableServerRoutes,
 		a.config.DisableDNS,
@@ -351,6 +328,7 @@ func (a *Auth) setSystemInfoFlags(info *system.Info) {
 		a.config.EnableSSHLocalPortForwarding,
 		a.config.EnableSSHRemotePortForwarding,
 		a.config.DisableSSHAuth,
+		a.config.DisableVNCAuth,
 	)
 }
 

client/internal/connect.go

@@ -44,6 +44,10 @@ 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
@@ -76,6 +80,9 @@ func (c *ConnectClient) SetUpdateManager(um *updater.Manager) {
 
 // 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)
 }
 
@@ -104,6 +111,7 @@ 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.
@@ -113,6 +121,7 @@ func (c *ConnectClient) RunOniOS(
 		FileDescriptor:        fileDescriptor,
 		NetworkChangeListener: networkChangeListener,
 		DnsManager:            dnsManager,
+		HostDNSAddresses:      dnsAddresses,
 		StateFilePath:         stateFilePath,
 	}
 	return c.run(mobileDependency, nil, "")
@@ -534,11 +543,13 @@ func createEngineConfig(key wgtypes.Key, config *profilemanager.Config, peerConf
 		RosenpassEnabled:              config.RosenpassEnabled,
 		RosenpassPermissive:           config.RosenpassPermissive,
 		ServerSSHAllowed:              util.ReturnBoolWithDefaultTrue(config.ServerSSHAllowed),
+		ServerVNCAllowed:              config.ServerVNCAllowed != nil && *config.ServerVNCAllowed,
 		EnableSSHRoot:                 config.EnableSSHRoot,
 		EnableSSHSFTP:                 config.EnableSSHSFTP,
 		EnableSSHLocalPortForwarding:  config.EnableSSHLocalPortForwarding,
 		EnableSSHRemotePortForwarding: config.EnableSSHRemotePortForwarding,
 		DisableSSHAuth:                config.DisableSSHAuth,
+		DisableVNCAuth:                config.DisableVNCAuth,
 		DNSRouteInterval:              config.DNSRouteInterval,
 
 		DisableClientRoutes: config.DisableClientRoutes,
@@ -610,17 +621,12 @@ 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,
 		config.RosenpassPermissive,
 		config.ServerSSHAllowed,
+		config.ServerVNCAllowed,
 		config.DisableClientRoutes,
 		config.DisableServerRoutes,
 		config.DisableDNS,
@@ -633,13 +639,9 @@ func loginToManagement(ctx context.Context, client mgm.Client, pubSSHKey []byte,
 		config.EnableSSHLocalPortForwarding,
 		config.EnableSSHRemotePortForwarding,
 		config.DisableSSHAuth,
+		config.DisableVNCAuth,
 	)
-	loginResp, err := client.Login(*serverPublicKey, sysInfo, pubSSHKey, config.DNSLabels)
-	if err != nil {
-		return nil, err
-	}
-
-	return loginResp, nil
+	return client.Login(sysInfo, pubSSHKey, config.DNSLabels)
 }
 
 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/debug/debug.go

@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@ 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/updater/installer"
@@ -52,6 +53,7 @@ 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.
@@ -359,6 +361,10 @@ 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)
 	}
@@ -488,6 +494,90 @@ 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")
 

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/dns/handler_chain.go

@@ -73,6 +73,9 @@ 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)
 }
 
@@ -195,10 +198,14 @@ func (c *HandlerChain) ServeDNS(w dns.ResponseWriter, r *dns.Msg) {
 
 	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)
@@ -261,9 +268,9 @@ 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))
 }
 
 func (c *HandlerChain) isHandlerMatch(qname string, entry HandlerEntry) bool {

client/internal/dns/local/local_test.go

@@ -1263,9 +1263,9 @@ func TestLocalResolver_AuthoritativeFlag(t *testing.T) {
 	})
 }
 
-// TestLocalResolver_Stop tests cleanup on Stop
+// TestLocalResolver_Stop tests cleanup on GracefullyStop
 func TestLocalResolver_Stop(t *testing.T) {
-	t.Run("Stop clears all state", func(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Run("GracefullyStop clears all state", func(t *testing.T) {
 		resolver := NewResolver()
 		resolver.Update([]nbdns.CustomZone{{
 			Domain: "example.com.",
@@ -1285,7 +1285,7 @@ func TestLocalResolver_Stop(t *testing.T) {
 		assert.False(t, resolver.isInManagedZone("host.example.com."))
 	})
 
-	t.Run("Stop is safe to call multiple times", func(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Run("GracefullyStop is safe to call multiple times", func(t *testing.T) {
 		resolver := NewResolver()
 		resolver.Update([]nbdns.CustomZone{{
 			Domain: "example.com.",
@@ -1299,7 +1299,7 @@ func TestLocalResolver_Stop(t *testing.T) {
 		resolver.Stop()
 	})
 
-	t.Run("Stop cancels in-flight external resolution", func(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Run("GracefullyStop cancels in-flight external resolution", func(t *testing.T) {
 		resolver := NewResolver()
 
 		lookupStarted := make(chan struct{})

client/internal/dns/mock_server.go

@@ -90,6 +90,11 @@ func (m *MockServer) SetRouteChecker(func(netip.Addr) bool) {
 	// Mock implementation - no-op
 }
 
+// SetFirewall mock implementation of SetFirewall from Server interface
+func (m *MockServer) SetFirewall(Firewall) {
+	// Mock implementation - no-op
+}
+
 // BeginBatch mock implementation of BeginBatch from Server interface
 func (m *MockServer) BeginBatch() {
 	// Mock implementation - no-op

client/internal/dns/response_writer.go

@@ -104,3 +104,23 @@ func (r *responseWriter) TsigTimersOnly(bool) {
 // After a call to Hijack(), the DNS package will not do anything with the connection.
 func (r *responseWriter) Hijack() {
 }
+
+// remoteAddrFromPacket extracts the source IP:port from a decoded packet for logging.
+func remoteAddrFromPacket(packet gopacket.Packet) *net.UDPAddr {
+	var srcIP net.IP
+	if ipv4 := packet.Layer(layers.LayerTypeIPv4); ipv4 != nil {
+		srcIP = ipv4.(*layers.IPv4).SrcIP
+	} else if ipv6 := packet.Layer(layers.LayerTypeIPv6); ipv6 != nil {
+		srcIP = ipv6.(*layers.IPv6).SrcIP
+	}
+
+	var srcPort int
+	if udp := packet.Layer(layers.LayerTypeUDP); udp != nil {
+		srcPort = int(udp.(*layers.UDP).SrcPort)
+	}
+
+	if srcIP == nil {
+		return nil
+	}
+	return &net.UDPAddr{IP: srcIP, Port: srcPort}
+}

client/internal/dns/server.go

@@ -58,6 +58,7 @@ type Server interface {
 	UpdateServerConfig(domains dnsconfig.ServerDomains) error
 	PopulateManagementDomain(mgmtURL *url.URL) error
 	SetRouteChecker(func(netip.Addr) bool)
+	SetFirewall(Firewall)
 }
 
 type nsGroupsByDomain struct {
@@ -151,7 +152,7 @@ func NewDefaultServer(ctx context.Context, config DefaultServerConfig) (*Default
 	if config.WgInterface.IsUserspaceBind() {
 		dnsService = NewServiceViaMemory(config.WgInterface)
 	} else {
-		dnsService = newServiceViaListener(config.WgInterface, addrPort)
+		dnsService = newServiceViaListener(config.WgInterface, addrPort, nil)
 	}
 
 	server := newDefaultServer(ctx, config.WgInterface, dnsService, config.StatusRecorder, config.StateManager, config.DisableSys)
@@ -186,11 +187,16 @@ func NewDefaultServerIos(
 	ctx context.Context,
 	wgInterface WGIface,
 	iosDnsManager IosDnsManager,
+	hostsDnsList []netip.AddrPort,
 	statusRecorder *peer.Status,
 	disableSys bool,
 ) *DefaultServer {
+	log.Debugf("iOS host dns address list is: %v", hostsDnsList)
 	ds := newDefaultServer(ctx, wgInterface, NewServiceViaMemory(wgInterface), statusRecorder, nil, disableSys)
 	ds.iosDnsManager = iosDnsManager
+	ds.hostsDNSHolder.set(hostsDnsList)
+	ds.permanent = true
+	ds.addHostRootZone()
 	return ds
 }
 
@@ -374,6 +380,17 @@ func (s *DefaultServer) DnsIP() netip.Addr {
 	return s.service.RuntimeIP()
 }
 
+// SetFirewall sets the firewall used for DNS port DNAT rules.
+// This must be called before Initialize when using the listener-based service,
+// because the firewall is typically not available at construction time.
+func (s *DefaultServer) SetFirewall(fw Firewall) {
+	if svc, ok := s.service.(*serviceViaListener); ok {
+		svc.listenerFlagLock.Lock()
+		svc.firewall = fw
+		svc.listenerFlagLock.Unlock()
+	}
+}
+
 // Stop stops the server
 func (s *DefaultServer) Stop() {
 	s.probeMu.Lock()
@@ -395,8 +412,12 @@ func (s *DefaultServer) Stop() {
 	maps.Clear(s.extraDomains)
 }
 
-func (s *DefaultServer) disableDNS() error {
-	defer s.service.Stop()
+func (s *DefaultServer) disableDNS() (retErr error) {
+	defer func() {
+		if err := s.service.Stop(); err != nil {
+			retErr = errors.Join(retErr, fmt.Errorf("stop DNS service: %w", err))
+		}
+	}()
 
 	if s.isUsingNoopHostManager() {
 		return nil

client/internal/dns/server_test.go

@@ -476,8 +476,8 @@ func TestDNSFakeResolverHandleUpdates(t *testing.T) {
 
 	packetfilter := pfmock.NewMockPacketFilter(ctrl)
 	packetfilter.EXPECT().FilterOutbound(gomock.Any(), gomock.Any()).AnyTimes()
-	packetfilter.EXPECT().AddUDPPacketHook(gomock.Any(), gomock.Any(), gomock.Any(), gomock.Any())
-	packetfilter.EXPECT().RemovePacketHook(gomock.Any())
+	packetfilter.EXPECT().SetUDPPacketHook(gomock.Any(), gomock.Any(), gomock.Any()).AnyTimes()
+	packetfilter.EXPECT().SetTCPPacketHook(gomock.Any(), gomock.Any(), gomock.Any()).AnyTimes()
 
 	if err := wgIface.SetFilter(packetfilter); err != nil {
 		t.Errorf("set packet filter: %v", err)
@@ -1071,7 +1071,7 @@ func (m *mockHandler) ID() types.HandlerID                   { return types.Hand
 type mockService struct{}
 
 func (m *mockService) Listen() error                   { return nil }
-func (m *mockService) Stop()                           {}
+func (m *mockService) Stop() error                     { return nil }
 func (m *mockService) RuntimeIP() netip.Addr           { return netip.MustParseAddr("127.0.0.1") }
 func (m *mockService) RuntimePort() int                { return 53 }
 func (m *mockService) RegisterMux(string, dns.Handler) {}

client/internal/dns/service.go

@@ -4,15 +4,25 @@ import (
 	"net/netip"
 
 	"github.com/miekg/dns"
+
+	firewall "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/firewall/manager"
 )
 
 const (
 	DefaultPort = 53
 )
 
+// Firewall provides DNAT capabilities for DNS port redirection.
+// This is used when the DNS server cannot bind port 53 directly
+// and needs firewall rules to redirect traffic.
+type Firewall interface {
+	AddOutputDNAT(localAddr netip.Addr, protocol firewall.Protocol, sourcePort, targetPort uint16) error
+	RemoveOutputDNAT(localAddr netip.Addr, protocol firewall.Protocol, sourcePort, targetPort uint16) error
+}
+
 type service interface {
 	Listen() error
-	Stop()
+	Stop() error
 	RegisterMux(domain string, handler dns.Handler)
 	DeregisterMux(key string)
 	RuntimePort() int

client/internal/dns/service_listener.go

@@ -10,9 +10,13 @@ import (
 	"sync"
 	"time"
 
+	"github.com/hashicorp/go-multierror"
 	"github.com/miekg/dns"
 	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
 
+	nberrors "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/errors"
+
+	firewall "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/firewall/manager"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/ebpf"
 	ebpfMgr "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/ebpf/manager"
 )
@@ -31,25 +35,33 @@ type serviceViaListener struct {
 	dnsMux            *dns.ServeMux
 	customAddr        *netip.AddrPort
 	server            *dns.Server
+	tcpServer         *dns.Server
 	listenIP          netip.Addr
 	listenPort        uint16
 	listenerIsRunning bool
 	listenerFlagLock  sync.Mutex
 	ebpfService       ebpfMgr.Manager
+	firewall          Firewall
+	tcpDNATConfigured bool
 }
 
-func newServiceViaListener(wgIface WGIface, customAddr *netip.AddrPort) *serviceViaListener {
+func newServiceViaListener(wgIface WGIface, customAddr *netip.AddrPort, fw Firewall) *serviceViaListener {
 	mux := dns.NewServeMux()
 
 	s := &serviceViaListener{
 		wgInterface: wgIface,
 		dnsMux:      mux,
 		customAddr:  customAddr,
+		firewall:    fw,
 		server: &dns.Server{
 			Net:     "udp",
 			Handler: mux,
 			UDPSize: 65535,
 		},
+		tcpServer: &dns.Server{
+			Net:     "tcp",
+			Handler: mux,
+		},
 	}
 
 	return s
@@ -70,43 +82,86 @@ func (s *serviceViaListener) Listen() error {
 		return fmt.Errorf("eval listen address: %w", err)
 	}
 	s.listenIP = s.listenIP.Unmap()
-	s.server.Addr = net.JoinHostPort(s.listenIP.String(), strconv.Itoa(int(s.listenPort)))
-	log.Debugf("starting dns on %s", s.server.Addr)
-	go func() {
-		s.setListenerStatus(true)
-		defer s.setListenerStatus(false)
+	addr := net.JoinHostPort(s.listenIP.String(), strconv.Itoa(int(s.listenPort)))
+	s.server.Addr = addr
+	s.tcpServer.Addr = addr
 
-		err := s.server.ListenAndServe()
-		if err != nil {
-			log.Errorf("dns server running with %d port returned an error: %v. Will not retry", s.listenPort, err)
+	log.Debugf("starting dns on %s (UDP + TCP)", addr)
+	s.listenerIsRunning = true
+
+	go func() {
+		if err := s.server.ListenAndServe(); err != nil {
+			log.Errorf("failed to run DNS UDP server on port %d: %v", s.listenPort, err)
+		}
+
+		s.listenerFlagLock.Lock()
+		unexpected := s.listenerIsRunning
+		s.listenerIsRunning = false
+		s.listenerFlagLock.Unlock()
+
+		if unexpected {
+			if err := s.tcpServer.Shutdown(); err != nil {
+				log.Debugf("failed to shutdown DNS TCP server: %v", err)
+			}
 		}
 	}()
 
+	go func() {
+		if err := s.tcpServer.ListenAndServe(); err != nil {
+			log.Errorf("failed to run DNS TCP server on port %d: %v", s.listenPort, err)
+		}
+	}()
+
+	// When eBPF redirects UDP port 53 to our listen port, TCP still needs
+	// a DNAT rule because eBPF only handles UDP.
+	if s.ebpfService != nil && s.firewall != nil && s.listenPort != DefaultPort {
+		if err := s.firewall.AddOutputDNAT(s.listenIP, firewall.ProtocolTCP, DefaultPort, s.listenPort); err != nil {
+			log.Warnf("failed to add DNS TCP DNAT rule, TCP DNS on port 53 will not work: %v", err)
+		} else {
+			s.tcpDNATConfigured = true
+			log.Infof("added DNS TCP DNAT rule: %s:%d -> %s:%d", s.listenIP, DefaultPort, s.listenIP, s.listenPort)
+		}
+	}
+
 	return nil
 }
 
-func (s *serviceViaListener) Stop() {
+func (s *serviceViaListener) Stop() error {
 	s.listenerFlagLock.Lock()
 	defer s.listenerFlagLock.Unlock()
 
 	if !s.listenerIsRunning {
-		return
+		return nil
 	}
+	s.listenerIsRunning = false
 
 	ctx, cancel := context.WithTimeout(context.Background(), 5*time.Second)
 	defer cancel()
 
-	err := s.server.ShutdownContext(ctx)
-	if err != nil {
-		log.Errorf("stopping dns server listener returned an error: %v", err)
+	var merr *multierror.Error
+
+	if err := s.server.ShutdownContext(ctx); err != nil {
+		merr = multierror.Append(merr, fmt.Errorf("stop DNS UDP server: %w", err))
+	}
+
+	if err := s.tcpServer.ShutdownContext(ctx); err != nil {
+		merr = multierror.Append(merr, fmt.Errorf("stop DNS TCP server: %w", err))
+	}
+
+	if s.tcpDNATConfigured && s.firewall != nil {
+		if err := s.firewall.RemoveOutputDNAT(s.listenIP, firewall.ProtocolTCP, DefaultPort, s.listenPort); err != nil {
+			merr = multierror.Append(merr, fmt.Errorf("remove DNS TCP DNAT rule: %w", err))
+		}
+		s.tcpDNATConfigured = false
 	}
 
 	if s.ebpfService != nil {
-		err = s.ebpfService.FreeDNSFwd()
-		if err != nil {
-			log.Errorf("stopping traffic forwarder returned an error: %v", err)
+		if err := s.ebpfService.FreeDNSFwd(); err != nil {
+			merr = multierror.Append(merr, fmt.Errorf("stop traffic forwarder: %w", err))
 		}
 	}
+
+	return nberrors.FormatErrorOrNil(merr)
 }
 
 func (s *serviceViaListener) RegisterMux(pattern string, handler dns.Handler) {
@@ -133,12 +188,6 @@ func (s *serviceViaListener) RuntimeIP() netip.Addr {
 	return s.listenIP
 }
 
-func (s *serviceViaListener) setListenerStatus(running bool) {
-	s.listenerFlagLock.Lock()
-	defer s.listenerFlagLock.Unlock()
-
-	s.listenerIsRunning = running
-}
 
 // evalListenAddress figure out the listen address for the DNS server
 // first check the 53 port availability on WG interface or lo, if not success
@@ -187,18 +236,28 @@ func (s *serviceViaListener) testFreePort(port int) (netip.Addr, bool) {
 }
 
 func (s *serviceViaListener) tryToBind(ip netip.Addr, port int) bool {
-	addrString := net.JoinHostPort(ip.String(), strconv.Itoa(port))
-	udpAddr := net.UDPAddrFromAddrPort(netip.MustParseAddrPort(addrString))
-	probeListener, err := net.ListenUDP("udp", udpAddr)
+	addrPort := netip.AddrPortFrom(ip, uint16(port))
+
+	udpAddr := net.UDPAddrFromAddrPort(addrPort)
+	udpLn, err := net.ListenUDP("udp", udpAddr)
 	if err != nil {
-		log.Warnf("binding dns on %s is not available, error: %s", addrString, err)
+		log.Warnf("binding dns UDP on %s is not available: %s", addrPort, err)
 		return false
 	}
-
-	err = probeListener.Close()
-	if err != nil {
-		log.Errorf("got an error closing the probe listener, error: %s", err)
+	if err := udpLn.Close(); err != nil {
+		log.Debugf("close UDP probe listener: %s", err)
 	}
+
+	tcpAddr := net.TCPAddrFromAddrPort(addrPort)
+	tcpLn, err := net.ListenTCP("tcp", tcpAddr)
+	if err != nil {
+		log.Warnf("binding dns TCP on %s is not available: %s", addrPort, err)
+		return false
+	}
+	if err := tcpLn.Close(); err != nil {
+		log.Debugf("close TCP probe listener: %s", err)
+	}
+
 	return true
 }
 

client/internal/dns/service_listener_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,86 @@
+package dns
+
+import (
+	"fmt"
+	"net"
+	"net/netip"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/miekg/dns"
+	"github.com/stretchr/testify/assert"
+	"github.com/stretchr/testify/require"
+)
+
+func TestServiceViaListener_TCPAndUDP(t *testing.T) {
+	handler := dns.HandlerFunc(func(w dns.ResponseWriter, r *dns.Msg) {
+		m := new(dns.Msg)
+		m.SetReply(r)
+		m.Answer = append(m.Answer, &dns.A{
+			Hdr: dns.RR_Header{Name: r.Question[0].Name, Rrtype: dns.TypeA, Class: dns.ClassINET, Ttl: 60},
+			A:   net.ParseIP("192.0.2.1"),
+		})
+		if err := w.WriteMsg(m); err != nil {
+			t.Logf("write msg: %v", err)
+		}
+	})
+
+	// Create a service using a custom address to avoid needing root
+	svc := newServiceViaListener(nil, nil, nil)
+	svc.dnsMux.Handle(".", handler)
+
+	// Bind both transports up front to avoid TOCTOU races.
+	udpAddr := net.UDPAddrFromAddrPort(netip.AddrPortFrom(customIP, 0))
+	udpConn, err := net.ListenUDP("udp", udpAddr)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Skip("cannot bind to 127.0.0.153, skipping")
+	}
+	port := uint16(udpConn.LocalAddr().(*net.UDPAddr).Port)
+
+	tcpAddr := net.TCPAddrFromAddrPort(netip.AddrPortFrom(customIP, port))
+	tcpLn, err := net.ListenTCP("tcp", tcpAddr)
+	if err != nil {
+		udpConn.Close()
+		t.Skip("cannot bind TCP on same port, skipping")
+	}
+
+	addr := fmt.Sprintf("%s:%d", customIP, port)
+	svc.server.PacketConn = udpConn
+	svc.tcpServer.Listener = tcpLn
+	svc.listenIP = customIP
+	svc.listenPort = port
+
+	go func() {
+		if err := svc.server.ActivateAndServe(); err != nil {
+			t.Logf("udp server: %v", err)
+		}
+	}()
+	go func() {
+		if err := svc.tcpServer.ActivateAndServe(); err != nil {
+			t.Logf("tcp server: %v", err)
+		}
+	}()
+	svc.listenerIsRunning = true
+
+	defer func() {
+		require.NoError(t, svc.Stop())
+	}()
+
+	q := new(dns.Msg).SetQuestion("example.com.", dns.TypeA)
+
+	// Test UDP query
+	udpClient := &dns.Client{Net: "udp", Timeout: 2 * time.Second}
+	udpResp, _, err := udpClient.Exchange(q, addr)
+	require.NoError(t, err, "UDP query should succeed")
+	require.NotNil(t, udpResp)
+	require.NotEmpty(t, udpResp.Answer)
+	assert.Contains(t, udpResp.Answer[0].String(), "192.0.2.1", "UDP response should contain expected IP")
+
+	// Test TCP query
+	tcpClient := &dns.Client{Net: "tcp", Timeout: 2 * time.Second}
+	tcpResp, _, err := tcpClient.Exchange(q, addr)
+	require.NoError(t, err, "TCP query should succeed")
+	require.NotNil(t, tcpResp)
+	require.NotEmpty(t, tcpResp.Answer)
+	assert.Contains(t, tcpResp.Answer[0].String(), "192.0.2.1", "TCP response should contain expected IP")
+}

client/internal/dns/service_memory.go

@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 package dns
 
 import (
+	"errors"
 	"fmt"
 	"net/netip"
 	"sync"
@@ -10,6 +11,7 @@ import (
 	"github.com/miekg/dns"
 	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
 
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface"
 	nbnet "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/net"
 )
 
@@ -18,7 +20,8 @@ type ServiceViaMemory struct {
 	dnsMux            *dns.ServeMux
 	runtimeIP         netip.Addr
 	runtimePort       int
-	udpFilterHookID   string
+	tcpDNS            *tcpDNSServer
+	tcpHookSet        bool
 	listenerIsRunning bool
 	listenerFlagLock  sync.Mutex
 }
@@ -28,14 +31,13 @@ func NewServiceViaMemory(wgIface WGIface) *ServiceViaMemory {
 	if err != nil {
 		log.Errorf("get last ip from network: %v", err)
 	}
-	s := &ServiceViaMemory{
+
+	return &ServiceViaMemory{
 		wgInterface: wgIface,
 		dnsMux:      dns.NewServeMux(),
-
 		runtimeIP:   lastIP,
 		runtimePort: DefaultPort,
 	}
-	return s
 }
 
 func (s *ServiceViaMemory) Listen() error {
@@ -46,10 +48,8 @@ func (s *ServiceViaMemory) Listen() error {
 		return nil
 	}
 
-	var err error
-	s.udpFilterHookID, err = s.filterDNSTraffic()
-	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("filter dns traffice: %w", err)
+	if err := s.filterDNSTraffic(); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("filter dns traffic: %w", err)
 	}
 	s.listenerIsRunning = true
 
@@ -57,19 +57,29 @@ func (s *ServiceViaMemory) Listen() error {
 	return nil
 }
 
-func (s *ServiceViaMemory) Stop() {
+func (s *ServiceViaMemory) Stop() error {
 	s.listenerFlagLock.Lock()
 	defer s.listenerFlagLock.Unlock()
 
 	if !s.listenerIsRunning {
-		return
+		return nil
 	}
 
-	if err := s.wgInterface.GetFilter().RemovePacketHook(s.udpFilterHookID); err != nil {
-		log.Errorf("unable to remove DNS packet hook: %s", err)
+	filter := s.wgInterface.GetFilter()
+	if filter != nil {
+		filter.SetUDPPacketHook(s.runtimeIP, uint16(s.runtimePort), nil)
+		if s.tcpHookSet {
+			filter.SetTCPPacketHook(s.runtimeIP, uint16(s.runtimePort), nil)
+		}
+	}
+
+	if s.tcpDNS != nil {
+		s.tcpDNS.Stop()
 	}
 
 	s.listenerIsRunning = false
+
+	return nil
 }
 
 func (s *ServiceViaMemory) RegisterMux(pattern string, handler dns.Handler) {
@@ -88,10 +98,18 @@ func (s *ServiceViaMemory) RuntimeIP() netip.Addr {
 	return s.runtimeIP
 }
 
-func (s *ServiceViaMemory) filterDNSTraffic() (string, error) {
+func (s *ServiceViaMemory) filterDNSTraffic() error {
 	filter := s.wgInterface.GetFilter()
 	if filter == nil {
-		return "", fmt.Errorf("can't set DNS filter, filter not initialized")
+		return errors.New("DNS filter not initialized")
+	}
+
+	// Create TCP DNS server lazily here since the device may not exist at construction time.
+	if s.tcpDNS == nil {
+		if dev := s.wgInterface.GetDevice(); dev != nil {
+			// MTU only affects TCP segment sizing; DNS messages are small so this has no practical impact.
+			s.tcpDNS = newTCPDNSServer(s.dnsMux, dev.Device, s.runtimeIP, uint16(s.runtimePort), iface.DefaultMTU)
+		}
 	}
 
 	firstLayerDecoder := layers.LayerTypeIPv4
@@ -100,12 +118,16 @@ func (s *ServiceViaMemory) filterDNSTraffic() (string, error) {
 	}
 
 	hook := func(packetData []byte) bool {
-		// Decode the packet
 		packet := gopacket.NewPacket(packetData, firstLayerDecoder, gopacket.Default)
 
-		// Get the UDP layer
 		udpLayer := packet.Layer(layers.LayerTypeUDP)
-		udp := udpLayer.(*layers.UDP)
+		if udpLayer == nil {
+			return true
+		}
+		udp, ok := udpLayer.(*layers.UDP)
+		if !ok {
+			return true
+		}
 
 		msg := new(dns.Msg)
 		if err := msg.Unpack(udp.Payload); err != nil {
@@ -113,13 +135,30 @@ func (s *ServiceViaMemory) filterDNSTraffic() (string, error) {
 			return true
 		}
 
-		writer := responseWriter{
-			packet: packet,
-			device: s.wgInterface.GetDevice().Device,
+		dev := s.wgInterface.GetDevice()
+		if dev == nil {
+			return true
 		}
-		go s.dnsMux.ServeDNS(&writer, msg)
+
+		writer := &responseWriter{
+			remote: remoteAddrFromPacket(packet),
+			packet: packet,
+			device: dev.Device,
+		}
+		go s.dnsMux.ServeDNS(writer, msg)
 		return true
 	}
 
-	return filter.AddUDPPacketHook(false, s.runtimeIP, uint16(s.runtimePort), hook), nil
+	filter.SetUDPPacketHook(s.runtimeIP, uint16(s.runtimePort), hook)
+
+	if s.tcpDNS != nil {
+		tcpHook := func(packetData []byte) bool {
+			s.tcpDNS.InjectPacket(packetData)
+			return true
+		}
+		filter.SetTCPPacketHook(s.runtimeIP, uint16(s.runtimePort), tcpHook)
+		s.tcpHookSet = true
+	}
+
+	return nil
 }

client/internal/dns/tcpstack.go

@@ -0,0 +1,444 @@
+package dns
+
+import (
+	"errors"
+	"fmt"
+	"io"
+	"net"
+	"net/netip"
+	"sync"
+	"sync/atomic"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/miekg/dns"
+	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
+	"golang.zx2c4.com/wireguard/tun"
+	"gvisor.dev/gvisor/pkg/buffer"
+	"gvisor.dev/gvisor/pkg/tcpip"
+	"gvisor.dev/gvisor/pkg/tcpip/adapters/gonet"
+	"gvisor.dev/gvisor/pkg/tcpip/header"
+	"gvisor.dev/gvisor/pkg/tcpip/network/ipv4"
+	"gvisor.dev/gvisor/pkg/tcpip/stack"
+	"gvisor.dev/gvisor/pkg/tcpip/transport/tcp"
+	"gvisor.dev/gvisor/pkg/waiter"
+)
+
+const (
+	dnsTCPReceiveWindow = 8192
+	dnsTCPMaxInFlight   = 16
+	dnsTCPIdleTimeout   = 30 * time.Second
+	dnsTCPReadTimeout   = 5 * time.Second
+)
+
+// tcpDNSServer is an on-demand TCP DNS server backed by a minimal gvisor stack.
+// It is started lazily when a truncated DNS response is detected and shuts down
+// after a period of inactivity to conserve resources.
+type tcpDNSServer struct {
+	mu     sync.Mutex
+	s      *stack.Stack
+	ep     *dnsEndpoint
+	mux    *dns.ServeMux
+	tunDev tun.Device
+	ip     netip.Addr
+	port   uint16
+	mtu    uint16
+
+	running bool
+	closed  bool
+	timerID uint64
+	timer   *time.Timer
+}
+
+func newTCPDNSServer(mux *dns.ServeMux, tunDev tun.Device, ip netip.Addr, port uint16, mtu uint16) *tcpDNSServer {
+	return &tcpDNSServer{
+		mux:    mux,
+		tunDev: tunDev,
+		ip:     ip,
+		port:   port,
+		mtu:    mtu,
+	}
+}
+
+// InjectPacket ensures the stack is running and delivers a raw IP packet into
+// the gvisor stack for TCP processing. Combining both operations under a single
+// lock prevents a race where the idle timer could stop the stack between
+// start and delivery.
+func (t *tcpDNSServer) InjectPacket(payload []byte) {
+	t.mu.Lock()
+	defer t.mu.Unlock()
+
+	if t.closed {
+		return
+	}
+
+	if !t.running {
+		if err := t.startLocked(); err != nil {
+			log.Errorf("failed to start TCP DNS stack: %v", err)
+			return
+		}
+		t.running = true
+		log.Debugf("TCP DNS stack started on %s:%d (triggered by %s)", t.ip, t.port, srcAddrFromPacket(payload))
+	}
+	t.resetTimerLocked()
+
+	ep := t.ep
+	if ep == nil || ep.dispatcher == nil {
+		return
+	}
+
+	pkt := stack.NewPacketBuffer(stack.PacketBufferOptions{
+		Payload: buffer.MakeWithData(payload),
+	})
+	// DeliverNetworkPacket takes ownership of the packet buffer; do not DecRef.
+	ep.dispatcher.DeliverNetworkPacket(ipv4.ProtocolNumber, pkt)
+}
+
+// Stop tears down the gvisor stack and releases resources permanently.
+// After Stop, InjectPacket becomes a no-op.
+func (t *tcpDNSServer) Stop() {
+	t.mu.Lock()
+	defer t.mu.Unlock()
+
+	t.stopLocked()
+	t.closed = true
+}
+
+func (t *tcpDNSServer) startLocked() error {
+	// TODO: add ipv6.NewProtocol when IPv6 overlay support lands.
+	s := stack.New(stack.Options{
+		NetworkProtocols:   []stack.NetworkProtocolFactory{ipv4.NewProtocol},
+		TransportProtocols: []stack.TransportProtocolFactory{tcp.NewProtocol},
+		HandleLocal:        false,
+	})
+
+	nicID := tcpip.NICID(1)
+	ep := &dnsEndpoint{
+		tunDev: t.tunDev,
+	}
+	ep.mtu.Store(uint32(t.mtu))
+
+	if err := s.CreateNIC(nicID, ep); err != nil {
+		s.Close()
+		s.Wait()
+		return fmt.Errorf("create NIC: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	protoAddr := tcpip.ProtocolAddress{
+		Protocol: ipv4.ProtocolNumber,
+		AddressWithPrefix: tcpip.AddressWithPrefix{
+			Address:   tcpip.AddrFromSlice(t.ip.AsSlice()),
+			PrefixLen: 32,
+		},
+	}
+	if err := s.AddProtocolAddress(nicID, protoAddr, stack.AddressProperties{}); err != nil {
+		s.Close()
+		s.Wait()
+		return fmt.Errorf("add protocol address: %s", err)
+	}
+
+	if err := s.SetPromiscuousMode(nicID, true); err != nil {
+		s.Close()
+		s.Wait()
+		return fmt.Errorf("set promiscuous mode: %s", err)
+	}
+	if err := s.SetSpoofing(nicID, true); err != nil {
+		s.Close()
+		s.Wait()
+		return fmt.Errorf("set spoofing: %s", err)
+	}
+
+	defaultSubnet, err := tcpip.NewSubnet(
+		tcpip.AddrFrom4([4]byte{0, 0, 0, 0}),
+		tcpip.MaskFromBytes([]byte{0, 0, 0, 0}),
+	)
+	if err != nil {
+		s.Close()
+		s.Wait()
+		return fmt.Errorf("create default subnet: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	s.SetRouteTable([]tcpip.Route{
+		{Destination: defaultSubnet, NIC: nicID},
+	})
+
+	tcpFwd := tcp.NewForwarder(s, dnsTCPReceiveWindow, dnsTCPMaxInFlight, func(r *tcp.ForwarderRequest) {
+		t.handleTCPDNS(r)
+	})
+	s.SetTransportProtocolHandler(tcp.ProtocolNumber, tcpFwd.HandlePacket)
+
+	t.s = s
+	t.ep = ep
+	return nil
+}
+
+func (t *tcpDNSServer) stopLocked() {
+	if !t.running {
+		return
+	}
+
+	if t.timer != nil {
+		t.timer.Stop()
+		t.timer = nil
+	}
+
+	if t.s != nil {
+		t.s.Close()
+		t.s.Wait()
+		t.s = nil
+	}
+	t.ep = nil
+	t.running = false
+
+	log.Debugf("TCP DNS stack stopped")
+}
+
+func (t *tcpDNSServer) resetTimerLocked() {
+	if t.timer != nil {
+		t.timer.Stop()
+	}
+	t.timerID++
+	id := t.timerID
+	t.timer = time.AfterFunc(dnsTCPIdleTimeout, func() {
+		t.mu.Lock()
+		defer t.mu.Unlock()
+
+		// Only stop if this timer is still the active one.
+		// A racing InjectPacket may have replaced it.
+		if t.timerID != id {
+			return
+		}
+		t.stopLocked()
+	})
+}
+
+func (t *tcpDNSServer) handleTCPDNS(r *tcp.ForwarderRequest) {
+	id := r.ID()
+
+	wq := waiter.Queue{}
+	ep, epErr := r.CreateEndpoint(&wq)
+	if epErr != nil {
+		log.Debugf("TCP DNS: failed to create endpoint: %v", epErr)
+		r.Complete(true)
+		return
+	}
+	r.Complete(false)
+
+	conn := gonet.NewTCPConn(&wq, ep)
+	defer func() {
+		if err := conn.Close(); err != nil {
+			log.Tracef("TCP DNS: close conn: %v", err)
+		}
+	}()
+
+	// Reset idle timer on activity
+	t.mu.Lock()
+	t.resetTimerLocked()
+	t.mu.Unlock()
+
+	localAddr := &net.TCPAddr{
+		IP:   id.LocalAddress.AsSlice(),
+		Port: int(id.LocalPort),
+	}
+	remoteAddr := &net.TCPAddr{
+		IP:   id.RemoteAddress.AsSlice(),
+		Port: int(id.RemotePort),
+	}
+
+	for {
+		if err := conn.SetReadDeadline(time.Now().Add(dnsTCPReadTimeout)); err != nil {
+			log.Debugf("TCP DNS: set deadline for %s: %v", remoteAddr, err)
+			break
+		}
+
+		msg, err := readTCPDNSMessage(conn)
+		if err != nil {
+			if !errors.Is(err, io.EOF) && !errors.Is(err, io.ErrUnexpectedEOF) {
+				log.Debugf("TCP DNS: read from %s: %v", remoteAddr, err)
+			}
+			break
+		}
+
+		writer := &tcpResponseWriter{
+			conn:       conn,
+			localAddr:  localAddr,
+			remoteAddr: remoteAddr,
+		}
+		t.mux.ServeDNS(writer, msg)
+	}
+}
+
+// dnsEndpoint implements stack.LinkEndpoint for writing packets back via the tun device.
+type dnsEndpoint struct {
+	dispatcher stack.NetworkDispatcher
+	tunDev     tun.Device
+	mtu        atomic.Uint32
+}
+
+func (e *dnsEndpoint) Attach(dispatcher stack.NetworkDispatcher)    { e.dispatcher = dispatcher }
+func (e *dnsEndpoint) IsAttached() bool                             { return e.dispatcher != nil }
+func (e *dnsEndpoint) MTU() uint32                                  { return e.mtu.Load() }
+func (e *dnsEndpoint) Capabilities() stack.LinkEndpointCapabilities { return stack.CapabilityNone }
+func (e *dnsEndpoint) MaxHeaderLength() uint16                      { return 0 }
+func (e *dnsEndpoint) LinkAddress() tcpip.LinkAddress               { return "" }
+func (e *dnsEndpoint) Wait()                                        { /* no async work */ }
+func (e *dnsEndpoint) ARPHardwareType() header.ARPHardwareType      { return header.ARPHardwareNone }
+func (e *dnsEndpoint) AddHeader(*stack.PacketBuffer)                { /* IP-level endpoint, no link header */ }
+func (e *dnsEndpoint) ParseHeader(*stack.PacketBuffer) bool         { return true }
+func (e *dnsEndpoint) Close()                                       { /* lifecycle managed by tcpDNSServer */ }
+func (e *dnsEndpoint) SetLinkAddress(tcpip.LinkAddress)             { /* no link address for tun */ }
+func (e *dnsEndpoint) SetMTU(mtu uint32)                            { e.mtu.Store(mtu) }
+func (e *dnsEndpoint) SetOnCloseAction(func())                      { /* not needed */ }
+
+const tunPacketOffset = 40
+
+func (e *dnsEndpoint) WritePackets(pkts stack.PacketBufferList) (int, tcpip.Error) {
+	var written int
+	for _, pkt := range pkts.AsSlice() {
+		data := stack.PayloadSince(pkt.NetworkHeader())
+		if data == nil {
+			continue
+		}
+
+		raw := data.AsSlice()
+		buf := make([]byte, tunPacketOffset, tunPacketOffset+len(raw))
+		buf = append(buf, raw...)
+		data.Release()
+
+		if _, err := e.tunDev.Write([][]byte{buf}, tunPacketOffset); err != nil {
+			log.Tracef("TCP DNS endpoint: failed to write packet: %v", err)
+			continue
+		}
+		written++
+	}
+	return written, nil
+}
+
+// tcpResponseWriter implements dns.ResponseWriter for TCP DNS connections.
+type tcpResponseWriter struct {
+	conn       *gonet.TCPConn
+	localAddr  net.Addr
+	remoteAddr net.Addr
+}
+
+func (w *tcpResponseWriter) LocalAddr() net.Addr {
+	return w.localAddr
+}
+
+func (w *tcpResponseWriter) RemoteAddr() net.Addr {
+	return w.remoteAddr
+}
+
+func (w *tcpResponseWriter) WriteMsg(msg *dns.Msg) error {
+	data, err := msg.Pack()
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("pack: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	// DNS TCP: 2-byte length prefix + message
+	buf := make([]byte, 2+len(data))
+	buf[0] = byte(len(data) >> 8)
+	buf[1] = byte(len(data))
+	copy(buf[2:], data)
+
+	if _, err = w.conn.Write(buf); err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
+func (w *tcpResponseWriter) Write(data []byte) (int, error) {
+	buf := make([]byte, 2+len(data))
+	buf[0] = byte(len(data) >> 8)
+	buf[1] = byte(len(data))
+	copy(buf[2:], data)
+	if _, err := w.conn.Write(buf); err != nil {
+		return 0, err
+	}
+	return len(data), nil
+}
+
+func (w *tcpResponseWriter) Close() error {
+	return w.conn.Close()
+}
+
+func (w *tcpResponseWriter) TsigStatus() error   { return nil }
+func (w *tcpResponseWriter) TsigTimersOnly(bool) { /* TSIG not supported */ }
+func (w *tcpResponseWriter) Hijack()             { /* not supported */ }
+
+// readTCPDNSMessage reads a single DNS message from a TCP connection (length-prefixed).
+func readTCPDNSMessage(conn *gonet.TCPConn) (*dns.Msg, error) {
+	// DNS over TCP uses a 2-byte length prefix
+	lenBuf := make([]byte, 2)
+	if _, err := io.ReadFull(conn, lenBuf); err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("read length: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	msgLen := int(lenBuf[0])<<8 | int(lenBuf[1])
+	if msgLen == 0 || msgLen > 65535 {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("invalid message length: %d", msgLen)
+	}
+
+	msgBuf := make([]byte, msgLen)
+	if _, err := io.ReadFull(conn, msgBuf); err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("read message: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	msg := new(dns.Msg)
+	if err := msg.Unpack(msgBuf); err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("unpack: %w", err)
+	}
+	return msg, nil
+}
+
+// srcAddrFromPacket extracts the source IP:port from a raw IP+TCP packet for logging.
+// Supports both IPv4 and IPv6.
+func srcAddrFromPacket(pkt []byte) netip.AddrPort {
+	if len(pkt) == 0 {
+		return netip.AddrPort{}
+	}
+
+	srcIP, transportOffset := srcIPFromPacket(pkt)
+	if !srcIP.IsValid() || len(pkt) < transportOffset+2 {
+		return netip.AddrPort{}
+	}
+
+	srcPort := uint16(pkt[transportOffset])<<8 | uint16(pkt[transportOffset+1])
+	return netip.AddrPortFrom(srcIP.Unmap(), srcPort)
+}
+
+func srcIPFromPacket(pkt []byte) (netip.Addr, int) {
+	switch header.IPVersion(pkt) {
+	case 4:
+		return srcIPv4(pkt)
+	case 6:
+		return srcIPv6(pkt)
+	default:
+		return netip.Addr{}, 0
+	}
+}
+
+func srcIPv4(pkt []byte) (netip.Addr, int) {
+	if len(pkt) < header.IPv4MinimumSize {
+		return netip.Addr{}, 0
+	}
+	hdr := header.IPv4(pkt)
+	src := hdr.SourceAddress()
+	ip, ok := netip.AddrFromSlice(src.AsSlice())
+	if !ok {
+		return netip.Addr{}, 0
+	}
+	return ip, int(hdr.HeaderLength())
+}
+
+func srcIPv6(pkt []byte) (netip.Addr, int) {
+	if len(pkt) < header.IPv6MinimumSize {
+		return netip.Addr{}, 0
+	}
+	hdr := header.IPv6(pkt)
+	src := hdr.SourceAddress()
+	ip, ok := netip.AddrFromSlice(src.AsSlice())
+	if !ok {
+		return netip.Addr{}, 0
+	}
+	return ip, header.IPv6MinimumSize
+}

client/internal/dns/upstream.go

@@ -41,10 +41,61 @@ const (
 
 	reactivatePeriod = 30 * time.Second
 	probeTimeout     = 2 * time.Second
+
+	// ipv6HeaderSize + udpHeaderSize, used to derive the maximum DNS UDP
+	// payload from the tunnel MTU.
+	ipUDPHeaderSize = 60 + 8
 )
 
 const testRecord = "com."
 
+const (
+	protoUDP = "udp"
+	protoTCP = "tcp"
+)
+
+type dnsProtocolKey struct{}
+
+// contextWithDNSProtocol stores the inbound DNS protocol ("udp" or "tcp") in context.
+func contextWithDNSProtocol(ctx context.Context, network string) context.Context {
+	return context.WithValue(ctx, dnsProtocolKey{}, network)
+}
+
+// dnsProtocolFromContext retrieves the inbound DNS protocol from context.
+func dnsProtocolFromContext(ctx context.Context) string {
+	if ctx == nil {
+		return ""
+	}
+	if v, ok := ctx.Value(dnsProtocolKey{}).(string); ok {
+		return v
+	}
+	return ""
+}
+
+type upstreamProtocolKey struct{}
+
+// upstreamProtocolResult holds the protocol used for the upstream exchange.
+// Stored as a pointer in context so the exchange function can set it.
+type upstreamProtocolResult struct {
+	protocol string
+}
+
+// contextWithupstreamProtocolResult stores a mutable result holder in the context.
+func contextWithupstreamProtocolResult(ctx context.Context) (context.Context, *upstreamProtocolResult) {
+	r := &upstreamProtocolResult{}
+	return context.WithValue(ctx, upstreamProtocolKey{}, r), r
+}
+
+// setUpstreamProtocol sets the upstream protocol on the result holder in context, if present.
+func setUpstreamProtocol(ctx context.Context, protocol string) {
+	if ctx == nil {
+		return
+	}
+	if r, ok := ctx.Value(upstreamProtocolKey{}).(*upstreamProtocolResult); ok && r != nil {
+		r.protocol = protocol
+	}
+}
+
 type upstreamClient interface {
 	exchange(ctx context.Context, upstream string, r *dns.Msg) (*dns.Msg, time.Duration, error)
 }
@@ -138,7 +189,16 @@ func (u *upstreamResolverBase) ServeDNS(w dns.ResponseWriter, r *dns.Msg) {
 		return
 	}
 
-	ok, failures := u.tryUpstreamServers(w, r, logger)
+	// Propagate inbound protocol so upstream exchange can use TCP directly
+	// when the request came in over TCP.
+	ctx := u.ctx
+	if addr := w.RemoteAddr(); addr != nil {
+		network := addr.Network()
+		ctx = contextWithDNSProtocol(ctx, network)
+		resutil.SetMeta(w, "protocol", network)
+	}
+
+	ok, failures := u.tryUpstreamServers(ctx, w, r, logger)
 	if len(failures) > 0 {
 		u.logUpstreamFailures(r.Question[0].Name, failures, ok, logger)
 	}
@@ -153,7 +213,7 @@ func (u *upstreamResolverBase) prepareRequest(r *dns.Msg) {
 	}
 }
 
-func (u *upstreamResolverBase) tryUpstreamServers(w dns.ResponseWriter, r *dns.Msg, logger *log.Entry) (bool, []upstreamFailure) {
+func (u *upstreamResolverBase) tryUpstreamServers(ctx context.Context, w dns.ResponseWriter, r *dns.Msg, logger *log.Entry) (bool, []upstreamFailure) {
 	timeout := u.upstreamTimeout
 	if len(u.upstreamServers) > 1 {
 		maxTotal := 5 * time.Second
@@ -168,7 +228,7 @@ func (u *upstreamResolverBase) tryUpstreamServers(w dns.ResponseWriter, r *dns.M
 
 	var failures []upstreamFailure
 	for _, upstream := range u.upstreamServers {
-		if failure := u.queryUpstream(w, r, upstream, timeout, logger); failure != nil {
+		if failure := u.queryUpstream(ctx, w, r, upstream, timeout, logger); failure != nil {
 			failures = append(failures, *failure)
 		} else {
 			return true, failures
@@ -178,15 +238,17 @@ func (u *upstreamResolverBase) tryUpstreamServers(w dns.ResponseWriter, r *dns.M
 }
 
 // queryUpstream queries a single upstream server. Returns nil on success, or failure info to try next upstream.
-func (u *upstreamResolverBase) queryUpstream(w dns.ResponseWriter, r *dns.Msg, upstream netip.AddrPort, timeout time.Duration, logger *log.Entry) *upstreamFailure {
+func (u *upstreamResolverBase) queryUpstream(parentCtx context.Context, w dns.ResponseWriter, r *dns.Msg, upstream netip.AddrPort, timeout time.Duration, logger *log.Entry) *upstreamFailure {
 	var rm *dns.Msg
 	var t time.Duration
 	var err error
 
 	var startTime time.Time
+	var upstreamProto *upstreamProtocolResult
 	func() {
-		ctx, cancel := context.WithTimeout(u.ctx, timeout)
+		ctx, cancel := context.WithTimeout(parentCtx, timeout)
 		defer cancel()
+		ctx, upstreamProto = contextWithupstreamProtocolResult(ctx)
 		startTime = time.Now()
 		rm, t, err = u.upstreamClient.exchange(ctx, upstream.String(), r)
 	}()
@@ -203,7 +265,7 @@ func (u *upstreamResolverBase) queryUpstream(w dns.ResponseWriter, r *dns.Msg, u
 		return &upstreamFailure{upstream: upstream, reason: dns.RcodeToString[rm.Rcode]}
 	}
 
-	u.writeSuccessResponse(w, rm, upstream, r.Question[0].Name, t, logger)
+	u.writeSuccessResponse(w, rm, upstream, r.Question[0].Name, t, upstreamProto, logger)
 	return nil
 }
 
@@ -220,10 +282,13 @@ func (u *upstreamResolverBase) handleUpstreamError(err error, upstream netip.Add
 	return &upstreamFailure{upstream: upstream, reason: reason}
 }
 
-func (u *upstreamResolverBase) writeSuccessResponse(w dns.ResponseWriter, rm *dns.Msg, upstream netip.AddrPort, domain string, t time.Duration, logger *log.Entry) bool {
+func (u *upstreamResolverBase) writeSuccessResponse(w dns.ResponseWriter, rm *dns.Msg, upstream netip.AddrPort, domain string, t time.Duration, upstreamProto *upstreamProtocolResult, logger *log.Entry) bool {
 	u.successCount.Add(1)
 
 	resutil.SetMeta(w, "upstream", upstream.String())
+	if upstreamProto != nil && upstreamProto.protocol != "" {
+		resutil.SetMeta(w, "upstream_protocol", upstreamProto.protocol)
+	}
 
 	// Clear Zero bit from external responses to prevent upstream servers from
 	// manipulating our internal fallthrough signaling mechanism
@@ -428,13 +493,42 @@ func (u *upstreamResolverBase) testNameserver(baseCtx context.Context, externalC
 	return err
 }
 
+// clientUDPMaxSize returns the maximum UDP response size the client accepts.
+func clientUDPMaxSize(r *dns.Msg) int {
+	if opt := r.IsEdns0(); opt != nil {
+		return int(opt.UDPSize())
+	}
+	return dns.MinMsgSize
+}
+
 // ExchangeWithFallback exchanges a DNS message with the upstream server.
 // It first tries to use UDP, and if it is truncated, it falls back to TCP.
+// If the inbound request came over TCP (via context), it skips the UDP attempt.
 // If the passed context is nil, this will use Exchange instead of ExchangeContext.
 func ExchangeWithFallback(ctx context.Context, client *dns.Client, r *dns.Msg, upstream string) (*dns.Msg, time.Duration, error) {
-	// MTU - ip + udp headers
-	// Note: this could be sent out on an interface that is not ours, but higher MTU settings could break truncation handling.
-	client.UDPSize = uint16(currentMTU - (60 + 8))
+	// If the request came in over TCP, go straight to TCP upstream.
+	if dnsProtocolFromContext(ctx) == protoTCP {
+		tcpClient := *client
+		tcpClient.Net = protoTCP
+		rm, t, err := tcpClient.ExchangeContext(ctx, r, upstream)
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, t, fmt.Errorf("with tcp: %w", err)
+		}
+		setUpstreamProtocol(ctx, protoTCP)
+		return rm, t, nil
+	}
+
+	clientMaxSize := clientUDPMaxSize(r)
+
+	// Cap EDNS0 to our tunnel MTU so the upstream doesn't send a
+	// response larger than our read buffer.
+	// Note: the query could be sent out on an interface that is not ours,
+	// but higher MTU settings could break truncation handling.
+	maxUDPPayload := uint16(currentMTU - ipUDPHeaderSize)
+	client.UDPSize = maxUDPPayload
+	if opt := r.IsEdns0(); opt != nil && opt.UDPSize() > maxUDPPayload {
+		opt.SetUDPSize(maxUDPPayload)
+	}
 
 	var (
 		rm  *dns.Msg
@@ -453,25 +547,32 @@ func ExchangeWithFallback(ctx context.Context, client *dns.Client, r *dns.Msg, u
 	}
 
 	if rm == nil || !rm.MsgHdr.Truncated {
+		setUpstreamProtocol(ctx, protoUDP)
 		return rm, t, nil
 	}
 
-	log.Tracef("udp response for domain=%s type=%v class=%v is truncated, trying TCP.",
-		r.Question[0].Name, r.Question[0].Qtype, r.Question[0].Qclass)
+	// TODO: if the upstream's truncated UDP response already contains more
+	// data than the client's buffer, we could truncate locally and skip
+	// the TCP retry.
 
-	client.Net = "tcp"
+	tcpClient := *client
+	tcpClient.Net = protoTCP
 
 	if ctx == nil {
-		rm, t, err = client.Exchange(r, upstream)
+		rm, t, err = tcpClient.Exchange(r, upstream)
 	} else {
-		rm, t, err = client.ExchangeContext(ctx, r, upstream)
+		rm, t, err = tcpClient.ExchangeContext(ctx, r, upstream)
 	}
 
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, t, fmt.Errorf("with tcp: %w", err)
 	}
 
-	// TODO: once TCP is implemented, rm.Truncate() if the request came in over UDP
+	setUpstreamProtocol(ctx, protoTCP)
+
+	if rm.Len() > clientMaxSize {
+		rm.Truncate(clientMaxSize)
+	}
 
 	return rm, t, nil
 }
@@ -479,18 +580,46 @@ func ExchangeWithFallback(ctx context.Context, client *dns.Client, r *dns.Msg, u
 // ExchangeWithNetstack performs a DNS exchange using netstack for dialing.
 // This is needed when netstack is enabled to reach peer IPs through the tunnel.
 func ExchangeWithNetstack(ctx context.Context, nsNet *netstack.Net, r *dns.Msg, upstream string) (*dns.Msg, error) {
-	reply, err := netstackExchange(ctx, nsNet, r, upstream, "udp")
+	// If request came in over TCP, go straight to TCP upstream
+	if dnsProtocolFromContext(ctx) == protoTCP {
+		rm, err := netstackExchange(ctx, nsNet, r, upstream, protoTCP)
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, err
+		}
+		setUpstreamProtocol(ctx, protoTCP)
+		return rm, nil
+	}
+
+	clientMaxSize := clientUDPMaxSize(r)
+
+	// Cap EDNS0 to our tunnel MTU so the upstream doesn't send a
+	// response larger than what we can read over UDP.
+	maxUDPPayload := uint16(currentMTU - ipUDPHeaderSize)
+	if opt := r.IsEdns0(); opt != nil && opt.UDPSize() > maxUDPPayload {
+		opt.SetUDPSize(maxUDPPayload)
+	}
+
+	reply, err := netstackExchange(ctx, nsNet, r, upstream, protoUDP)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, err
 	}
 
-	// If response is truncated, retry with TCP
 	if reply != nil && reply.MsgHdr.Truncated {
-		log.Tracef("udp response for domain=%s type=%v class=%v is truncated, trying TCP",
-			r.Question[0].Name, r.Question[0].Qtype, r.Question[0].Qclass)
-		return netstackExchange(ctx, nsNet, r, upstream, "tcp")
+		rm, err := netstackExchange(ctx, nsNet, r, upstream, protoTCP)
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, err
+		}
+
+		setUpstreamProtocol(ctx, protoTCP)
+		if rm.Len() > clientMaxSize {
+			rm.Truncate(clientMaxSize)
+		}
+
+		return rm, nil
 	}
 
+	setUpstreamProtocol(ctx, protoUDP)
+
 	return reply, nil
 }
 
@@ -511,7 +640,7 @@ func netstackExchange(ctx context.Context, nsNet *netstack.Net, r *dns.Msg, upst
 		}
 	}
 
-	dnsConn := &dns.Conn{Conn: conn}
+	dnsConn := &dns.Conn{Conn: conn, UDPSize: uint16(currentMTU - ipUDPHeaderSize)}
 
 	if err := dnsConn.WriteMsg(r); err != nil {
 		return nil, fmt.Errorf("write %s message: %w", network, err)

client/internal/dns/upstream_android.go

@@ -51,7 +51,7 @@ func (u *upstreamResolver) exchangeWithinVPN(ctx context.Context, upstream strin
 	upstreamExchangeClient := &dns.Client{
 		Timeout: ClientTimeout,
 	}
-	return upstreamExchangeClient.ExchangeContext(ctx, r, upstream)
+	return ExchangeWithFallback(ctx, upstreamExchangeClient, r, upstream)
 }
 
 // exchangeWithoutVPN protect the UDP socket by Android SDK to avoid to goes through the VPN
@@ -76,7 +76,7 @@ func (u *upstreamResolver) exchangeWithoutVPN(ctx context.Context, upstream stri
 		Timeout: timeout,
 	}
 
-	return upstreamExchangeClient.ExchangeContext(ctx, r, upstream)
+	return ExchangeWithFallback(ctx, upstreamExchangeClient, r, upstream)
 }
 
 func (u *upstreamResolver) isLocalResolver(upstream string) bool {

client/internal/dns/upstream_test.go

@@ -475,3 +475,298 @@ func TestFormatFailures(t *testing.T) {
 		})
 	}
 }
+
+func TestDNSProtocolContext(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Run("roundtrip udp", func(t *testing.T) {
+		ctx := contextWithDNSProtocol(context.Background(), protoUDP)
+		assert.Equal(t, protoUDP, dnsProtocolFromContext(ctx))
+	})
+
+	t.Run("roundtrip tcp", func(t *testing.T) {
+		ctx := contextWithDNSProtocol(context.Background(), protoTCP)
+		assert.Equal(t, protoTCP, dnsProtocolFromContext(ctx))
+	})
+
+	t.Run("missing returns empty", func(t *testing.T) {
+		assert.Equal(t, "", dnsProtocolFromContext(context.Background()))
+	})
+}
+
+func TestExchangeWithFallback_TCPContext(t *testing.T) {
+	// Start a local DNS server that responds on TCP only
+	tcpHandler := dns.HandlerFunc(func(w dns.ResponseWriter, r *dns.Msg) {
+		m := new(dns.Msg)
+		m.SetReply(r)
+		m.Answer = append(m.Answer, &dns.A{
+			Hdr: dns.RR_Header{Name: r.Question[0].Name, Rrtype: dns.TypeA, Class: dns.ClassINET, Ttl: 60},
+			A:   net.ParseIP("10.0.0.1"),
+		})
+		if err := w.WriteMsg(m); err != nil {
+			t.Logf("write msg: %v", err)
+		}
+	})
+
+	tcpServer := &dns.Server{
+		Addr:    "127.0.0.1:0",
+		Net:     "tcp",
+		Handler: tcpHandler,
+	}
+
+	tcpLn, err := net.Listen("tcp", "127.0.0.1:0")
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+	tcpServer.Listener = tcpLn
+
+	go func() {
+		if err := tcpServer.ActivateAndServe(); err != nil {
+			t.Logf("tcp server: %v", err)
+		}
+	}()
+	defer func() {
+		_ = tcpServer.Shutdown()
+	}()
+
+	upstream := tcpLn.Addr().String()
+
+	// With TCP context, should connect directly via TCP without trying UDP
+	ctx := contextWithDNSProtocol(context.Background(), protoTCP)
+	client := &dns.Client{Timeout: 2 * time.Second}
+	r := new(dns.Msg).SetQuestion("example.com.", dns.TypeA)
+
+	rm, _, err := ExchangeWithFallback(ctx, client, r, upstream)
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+	require.NotNil(t, rm)
+	require.NotEmpty(t, rm.Answer)
+	assert.Contains(t, rm.Answer[0].String(), "10.0.0.1")
+}
+
+func TestExchangeWithFallback_UDPFallbackToTCP(t *testing.T) {
+	// UDP handler returns a truncated response to trigger TCP retry.
+	udpHandler := dns.HandlerFunc(func(w dns.ResponseWriter, r *dns.Msg) {
+		m := new(dns.Msg)
+		m.SetReply(r)
+		m.Truncated = true
+		if err := w.WriteMsg(m); err != nil {
+			t.Logf("write msg: %v", err)
+		}
+	})
+
+	// TCP handler returns the full answer.
+	tcpHandler := dns.HandlerFunc(func(w dns.ResponseWriter, r *dns.Msg) {
+		m := new(dns.Msg)
+		m.SetReply(r)
+		m.Answer = append(m.Answer, &dns.A{
+			Hdr: dns.RR_Header{Name: r.Question[0].Name, Rrtype: dns.TypeA, Class: dns.ClassINET, Ttl: 60},
+			A:   net.ParseIP("10.0.0.3"),
+		})
+		if err := w.WriteMsg(m); err != nil {
+			t.Logf("write msg: %v", err)
+		}
+	})
+
+	udpPC, err := net.ListenPacket("udp", "127.0.0.1:0")
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+	addr := udpPC.LocalAddr().String()
+
+	udpServer := &dns.Server{
+		PacketConn: udpPC,
+		Net:        "udp",
+		Handler:    udpHandler,
+	}
+
+	tcpLn, err := net.Listen("tcp", addr)
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+
+	tcpServer := &dns.Server{
+		Listener: tcpLn,
+		Net:      "tcp",
+		Handler:  tcpHandler,
+	}
+
+	go func() {
+		if err := udpServer.ActivateAndServe(); err != nil {
+			t.Logf("udp server: %v", err)
+		}
+	}()
+	go func() {
+		if err := tcpServer.ActivateAndServe(); err != nil {
+			t.Logf("tcp server: %v", err)
+		}
+	}()
+	defer func() {
+		_ = udpServer.Shutdown()
+		_ = tcpServer.Shutdown()
+	}()
+
+	ctx := context.Background()
+	client := &dns.Client{Timeout: 2 * time.Second}
+	r := new(dns.Msg).SetQuestion("example.com.", dns.TypeA)
+
+	rm, _, err := ExchangeWithFallback(ctx, client, r, addr)
+	require.NoError(t, err, "should fall back to TCP after truncated UDP response")
+	require.NotNil(t, rm)
+	require.NotEmpty(t, rm.Answer, "TCP response should contain the full answer")
+	assert.Contains(t, rm.Answer[0].String(), "10.0.0.3")
+	assert.False(t, rm.Truncated, "TCP response should not be truncated")
+}
+
+func TestExchangeWithFallback_TCPContextSkipsUDP(t *testing.T) {
+	// Start only a TCP server (no UDP). With TCP context it should succeed.
+	tcpHandler := dns.HandlerFunc(func(w dns.ResponseWriter, r *dns.Msg) {
+		m := new(dns.Msg)
+		m.SetReply(r)
+		m.Answer = append(m.Answer, &dns.A{
+			Hdr: dns.RR_Header{Name: r.Question[0].Name, Rrtype: dns.TypeA, Class: dns.ClassINET, Ttl: 60},
+			A:   net.ParseIP("10.0.0.2"),
+		})
+		if err := w.WriteMsg(m); err != nil {
+			t.Logf("write msg: %v", err)
+		}
+	})
+
+	tcpLn, err := net.Listen("tcp", "127.0.0.1:0")
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+
+	tcpServer := &dns.Server{
+		Listener: tcpLn,
+		Net:      "tcp",
+		Handler:  tcpHandler,
+	}
+
+	go func() {
+		if err := tcpServer.ActivateAndServe(); err != nil {
+			t.Logf("tcp server: %v", err)
+		}
+	}()
+	defer func() {
+		_ = tcpServer.Shutdown()
+	}()
+
+	upstream := tcpLn.Addr().String()
+
+	// TCP context: should skip UDP entirely and go directly to TCP
+	ctx := contextWithDNSProtocol(context.Background(), protoTCP)
+	client := &dns.Client{Timeout: 2 * time.Second}
+	r := new(dns.Msg).SetQuestion("example.com.", dns.TypeA)
+
+	rm, _, err := ExchangeWithFallback(ctx, client, r, upstream)
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+	require.NotNil(t, rm)
+	require.NotEmpty(t, rm.Answer)
+	assert.Contains(t, rm.Answer[0].String(), "10.0.0.2")
+
+	// Without TCP context, trying to reach a TCP-only server via UDP should fail
+	ctx2 := context.Background()
+	client2 := &dns.Client{Timeout: 500 * time.Millisecond}
+	_, _, err = ExchangeWithFallback(ctx2, client2, r, upstream)
+	assert.Error(t, err, "should fail when no UDP server and no TCP context")
+}
+
+func TestExchangeWithFallback_EDNS0Capped(t *testing.T) {
+	// Verify that a client EDNS0 larger than our MTU-derived limit gets
+	// capped in the outgoing request so the upstream doesn't send a
+	// response larger than our read buffer.
+	var receivedUDPSize uint16
+	udpHandler := dns.HandlerFunc(func(w dns.ResponseWriter, r *dns.Msg) {
+		if opt := r.IsEdns0(); opt != nil {
+			receivedUDPSize = opt.UDPSize()
+		}
+		m := new(dns.Msg)
+		m.SetReply(r)
+		m.Answer = append(m.Answer, &dns.A{
+			Hdr: dns.RR_Header{Name: r.Question[0].Name, Rrtype: dns.TypeA, Class: dns.ClassINET, Ttl: 60},
+			A:   net.ParseIP("10.0.0.1"),
+		})
+		if err := w.WriteMsg(m); err != nil {
+			t.Logf("write msg: %v", err)
+		}
+	})
+
+	udpPC, err := net.ListenPacket("udp", "127.0.0.1:0")
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+	addr := udpPC.LocalAddr().String()
+
+	udpServer := &dns.Server{PacketConn: udpPC, Net: "udp", Handler: udpHandler}
+	go func() { _ = udpServer.ActivateAndServe() }()
+	t.Cleanup(func() { _ = udpServer.Shutdown() })
+
+	ctx := context.Background()
+	client := &dns.Client{Timeout: 2 * time.Second}
+	r := new(dns.Msg).SetQuestion("example.com.", dns.TypeA)
+	r.SetEdns0(4096, false)
+
+	rm, _, err := ExchangeWithFallback(ctx, client, r, addr)
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+	require.NotNil(t, rm)
+
+	expectedMax := uint16(currentMTU - ipUDPHeaderSize)
+	assert.Equal(t, expectedMax, receivedUDPSize,
+		"upstream should see capped EDNS0, not the client's 4096")
+}
+
+func TestExchangeWithFallback_TCPTruncatesToClientSize(t *testing.T) {
+	// When the client advertises a large EDNS0 (4096) and the upstream
+	// truncates, the TCP response should NOT be truncated since the full
+	// answer fits within the client's original buffer.
+	udpHandler := dns.HandlerFunc(func(w dns.ResponseWriter, r *dns.Msg) {
+		m := new(dns.Msg)
+		m.SetReply(r)
+		m.Truncated = true
+		if err := w.WriteMsg(m); err != nil {
+			t.Logf("write msg: %v", err)
+		}
+	})
+
+	tcpHandler := dns.HandlerFunc(func(w dns.ResponseWriter, r *dns.Msg) {
+		m := new(dns.Msg)
+		m.SetReply(r)
+		// Add enough records to exceed MTU but fit within 4096
+		for i := range 20 {
+			m.Answer = append(m.Answer, &dns.TXT{
+				Hdr: dns.RR_Header{Name: r.Question[0].Name, Rrtype: dns.TypeTXT, Class: dns.ClassINET, Ttl: 60},
+				Txt: []string{fmt.Sprintf("record-%d-padding-data-to-make-it-longer", i)},
+			})
+		}
+		if err := w.WriteMsg(m); err != nil {
+			t.Logf("write msg: %v", err)
+		}
+	})
+
+	udpPC, err := net.ListenPacket("udp", "127.0.0.1:0")
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+	addr := udpPC.LocalAddr().String()
+
+	udpServer := &dns.Server{PacketConn: udpPC, Net: "udp", Handler: udpHandler}
+	tcpLn, err := net.Listen("tcp", addr)
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+	tcpServer := &dns.Server{Listener: tcpLn, Net: "tcp", Handler: tcpHandler}
+
+	go func() { _ = udpServer.ActivateAndServe() }()
+	go func() { _ = tcpServer.ActivateAndServe() }()
+	t.Cleanup(func() {
+		_ = udpServer.Shutdown()
+		_ = tcpServer.Shutdown()
+	})
+
+	ctx := context.Background()
+	client := &dns.Client{Timeout: 2 * time.Second}
+
+	// Client with large buffer: should get all records without truncation
+	r := new(dns.Msg).SetQuestion("example.com.", dns.TypeTXT)
+	r.SetEdns0(4096, false)
+
+	rm, _, err := ExchangeWithFallback(ctx, client, r, addr)
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+	require.NotNil(t, rm)
+	assert.Len(t, rm.Answer, 20, "large EDNS0 client should get all records")
+	assert.False(t, rm.Truncated, "response should not be truncated for large buffer client")
+
+	// Client with small buffer: should get truncated response
+	r2 := new(dns.Msg).SetQuestion("example.com.", dns.TypeTXT)
+	r2.SetEdns0(512, false)
+
+	rm2, _, err := ExchangeWithFallback(ctx, &dns.Client{Timeout: 2 * time.Second}, r2, addr)
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+	require.NotNil(t, rm2)
+	assert.Less(t, len(rm2.Answer), 20, "small EDNS0 client should get fewer records")
+	assert.True(t, rm2.Truncated, "response should be truncated for small buffer client")
+}

client/internal/dnsfwd/forwarder.go

@@ -237,8 +237,8 @@ func (f *DNSForwarder) writeResponse(logger *log.Entry, w dns.ResponseWriter, re
 		return
 	}
 
-	logger.Tracef("response: domain=%s rcode=%s answers=%s took=%s",
-		qname, dns.RcodeToString[resp.Rcode], resutil.FormatAnswers(resp.Answer), time.Since(startTime))
+	logger.Tracef("response: domain=%s rcode=%s answers=%s size=%dB took=%s",
+		qname, dns.RcodeToString[resp.Rcode], resutil.FormatAnswers(resp.Answer), resp.Len(), time.Since(startTime))
 }
 
 // udpResponseWriter wraps a dns.ResponseWriter to handle UDP-specific truncation.
@@ -263,20 +263,28 @@ func (u *udpResponseWriter) WriteMsg(resp *dns.Msg) error {
 
 func (f *DNSForwarder) handleDNSQueryUDP(w dns.ResponseWriter, query *dns.Msg) {
 	startTime := time.Now()
-	logger := log.WithFields(log.Fields{
+	fields := log.Fields{
 		"request_id": resutil.GenerateRequestID(),
 		"dns_id":     fmt.Sprintf("%04x", query.Id),
-	})
+	}
+	if addr := w.RemoteAddr(); addr != nil {
+		fields["client"] = addr.String()
+	}
+	logger := log.WithFields(fields)
 
 	f.handleDNSQuery(logger, &udpResponseWriter{ResponseWriter: w, query: query}, query, startTime)
 }
 
 func (f *DNSForwarder) handleDNSQueryTCP(w dns.ResponseWriter, query *dns.Msg) {
 	startTime := time.Now()
-	logger := log.WithFields(log.Fields{
+	fields := log.Fields{
 		"request_id": resutil.GenerateRequestID(),
 		"dns_id":     fmt.Sprintf("%04x", query.Id),
-	})
+	}
+	if addr := w.RemoteAddr(); addr != nil {
+		fields["client"] = addr.String()
+	}
+	logger := log.WithFields(fields)
 
 	f.handleDNSQuery(logger, w, query, startTime)
 }

client/internal/engine.go

@@ -46,6 +46,7 @@ import (
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/peer/guard"
 	icemaker "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/peer/ice"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/peerstore"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/portforward"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/profilemanager"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/relay"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/rosenpass"
@@ -116,11 +117,13 @@ type EngineConfig struct {
 	RosenpassPermissive bool
 
 	ServerSSHAllowed              bool
+	ServerVNCAllowed              bool
 	EnableSSHRoot                 *bool
 	EnableSSHSFTP                 *bool
 	EnableSSHLocalPortForwarding  *bool
 	EnableSSHRemotePortForwarding *bool
 	DisableSSHAuth                *bool
+	DisableVNCAuth                *bool
 
 	DNSRouteInterval time.Duration
 
@@ -196,6 +199,7 @@ type Engine struct {
 	networkMonitor *networkmonitor.NetworkMonitor
 
 	sshServer sshServer
+	vncSrv    vncServer
 
 	statusRecorder *peer.Status
 
@@ -210,9 +214,10 @@ type Engine struct {
 	// checks are the client-applied posture checks that need to be evaluated on the client
 	checks []*mgmProto.Checks
 
-	relayManager *relayClient.Manager
-	stateManager *statemanager.Manager
-	srWatcher    *guard.SRWatcher
+	relayManager       *relayClient.Manager
+	stateManager       *statemanager.Manager
+	portForwardManager *portforward.Manager
+	srWatcher          *guard.SRWatcher
 
 	// Sync response persistence (protected by syncRespMux)
 	syncRespMux         sync.RWMutex
@@ -259,26 +264,27 @@ func NewEngine(
 	mobileDep MobileDependency,
 ) *Engine {
 	engine := &Engine{
-		clientCtx:      clientCtx,
-		clientCancel:   clientCancel,
-		signal:         services.SignalClient,
-		signaler:       peer.NewSignaler(services.SignalClient, config.WgPrivateKey),
-		mgmClient:      services.MgmClient,
-		relayManager:   services.RelayManager,
-		peerStore:      peerstore.NewConnStore(),
-		syncMsgMux:     &sync.Mutex{},
-		config:         config,
-		mobileDep:      mobileDep,
-		STUNs:          []*stun.URI{},
-		TURNs:          []*stun.URI{},
-		networkSerial:  0,
-		statusRecorder: services.StatusRecorder,
-		stateManager:   services.StateManager,
-		checks:         services.Checks,
-		probeStunTurn:  relay.NewStunTurnProbe(relay.DefaultCacheTTL),
-		jobExecutor:    jobexec.NewExecutor(),
-		clientMetrics:  services.ClientMetrics,
-		updateManager:  services.UpdateManager,
+		clientCtx:          clientCtx,
+		clientCancel:       clientCancel,
+		signal:             services.SignalClient,
+		signaler:           peer.NewSignaler(services.SignalClient, config.WgPrivateKey),
+		mgmClient:          services.MgmClient,
+		relayManager:       services.RelayManager,
+		peerStore:          peerstore.NewConnStore(),
+		syncMsgMux:         &sync.Mutex{},
+		config:             config,
+		mobileDep:          mobileDep,
+		STUNs:              []*stun.URI{},
+		TURNs:              []*stun.URI{},
+		networkSerial:      0,
+		statusRecorder:     services.StatusRecorder,
+		stateManager:       services.StateManager,
+		portForwardManager: portforward.NewManager(),
+		checks:             services.Checks,
+		probeStunTurn:      relay.NewStunTurnProbe(relay.DefaultCacheTTL),
+		jobExecutor:        jobexec.NewExecutor(),
+		clientMetrics:      services.ClientMetrics,
+		updateManager:      services.UpdateManager,
 	}
 
 	log.Infof("I am: %s", config.WgPrivateKey.PublicKey().String())
@@ -307,6 +313,10 @@ func (e *Engine) Stop() error {
 		log.Warnf("failed to stop SSH server: %v", err)
 	}
 
+	if err := e.stopVNCServer(); err != nil {
+		log.Warnf("failed to stop VNC server: %v", err)
+	}
+
 	e.cleanupSSHConfig()
 
 	if e.ingressGatewayMgr != nil {
@@ -500,7 +510,7 @@ func (e *Engine) Start(netbirdConfig *mgmProto.NetbirdConfig, mgmtURL *url.URL)
 	e.routeManager.SetRouteChangeListener(e.mobileDep.NetworkChangeListener)
 
 	e.dnsServer.SetRouteChecker(func(ip netip.Addr) bool {
-		for _, routes := range e.routeManager.GetClientRoutes() {
+		for _, routes := range e.routeManager.GetSelectedClientRoutes() {
 			for _, r := range routes {
 				if r.Network.Contains(ip) {
 					return true
@@ -521,6 +531,11 @@ func (e *Engine) Start(netbirdConfig *mgmProto.NetbirdConfig, mgmtURL *url.URL)
 		return err
 	}
 
+	// Inject firewall into DNS server now that it's available.
+	// The DNS server is created before the firewall because the route manager
+	// depends on the DNS server, and the firewall depends on the wg interface.
+	e.dnsServer.SetFirewall(e.firewall)
+
 	e.udpMux, err = e.wgInterface.Up()
 	if err != nil {
 		log.Errorf("failed to pull up wgInterface [%s]: %s", e.wgInterface.Name(), err.Error())
@@ -532,6 +547,13 @@ func (e *Engine) Start(netbirdConfig *mgmProto.NetbirdConfig, mgmtURL *url.URL)
 	// conntrack entries from being created before the rules are in place
 	e.setupWGProxyNoTrack()
 
+	// Start after interface is up since port may have been resolved from 0 or changed if occupied
+	e.shutdownWg.Add(1)
+	go func() {
+		defer e.shutdownWg.Done()
+		e.portForwardManager.Start(e.ctx, uint16(e.config.WgPort))
+	}()
+
 	// Set the WireGuard interface for rosenpass after interface is up
 	if e.rpManager != nil {
 		e.rpManager.SetInterface(e.wgInterface)
@@ -982,6 +1004,7 @@ func (e *Engine) updateChecksIfNew(checks []*mgmProto.Checks) error {
 		e.config.RosenpassEnabled,
 		e.config.RosenpassPermissive,
 		&e.config.ServerSSHAllowed,
+		&e.config.ServerVNCAllowed,
 		e.config.DisableClientRoutes,
 		e.config.DisableServerRoutes,
 		e.config.DisableDNS,
@@ -994,6 +1017,7 @@ func (e *Engine) updateChecksIfNew(checks []*mgmProto.Checks) error {
 		e.config.EnableSSHLocalPortForwarding,
 		e.config.EnableSSHRemotePortForwarding,
 		e.config.DisableSSHAuth,
+		e.config.DisableVNCAuth,
 	)
 
 	if err := e.mgmClient.SyncMeta(info); err != nil {
@@ -1021,6 +1045,10 @@ func (e *Engine) updateConfig(conf *mgmProto.PeerConfig) error {
 		}
 	}
 
+	if err := e.updateVNC(conf.GetSshConfig()); err != nil {
+		log.Warnf("failed handling VNC server setup: %v", err)
+	}
+
 	state := e.statusRecorder.GetLocalPeerState()
 	state.IP = e.wgInterface.Address().String()
 	state.PubKey = e.config.WgPrivateKey.PublicKey().String()
@@ -1122,6 +1150,7 @@ func (e *Engine) receiveManagementEvents() {
 			e.config.RosenpassEnabled,
 			e.config.RosenpassPermissive,
 			&e.config.ServerSSHAllowed,
+			&e.config.ServerVNCAllowed,
 			e.config.DisableClientRoutes,
 			e.config.DisableServerRoutes,
 			e.config.DisableDNS,
@@ -1134,6 +1163,7 @@ func (e *Engine) receiveManagementEvents() {
 			e.config.EnableSSHLocalPortForwarding,
 			e.config.EnableSSHRemotePortForwarding,
 			e.config.DisableSSHAuth,
+			e.config.DisableVNCAuth,
 		)
 
 		err = e.mgmClient.Sync(e.ctx, info, e.handleSync)
@@ -1308,6 +1338,11 @@ func (e *Engine) updateNetworkMap(networkMap *mgmProto.NetworkMap) error {
 		}
 
 		e.updateSSHServerAuth(networkMap.GetSshAuth())
+
+		// VNC auth: use dedicated VNCAuth if present.
+		if vncAuth := networkMap.GetVncAuth(); vncAuth != nil {
+			e.updateVNCServerAuth(vncAuth)
+		}
 	}
 
 	// must set the exclude list after the peers are added. Without it the manager can not figure out the peers parameters from the store
@@ -1535,12 +1570,13 @@ func (e *Engine) createPeerConn(pubKey string, allowedIPs []netip.Prefix, agentV
 	}
 
 	serviceDependencies := peer.ServiceDependencies{
-		StatusRecorder:  e.statusRecorder,
-		Signaler:        e.signaler,
-		IFaceDiscover:   e.mobileDep.IFaceDiscover,
-		RelayManager:    e.relayManager,
-		SrWatcher:       e.srWatcher,
-		MetricsRecorder: e.clientMetrics,
+		StatusRecorder:     e.statusRecorder,
+		Signaler:           e.signaler,
+		IFaceDiscover:      e.mobileDep.IFaceDiscover,
+		RelayManager:       e.relayManager,
+		SrWatcher:          e.srWatcher,
+		PortForwardManager: e.portForwardManager,
+		MetricsRecorder:    e.clientMetrics,
 	}
 	peerConn, err := peer.NewConn(config, serviceDependencies)
 	if err != nil {
@@ -1697,6 +1733,12 @@ func (e *Engine) close() {
 	if e.rpManager != nil {
 		_ = e.rpManager.Close()
 	}
+
+	ctx, cancel := context.WithTimeout(context.Background(), 5*time.Second)
+	defer cancel()
+	if err := e.portForwardManager.GracefullyStop(ctx); err != nil {
+		log.Warnf("failed to gracefully stop port forwarding manager: %s", err)
+	}
 }
 
 func (e *Engine) readInitialSettings() ([]*route.Route, *nbdns.Config, bool, error) {
@@ -1710,6 +1752,7 @@ func (e *Engine) readInitialSettings() ([]*route.Route, *nbdns.Config, bool, err
 		e.config.RosenpassEnabled,
 		e.config.RosenpassPermissive,
 		&e.config.ServerSSHAllowed,
+		&e.config.ServerVNCAllowed,
 		e.config.DisableClientRoutes,
 		e.config.DisableServerRoutes,
 		e.config.DisableDNS,
@@ -1722,6 +1765,7 @@ func (e *Engine) readInitialSettings() ([]*route.Route, *nbdns.Config, bool, err
 		e.config.EnableSSHLocalPortForwarding,
 		e.config.EnableSSHRemotePortForwarding,
 		e.config.DisableSSHAuth,
+		e.config.DisableVNCAuth,
 	)
 
 	netMap, err := e.mgmClient.GetNetworkMap(info)
@@ -1800,7 +1844,7 @@ func (e *Engine) newDnsServer(dnsConfig *nbdns.Config) (dns.Server, error) {
 		return dnsServer, nil
 
 	case "ios":
-		dnsServer := dns.NewDefaultServerIos(e.ctx, e.wgInterface, e.mobileDep.DnsManager, e.statusRecorder, e.config.DisableDNS)
+		dnsServer := dns.NewDefaultServerIos(e.ctx, e.wgInterface, e.mobileDep.DnsManager, e.mobileDep.HostDNSAddresses, e.statusRecorder, e.config.DisableDNS)
 		return dnsServer, nil
 
 	default:
@@ -1837,6 +1881,11 @@ func (e *Engine) GetExposeManager() *expose.Manager {
 	return e.exposeManager
 }
 
+// IsBlockInbound returns whether inbound connections are blocked.
+func (e *Engine) IsBlockInbound() bool {
+	return e.config.BlockInbound
+}
+
 // GetClientMetrics returns the client metrics
 func (e *Engine) GetClientMetrics() *metrics.ClientMetrics {
 	return e.clientMetrics

client/internal/engine_test.go

@@ -828,7 +828,7 @@ func TestEngine_UpdateNetworkMapWithRoutes(t *testing.T) {
 				WgPrivateKey: key,
 				WgPort:       33100,
 				MTU:          iface.DefaultMTU,
-	}, EngineServices{
+			}, EngineServices{
 				SignalClient:   &signal.MockClient{},
 				MgmClient:      &mgmt.MockClient{},
 				RelayManager:   relayMgr,
@@ -1035,7 +1035,7 @@ func TestEngine_UpdateNetworkMapWithDNSUpdate(t *testing.T) {
 				WgPrivateKey: key,
 				WgPort:       33100,
 				MTU:          iface.DefaultMTU,
-	}, EngineServices{
+			}, EngineServices{
 				SignalClient:   &signal.MockClient{},
 				MgmClient:      &mgmt.MockClient{},
 				RelayManager:   relayMgr,
@@ -1538,13 +1538,8 @@ func createEngine(ctx context.Context, cancel context.CancelFunc, setupKey strin
 		return nil, err
 	}
 
-	publicKey, err := mgmtClient.GetServerPublicKey()
-	if err != nil {
-		return nil, err
-	}
-
 	info := system.GetInfo(ctx)
-	resp, err := mgmtClient.Register(*publicKey, setupKey, "", info, nil, nil)
+	resp, err := mgmtClient.Register(setupKey, "", info, nil, nil)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, err
 	}
@@ -1566,7 +1561,7 @@ func createEngine(ctx context.Context, cancel context.CancelFunc, setupKey strin
 	}
 
 	relayMgr := relayClient.NewManager(ctx, nil, key.PublicKey().String(), iface.DefaultMTU)
-e, err := NewEngine(ctx, cancel, conf, EngineServices{
+	e, err := NewEngine(ctx, cancel, conf, EngineServices{
 		SignalClient:   signalClient,
 		MgmClient:      mgmtClient,
 		RelayManager:   relayMgr,

client/internal/engine_vnc.go

@@ -0,0 +1,247 @@
+package internal
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"errors"
+	"fmt"
+	"net/netip"
+
+	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
+
+	firewallManager "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/firewall/manager"
+	nftypes "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/netflow/types"
+	sshauth "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/ssh/auth"
+	vncserver "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/vnc/server"
+	mgmProto "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/shared/management/proto"
+	sshuserhash "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/shared/sshauth"
+)
+
+const (
+	vncExternalPort uint16 = 5900
+	vncInternalPort uint16 = 25900
+)
+
+type vncServer interface {
+	Start(ctx context.Context, addr netip.AddrPort, network netip.Prefix) error
+	Stop() error
+}
+
+func (e *Engine) setupVNCPortRedirection() error {
+	if e.firewall == nil || e.wgInterface == nil {
+		return nil
+	}
+
+	localAddr := e.wgInterface.Address().IP
+	if !localAddr.IsValid() {
+		return errors.New("invalid local NetBird address")
+	}
+
+	if err := e.firewall.AddInboundDNAT(localAddr, firewallManager.ProtocolTCP, vncExternalPort, vncInternalPort); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("add VNC port redirection: %w", err)
+	}
+	log.Infof("VNC port redirection: %s:%d -> %s:%d", localAddr, vncExternalPort, localAddr, vncInternalPort)
+
+	return nil
+}
+
+func (e *Engine) cleanupVNCPortRedirection() error {
+	if e.firewall == nil || e.wgInterface == nil {
+		return nil
+	}
+
+	localAddr := e.wgInterface.Address().IP
+	if !localAddr.IsValid() {
+		return errors.New("invalid local NetBird address")
+	}
+
+	if err := e.firewall.RemoveInboundDNAT(localAddr, firewallManager.ProtocolTCP, vncExternalPort, vncInternalPort); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("remove VNC port redirection: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	return nil
+}
+
+// updateVNC handles starting/stopping the VNC server based on the config flag.
+// sshConf provides the JWT identity provider config (shared with SSH).
+func (e *Engine) updateVNC(sshConf *mgmProto.SSHConfig) error {
+	if !e.config.ServerVNCAllowed {
+		if e.vncSrv != nil {
+			log.Info("VNC server disabled, stopping")
+		}
+		return e.stopVNCServer()
+	}
+
+	if e.config.BlockInbound {
+		log.Info("VNC server disabled because inbound connections are blocked")
+		return e.stopVNCServer()
+	}
+
+	if e.vncSrv != nil {
+		// Update JWT config on existing server in case management sent new config.
+		e.updateVNCServerJWT(sshConf)
+		return nil
+	}
+
+	return e.startVNCServer(sshConf)
+}
+
+func (e *Engine) startVNCServer(sshConf *mgmProto.SSHConfig) error {
+	if e.wgInterface == nil {
+		return errors.New("wg interface not initialized")
+	}
+
+	capturer, injector := newPlatformVNC()
+	if capturer == nil || injector == nil {
+		log.Debug("VNC server not supported on this platform")
+		return nil
+	}
+
+	netbirdIP := e.wgInterface.Address().IP
+
+	srv := vncserver.New(capturer, injector, "")
+	if vncNeedsServiceMode() {
+		log.Info("VNC: running in Session 0, enabling service mode (agent proxy)")
+		srv.SetServiceMode(true)
+	}
+
+	// Configure VNC authentication.
+	if e.config.DisableVNCAuth != nil && *e.config.DisableVNCAuth {
+		log.Info("VNC: authentication disabled by config")
+		srv.SetDisableAuth(true)
+	} else if protoJWT := sshConf.GetJwtConfig(); protoJWT != nil {
+		audiences := protoJWT.GetAudiences()
+		if len(audiences) == 0 && protoJWT.GetAudience() != "" {
+			audiences = []string{protoJWT.GetAudience()}
+		}
+		srv.SetJWTConfig(&vncserver.JWTConfig{
+			Issuer:       protoJWT.GetIssuer(),
+			Audiences:    audiences,
+			KeysLocation: protoJWT.GetKeysLocation(),
+			MaxTokenAge:  protoJWT.GetMaxTokenAge(),
+		})
+		log.Debugf("VNC: JWT authentication configured (issuer=%s)", protoJWT.GetIssuer())
+	}
+
+	if netstackNet := e.wgInterface.GetNet(); netstackNet != nil {
+		srv.SetNetstackNet(netstackNet)
+	}
+
+	listenAddr := netip.AddrPortFrom(netbirdIP, vncInternalPort)
+	network := e.wgInterface.Address().Network
+	if err := srv.Start(e.ctx, listenAddr, network); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("start VNC server: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	e.vncSrv = srv
+
+	if registrar, ok := e.firewall.(interface {
+		RegisterNetstackService(protocol nftypes.Protocol, port uint16)
+	}); ok {
+		registrar.RegisterNetstackService(nftypes.TCP, vncInternalPort)
+		log.Debugf("registered VNC service for TCP:%d", vncInternalPort)
+	}
+
+	if err := e.setupVNCPortRedirection(); err != nil {
+		log.Warnf("setup VNC port redirection: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	log.Info("VNC server enabled")
+	return nil
+}
+
+// updateVNCServerJWT configures the JWT validation for the VNC server using
+// the same JWT config as SSH (same identity provider).
+func (e *Engine) updateVNCServerJWT(sshConf *mgmProto.SSHConfig) {
+	if e.vncSrv == nil {
+		return
+	}
+
+	vncSrv, ok := e.vncSrv.(*vncserver.Server)
+	if !ok {
+		return
+	}
+
+	if e.config.DisableVNCAuth != nil && *e.config.DisableVNCAuth {
+		vncSrv.SetDisableAuth(true)
+		return
+	}
+
+	protoJWT := sshConf.GetJwtConfig()
+	if protoJWT == nil {
+		return
+	}
+
+	audiences := protoJWT.GetAudiences()
+	if len(audiences) == 0 && protoJWT.GetAudience() != "" {
+		audiences = []string{protoJWT.GetAudience()}
+	}
+
+	vncSrv.SetJWTConfig(&vncserver.JWTConfig{
+		Issuer:       protoJWT.GetIssuer(),
+		Audiences:    audiences,
+		KeysLocation: protoJWT.GetKeysLocation(),
+		MaxTokenAge:  protoJWT.GetMaxTokenAge(),
+	})
+}
+
+// updateVNCServerAuth updates VNC fine-grained access control from management.
+func (e *Engine) updateVNCServerAuth(vncAuth *mgmProto.VNCAuth) {
+	if vncAuth == nil || e.vncSrv == nil {
+		return
+	}
+
+	vncSrv, ok := e.vncSrv.(*vncserver.Server)
+	if !ok {
+		return
+	}
+
+	protoUsers := vncAuth.GetAuthorizedUsers()
+	authorizedUsers := make([]sshuserhash.UserIDHash, len(protoUsers))
+	for i, hash := range protoUsers {
+		if len(hash) != 16 {
+			log.Warnf("invalid VNC auth hash length %d, expected 16", len(hash))
+			return
+		}
+		authorizedUsers[i] = sshuserhash.UserIDHash(hash)
+	}
+
+	machineUsers := make(map[string][]uint32)
+	for osUser, indexes := range vncAuth.GetMachineUsers() {
+		machineUsers[osUser] = indexes.GetIndexes()
+	}
+
+	vncSrv.UpdateVNCAuth(&sshauth.Config{
+		UserIDClaim:     vncAuth.GetUserIDClaim(),
+		AuthorizedUsers: authorizedUsers,
+		MachineUsers:    machineUsers,
+	})
+}
+
+// GetVNCServerStatus returns whether the VNC server is running.
+func (e *Engine) GetVNCServerStatus() bool {
+	return e.vncSrv != nil
+}
+
+func (e *Engine) stopVNCServer() error {
+	if e.vncSrv == nil {
+		return nil
+	}
+
+	if err := e.cleanupVNCPortRedirection(); err != nil {
+		log.Warnf("cleanup VNC port redirection: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	if registrar, ok := e.firewall.(interface {
+		UnregisterNetstackService(protocol nftypes.Protocol, port uint16)
+	}); ok {
+		registrar.UnregisterNetstackService(nftypes.TCP, vncInternalPort)
+	}
+
+	log.Info("stopping VNC server")
+	err := e.vncSrv.Stop()
+	e.vncSrv = nil
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("stop VNC server: %w", err)
+	}
+	return nil
+}

client/internal/engine_vnc_darwin.go

@@ -0,0 +1,23 @@
+//go:build darwin && !ios
+
+package internal
+
+import (
+	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
+
+	vncserver "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/vnc/server"
+)
+
+func newPlatformVNC() (vncserver.ScreenCapturer, vncserver.InputInjector) {
+	capturer := vncserver.NewMacPoller()
+	injector, err := vncserver.NewMacInputInjector()
+	if err != nil {
+		log.Debugf("VNC: macOS input injector: %v", err)
+		return capturer, &vncserver.StubInputInjector{}
+	}
+	return capturer, injector
+}
+
+func vncNeedsServiceMode() bool {
+	return false
+}

client/internal/engine_vnc_stub.go

@@ -0,0 +1,13 @@
+//go:build !windows && !darwin && !freebsd && !(linux && !android)
+
+package internal
+
+import vncserver "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/vnc/server"
+
+func newPlatformVNC() (vncserver.ScreenCapturer, vncserver.InputInjector) {
+	return nil, nil
+}
+
+func vncNeedsServiceMode() bool {
+	return false
+}

client/internal/engine_vnc_windows.go

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

client/internal/engine_vnc_x11.go

@@ -0,0 +1,23 @@
+//go:build (linux && !android) || freebsd
+
+package internal
+
+import (
+	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
+
+	vncserver "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/vnc/server"
+)
+
+func newPlatformVNC() (vncserver.ScreenCapturer, vncserver.InputInjector) {
+	capturer := vncserver.NewX11Poller("")
+	injector, err := vncserver.NewX11InputInjector("")
+	if err != nil {
+		log.Debugf("VNC: X11 input injector: %v", err)
+		return capturer, &vncserver.StubInputInjector{}
+	}
+	return capturer, injector
+}
+
+func vncNeedsServiceMode() bool {
+	return false
+}

client/internal/peer/conn.go

@@ -22,6 +22,7 @@ import (
 	icemaker "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/peer/ice"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/peer/id"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/peer/worker"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/portforward"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/stdnet"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/route"
 	relayClient "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/shared/relay/client"
@@ -45,6 +46,7 @@ type ServiceDependencies struct {
 	RelayManager       *relayClient.Manager
 	SrWatcher          *guard.SRWatcher
 	PeerConnDispatcher *dispatcher.ConnectionDispatcher
+	PortForwardManager *portforward.Manager
 	MetricsRecorder    MetricsRecorder
 }
 
@@ -87,16 +89,17 @@ type ConnConfig struct {
 }
 
 type Conn struct {
-	Log            *log.Entry
-	mu             sync.Mutex
-	ctx            context.Context
-	ctxCancel      context.CancelFunc
-	config         ConnConfig
-	statusRecorder *Status
-	signaler       *Signaler
-	iFaceDiscover  stdnet.ExternalIFaceDiscover
-	relayManager   *relayClient.Manager
-	srWatcher      *guard.SRWatcher
+	Log                *log.Entry
+	mu                 sync.Mutex
+	ctx                context.Context
+	ctxCancel          context.CancelFunc
+	config             ConnConfig
+	statusRecorder     *Status
+	signaler           *Signaler
+	iFaceDiscover      stdnet.ExternalIFaceDiscover
+	relayManager       *relayClient.Manager
+	srWatcher          *guard.SRWatcher
+	portForwardManager *portforward.Manager
 
 	onConnected                               func(remoteWireGuardKey string, remoteRosenpassPubKey []byte, wireGuardIP string, remoteRosenpassAddr string)
 	onDisconnected                            func(remotePeer string)
@@ -145,19 +148,20 @@ func NewConn(config ConnConfig, services ServiceDependencies) (*Conn, error) {
 
 	dumpState := newStateDump(config.Key, connLog, services.StatusRecorder)
 	var conn = &Conn{
-		Log:             connLog,
-		config:          config,
-		statusRecorder:  services.StatusRecorder,
-		signaler:        services.Signaler,
-		iFaceDiscover:   services.IFaceDiscover,
-		relayManager:    services.RelayManager,
-		srWatcher:       services.SrWatcher,
-		statusRelay:     worker.NewAtomicStatus(),
-		statusICE:       worker.NewAtomicStatus(),
-		dumpState:       dumpState,
-		endpointUpdater: NewEndpointUpdater(connLog, config.WgConfig, isController(config)),
-		wgWatcher:       NewWGWatcher(connLog, config.WgConfig.WgInterface, config.Key, dumpState),
-		metricsRecorder: services.MetricsRecorder,
+		Log:                connLog,
+		config:             config,
+		statusRecorder:     services.StatusRecorder,
+		signaler:           services.Signaler,
+		iFaceDiscover:      services.IFaceDiscover,
+		relayManager:       services.RelayManager,
+		srWatcher:          services.SrWatcher,
+		portForwardManager: services.PortForwardManager,
+		statusRelay:        worker.NewAtomicStatus(),
+		statusICE:          worker.NewAtomicStatus(),
+		dumpState:          dumpState,
+		endpointUpdater:    NewEndpointUpdater(connLog, config.WgConfig, isController(config)),
+		wgWatcher:          NewWGWatcher(connLog, config.WgConfig.WgInterface, config.Key, dumpState),
+		metricsRecorder:    services.MetricsRecorder,
 	}
 
 	return conn, nil

client/internal/peer/worker_ice.go

@@ -16,6 +16,7 @@ import (
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface/udpmux"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/peer/conntype"
 	icemaker "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/peer/ice"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/portforward"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/stdnet"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/route"
 )
@@ -61,6 +62,9 @@ type WorkerICE struct {
 
 	// we record the last known state of the ICE agent to avoid duplicate on disconnected events
 	lastKnownState ice.ConnectionState
+
+	// portForwardAttempted tracks if we've already tried port forwarding this session
+	portForwardAttempted bool
 }
 
 func NewWorkerICE(ctx context.Context, log *log.Entry, config ConnConfig, conn *Conn, signaler *Signaler, ifaceDiscover stdnet.ExternalIFaceDiscover, statusRecorder *Status, hasRelayOnLocally bool) (*WorkerICE, error) {
@@ -214,6 +218,8 @@ func (w *WorkerICE) Close() {
 }
 
 func (w *WorkerICE) reCreateAgent(dialerCancel context.CancelFunc, candidates []ice.CandidateType) (*icemaker.ThreadSafeAgent, error) {
+	w.portForwardAttempted = false
+
 	agent, err := icemaker.NewAgent(w.ctx, w.iFaceDiscover, w.config.ICEConfig, candidates, w.localUfrag, w.localPwd)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, fmt.Errorf("create agent: %w", err)
@@ -370,6 +376,93 @@ func (w *WorkerICE) onICECandidate(candidate ice.Candidate) {
 			w.log.Errorf("failed signaling candidate to the remote peer %s %s", w.config.Key, err)
 		}
 	}()
+
+	if candidate.Type() == ice.CandidateTypeServerReflexive {
+		w.injectPortForwardedCandidate(candidate)
+	}
+}
+
+// injectPortForwardedCandidate signals an additional candidate using the pre-created port mapping.
+func (w *WorkerICE) injectPortForwardedCandidate(srflxCandidate ice.Candidate) {
+	pfManager := w.conn.portForwardManager
+	if pfManager == nil {
+		return
+	}
+
+	mapping := pfManager.GetMapping()
+	if mapping == nil {
+		return
+	}
+
+	w.muxAgent.Lock()
+	if w.portForwardAttempted {
+		w.muxAgent.Unlock()
+		return
+	}
+	w.portForwardAttempted = true
+	w.muxAgent.Unlock()
+
+	forwardedCandidate, err := w.createForwardedCandidate(srflxCandidate, mapping)
+	if err != nil {
+		w.log.Warnf("create forwarded candidate: %v", err)
+		return
+	}
+
+	w.log.Debugf("injecting port-forwarded candidate: %s (mapping: %d -> %d via %s, priority: %d)",
+		forwardedCandidate.String(), mapping.InternalPort, mapping.ExternalPort, mapping.NATType, forwardedCandidate.Priority())
+
+	go func() {
+		if err := w.signaler.SignalICECandidate(forwardedCandidate, w.config.Key); err != nil {
+			w.log.Errorf("signal port-forwarded candidate: %v", err)
+		}
+	}()
+}
+
+// createForwardedCandidate creates a new server reflexive candidate with the forwarded port.
+// It uses the NAT gateway's external IP with the forwarded port.
+func (w *WorkerICE) createForwardedCandidate(srflxCandidate ice.Candidate, mapping *portforward.Mapping) (ice.Candidate, error) {
+	var externalIP string
+	if mapping.ExternalIP != nil && !mapping.ExternalIP.IsUnspecified() {
+		externalIP = mapping.ExternalIP.String()
+	} else {
+		// Fallback to STUN-discovered address if NAT didn't provide external IP
+		externalIP = srflxCandidate.Address()
+	}
+
+	// Per RFC 8445, the related address for srflx is the base (host candidate address).
+	// If the original srflx has unspecified related address, use its own address as base.
+	relAddr := srflxCandidate.RelatedAddress().Address
+	if relAddr == "" || relAddr == "0.0.0.0" || relAddr == "::" {
+		relAddr = srflxCandidate.Address()
+	}
+
+	// Arbitrary +1000 boost on top of RFC 8445 priority to favor port-forwarded candidates
+	// over regular srflx during ICE connectivity checks.
+	priority := srflxCandidate.Priority() + 1000
+
+	candidate, err := ice.NewCandidateServerReflexive(&ice.CandidateServerReflexiveConfig{
+		Network:   srflxCandidate.NetworkType().String(),
+		Address:   externalIP,
+		Port:      int(mapping.ExternalPort),
+		Component: srflxCandidate.Component(),
+		Priority:  priority,
+		RelAddr:   relAddr,
+		RelPort:   int(mapping.InternalPort),
+	})
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("create candidate: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	for _, e := range srflxCandidate.Extensions() {
+		if e.Key == ice.ExtensionKeyCandidateID {
+			e.Value = srflxCandidate.ID()
+		}
+		if err := candidate.AddExtension(e); err != nil {
+			return nil, fmt.Errorf("add extension: %w", err)
+		}
+	}
+
+	return candidate, nil
 }
 
 func (w *WorkerICE) onICESelectedCandidatePair(agent *icemaker.ThreadSafeAgent, c1, c2 ice.Candidate) {
@@ -411,10 +504,10 @@ func (w *WorkerICE) logSuccessfulPaths(agent *icemaker.ThreadSafeAgent) {
 			if !lok || !rok {
 				continue
 			}
-			w.log.Debugf("successful ICE path %s: [%s %s %s] <-> [%s %s %s] rtt=%.3fms",
+			w.log.Debugf("successful ICE path %s: [%s %s %s:%d] <-> [%s %s %s:%d] rtt=%.3fms",
 				sessionID,
-				local.NetworkType(), local.Type(), local.Address(),
-				remote.NetworkType(), remote.Type(), remote.Address(),
+				local.NetworkType(), local.Type(), local.Address(), local.Port(),
+				remote.NetworkType(), remote.Type(), remote.Address(), remote.Port(),
 				stat.CurrentRoundTripTime*1000)
 		}
 	}

client/internal/portforward/env.go

@@ -0,0 +1,26 @@
+package portforward
+
+import (
+	"os"
+	"strconv"
+
+	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
+)
+
+const (
+	envDisableNATMapper = "NB_DISABLE_NAT_MAPPER"
+)
+
+func isDisabledByEnv() bool {
+	val := os.Getenv(envDisableNATMapper)
+	if val == "" {
+		return false
+	}
+
+	disabled, err := strconv.ParseBool(val)
+	if err != nil {
+		log.Warnf("failed to parse %s: %v", envDisableNATMapper, err)
+		return false
+	}
+	return disabled
+}

client/internal/portforward/manager.go

@@ -0,0 +1,280 @@
+//go:build !js
+
+package portforward
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"fmt"
+	"net"
+	"regexp"
+	"sync"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/libp2p/go-nat"
+	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
+)
+
+const (
+	defaultMappingTTL  = 2 * time.Hour
+	discoveryTimeout   = 10 * time.Second
+	mappingDescription = "NetBird"
+)
+
+// upnpErrPermanentLeaseOnly matches UPnP error 725 in SOAP fault XML,
+// allowing for whitespace/newlines between tags from different router firmware.
+var upnpErrPermanentLeaseOnly = regexp.MustCompile(`<errorCode>\s*725\s*</errorCode>`)
+
+// Mapping represents an active NAT port mapping.
+type Mapping struct {
+	Protocol     string
+	InternalPort uint16
+	ExternalPort uint16
+	ExternalIP   net.IP
+	NATType      string
+	// TTL is the lease duration. Zero means a permanent lease that never expires.
+	TTL time.Duration
+}
+
+// TODO: persist mapping state for crash recovery cleanup of permanent leases.
+// Currently not done because State.Cleanup requires NAT gateway re-discovery,
+// which blocks startup for ~10s when no gateway is present (affects all clients).
+
+type Manager struct {
+	cancel context.CancelFunc
+
+	mapping     *Mapping
+	mappingLock sync.Mutex
+
+	wgPort uint16
+
+	done    chan struct{}
+	stopCtx chan context.Context
+
+	// protect exported functions
+	mu sync.Mutex
+}
+
+// NewManager creates a new port forwarding manager.
+func NewManager() *Manager {
+	return &Manager{
+		stopCtx: make(chan context.Context, 1),
+	}
+}
+
+func (m *Manager) Start(ctx context.Context, wgPort uint16) {
+	m.mu.Lock()
+	if m.cancel != nil {
+		m.mu.Unlock()
+		return
+	}
+
+	if isDisabledByEnv() {
+		log.Infof("NAT port mapper disabled via %s", envDisableNATMapper)
+		m.mu.Unlock()
+		return
+	}
+
+	if wgPort == 0 {
+		log.Warnf("invalid WireGuard port 0; NAT mapping disabled")
+		m.mu.Unlock()
+		return
+	}
+	m.wgPort = wgPort
+
+	m.done = make(chan struct{})
+	defer close(m.done)
+
+	ctx, m.cancel = context.WithCancel(ctx)
+	m.mu.Unlock()
+
+	gateway, mapping, err := m.setup(ctx)
+	if err != nil {
+		log.Infof("port forwarding setup: %v", err)
+		return
+	}
+
+	m.mappingLock.Lock()
+	m.mapping = mapping
+	m.mappingLock.Unlock()
+
+	m.renewLoop(ctx, gateway, mapping.TTL)
+
+	select {
+	case cleanupCtx := <-m.stopCtx:
+		// block the Start while cleaned up gracefully
+		m.cleanup(cleanupCtx, gateway)
+	default:
+		// return Start immediately and cleanup in background
+		cleanupCtx, cleanupCancel := context.WithTimeout(context.Background(), 10*time.Second)
+		go func() {
+			defer cleanupCancel()
+			m.cleanup(cleanupCtx, gateway)
+		}()
+	}
+}
+
+// GetMapping returns the current mapping if ready, nil otherwise
+func (m *Manager) GetMapping() *Mapping {
+	m.mappingLock.Lock()
+	defer m.mappingLock.Unlock()
+
+	if m.mapping == nil {
+		return nil
+	}
+
+	mapping := *m.mapping
+	return &mapping
+}
+
+// GracefullyStop cancels the manager and attempts to delete the port mapping.
+// After GracefullyStop returns, the manager cannot be restarted.
+func (m *Manager) GracefullyStop(ctx context.Context) error {
+	m.mu.Lock()
+	defer m.mu.Unlock()
+
+	if m.cancel == nil {
+		return nil
+	}
+
+	// Send cleanup context before cancelling, so Start picks it up after renewLoop exits.
+	m.startTearDown(ctx)
+
+	m.cancel()
+	m.cancel = nil
+
+	select {
+	case <-ctx.Done():
+		return ctx.Err()
+	case <-m.done:
+		return nil
+	}
+}
+
+func (m *Manager) setup(ctx context.Context) (nat.NAT, *Mapping, error) {
+	discoverCtx, discoverCancel := context.WithTimeout(ctx, discoveryTimeout)
+	defer discoverCancel()
+
+	gateway, err := nat.DiscoverGateway(discoverCtx)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, nil, fmt.Errorf("discover gateway: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	log.Infof("discovered NAT gateway: %s", gateway.Type())
+
+	mapping, err := m.createMapping(ctx, gateway)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, nil, fmt.Errorf("create port mapping: %w", err)
+	}
+	return gateway, mapping, nil
+}
+
+func (m *Manager) createMapping(ctx context.Context, gateway nat.NAT) (*Mapping, error) {
+	ctx, cancel := context.WithTimeout(ctx, 30*time.Second)
+	defer cancel()
+
+	ttl := defaultMappingTTL
+	externalPort, err := gateway.AddPortMapping(ctx, "udp", int(m.wgPort), mappingDescription, ttl)
+	if err != nil {
+		if !isPermanentLeaseRequired(err) {
+			return nil, err
+		}
+		log.Infof("gateway only supports permanent leases, retrying with indefinite duration")
+		ttl = 0
+		externalPort, err = gateway.AddPortMapping(ctx, "udp", int(m.wgPort), mappingDescription, ttl)
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, err
+		}
+	}
+
+	externalIP, err := gateway.GetExternalAddress()
+	if err != nil {
+		log.Debugf("failed to get external address: %v", err)
+		// todo return with err?
+	}
+
+	mapping := &Mapping{
+		Protocol:     "udp",
+		InternalPort: m.wgPort,
+		ExternalPort: uint16(externalPort),
+		ExternalIP:   externalIP,
+		NATType:      gateway.Type(),
+		TTL:          ttl,
+	}
+
+	log.Infof("created port mapping: %d -> %d via %s (external IP: %s)",
+		m.wgPort, externalPort, gateway.Type(), externalIP)
+	return mapping, nil
+}
+
+func (m *Manager) renewLoop(ctx context.Context, gateway nat.NAT, ttl time.Duration) {
+	if ttl == 0 {
+		// Permanent mappings don't expire, just wait for cancellation.
+		<-ctx.Done()
+		return
+	}
+
+	ticker := time.NewTicker(ttl / 2)
+	defer ticker.Stop()
+
+	for {
+		select {
+		case <-ctx.Done():
+			return
+		case <-ticker.C:
+			if err := m.renewMapping(ctx, gateway); err != nil {
+				log.Warnf("failed to renew port mapping: %v", err)
+				continue
+			}
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+func (m *Manager) renewMapping(ctx context.Context, gateway nat.NAT) error {
+	ctx, cancel := context.WithTimeout(ctx, 30*time.Second)
+	defer cancel()
+
+	externalPort, err := gateway.AddPortMapping(ctx, m.mapping.Protocol, int(m.mapping.InternalPort), mappingDescription, m.mapping.TTL)
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("add port mapping: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	if uint16(externalPort) != m.mapping.ExternalPort {
+		log.Warnf("external port changed on renewal: %d -> %d (candidate may be stale)", m.mapping.ExternalPort, externalPort)
+		m.mappingLock.Lock()
+		m.mapping.ExternalPort = uint16(externalPort)
+		m.mappingLock.Unlock()
+	}
+
+	log.Debugf("renewed port mapping: %d -> %d", m.mapping.InternalPort, m.mapping.ExternalPort)
+	return nil
+}
+
+func (m *Manager) cleanup(ctx context.Context, gateway nat.NAT) {
+	m.mappingLock.Lock()
+	mapping := m.mapping
+	m.mapping = nil
+	m.mappingLock.Unlock()
+
+	if mapping == nil {
+		return
+	}
+
+	if err := gateway.DeletePortMapping(ctx, mapping.Protocol, int(mapping.InternalPort)); err != nil {
+		log.Warnf("delete port mapping on stop: %v", err)
+		return
+	}
+
+	log.Infof("deleted port mapping for port %d", mapping.InternalPort)
+}
+
+func (m *Manager) startTearDown(ctx context.Context) {
+	select {
+	case m.stopCtx <- ctx:
+	default:
+	}
+}
+
+// isPermanentLeaseRequired checks if a UPnP error indicates the gateway only supports permanent leases (error 725).
+func isPermanentLeaseRequired(err error) bool {
+	return err != nil && upnpErrPermanentLeaseOnly.MatchString(err.Error())
+}

client/internal/portforward/manager_js.go

@@ -0,0 +1,39 @@
+package portforward
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"net"
+	"time"
+)
+
+// Mapping represents an active NAT port mapping.
+type Mapping struct {
+	Protocol     string
+	InternalPort uint16
+	ExternalPort uint16
+	ExternalIP   net.IP
+	NATType      string
+	// TTL is the lease duration. Zero means a permanent lease that never expires.
+	TTL time.Duration
+}
+
+// Manager is a stub for js/wasm builds where NAT-PMP/UPnP is not supported.
+type Manager struct{}
+
+// NewManager returns a stub manager for js/wasm builds.
+func NewManager() *Manager {
+	return &Manager{}
+}
+
+// Start is a no-op on js/wasm: NAT-PMP/UPnP is not available in browser environments.
+func (m *Manager) Start(context.Context, uint16) {
+	// no NAT traversal in wasm
+}
+
+// GracefullyStop is a no-op on js/wasm.
+func (m *Manager) GracefullyStop(context.Context) error { return nil }
+
+// GetMapping always returns nil on js/wasm.
+func (m *Manager) GetMapping() *Mapping {
+	return nil
+}

client/internal/portforward/manager_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,201 @@
+//go:build !js
+
+package portforward
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"fmt"
+	"net"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/stretchr/testify/assert"
+	"github.com/stretchr/testify/require"
+)
+
+type mockNAT struct {
+	natType             string
+	deviceAddr          net.IP
+	externalAddr        net.IP
+	internalAddr        net.IP
+	mappings            map[int]int
+	addMappingErr       error
+	deleteMappingErr    error
+	onlyPermanentLeases bool
+	lastTimeout         time.Duration
+}
+
+func newMockNAT() *mockNAT {
+	return &mockNAT{
+		natType:      "Mock-NAT",
+		deviceAddr:   net.ParseIP("192.168.1.1"),
+		externalAddr: net.ParseIP("203.0.113.50"),
+		internalAddr: net.ParseIP("192.168.1.100"),
+		mappings:     make(map[int]int),
+	}
+}
+
+func (m *mockNAT) Type() string {
+	return m.natType
+}
+
+func (m *mockNAT) GetDeviceAddress() (net.IP, error) {
+	return m.deviceAddr, nil
+}
+
+func (m *mockNAT) GetExternalAddress() (net.IP, error) {
+	return m.externalAddr, nil
+}
+
+func (m *mockNAT) GetInternalAddress() (net.IP, error) {
+	return m.internalAddr, nil
+}
+
+func (m *mockNAT) AddPortMapping(ctx context.Context, protocol string, internalPort int, description string, timeout time.Duration) (int, error) {
+	if m.addMappingErr != nil {
+		return 0, m.addMappingErr
+	}
+	if m.onlyPermanentLeases && timeout != 0 {
+		return 0, fmt.Errorf("SOAP fault. Code:  | Explanation:  | Detail: <UPnPError xmlns=\"urn:schemas-upnp-org:control-1-0\"><errorCode>725</errorCode><errorDescription>OnlyPermanentLeasesSupported</errorDescription></UPnPError>")
+	}
+	externalPort := internalPort
+	m.mappings[internalPort] = externalPort
+	m.lastTimeout = timeout
+	return externalPort, nil
+}
+
+func (m *mockNAT) DeletePortMapping(ctx context.Context, protocol string, internalPort int) error {
+	if m.deleteMappingErr != nil {
+		return m.deleteMappingErr
+	}
+	delete(m.mappings, internalPort)
+	return nil
+}
+
+func TestManager_CreateMapping(t *testing.T) {
+	m := NewManager()
+	m.wgPort = 51820
+
+	gateway := newMockNAT()
+	mapping, err := m.createMapping(context.Background(), gateway)
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+	require.NotNil(t, mapping)
+
+	assert.Equal(t, "udp", mapping.Protocol)
+	assert.Equal(t, uint16(51820), mapping.InternalPort)
+	assert.Equal(t, uint16(51820), mapping.ExternalPort)
+	assert.Equal(t, "Mock-NAT", mapping.NATType)
+	assert.Equal(t, net.ParseIP("203.0.113.50").To4(), mapping.ExternalIP.To4())
+	assert.Equal(t, defaultMappingTTL, mapping.TTL)
+}
+
+func TestManager_GetMapping_ReturnsNilWhenNotReady(t *testing.T) {
+	m := NewManager()
+	assert.Nil(t, m.GetMapping())
+}
+
+func TestManager_GetMapping_ReturnsCopy(t *testing.T) {
+	m := NewManager()
+	m.mapping = &Mapping{
+		Protocol:     "udp",
+		InternalPort: 51820,
+		ExternalPort: 51820,
+	}
+
+	mapping := m.GetMapping()
+	require.NotNil(t, mapping)
+	assert.Equal(t, uint16(51820), mapping.InternalPort)
+
+	// Mutating the returned copy should not affect the manager's mapping.
+	mapping.ExternalPort = 9999
+	assert.Equal(t, uint16(51820), m.GetMapping().ExternalPort)
+}
+
+func TestManager_Cleanup_DeletesMapping(t *testing.T) {
+	m := NewManager()
+	m.mapping = &Mapping{
+		Protocol:     "udp",
+		InternalPort: 51820,
+		ExternalPort: 51820,
+	}
+
+	gateway := newMockNAT()
+	// Seed the mock so we can verify deletion.
+	gateway.mappings[51820] = 51820
+
+	m.cleanup(context.Background(), gateway)
+
+	_, exists := gateway.mappings[51820]
+	assert.False(t, exists, "mapping should be deleted from gateway")
+	assert.Nil(t, m.GetMapping(), "in-memory mapping should be cleared")
+}
+
+func TestManager_Cleanup_NilMapping(t *testing.T) {
+	m := NewManager()
+	gateway := newMockNAT()
+
+	// Should not panic or call gateway.
+	m.cleanup(context.Background(), gateway)
+}
+
+
+func TestManager_CreateMapping_PermanentLeaseFallback(t *testing.T) {
+	m := NewManager()
+	m.wgPort = 51820
+
+	gateway := newMockNAT()
+	gateway.onlyPermanentLeases = true
+
+	mapping, err := m.createMapping(context.Background(), gateway)
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+	require.NotNil(t, mapping)
+
+	assert.Equal(t, uint16(51820), mapping.InternalPort)
+	assert.Equal(t, time.Duration(0), mapping.TTL, "should return zero TTL for permanent lease")
+	assert.Equal(t, time.Duration(0), gateway.lastTimeout, "should have retried with zero duration")
+}
+
+func TestIsPermanentLeaseRequired(t *testing.T) {
+	tests := []struct {
+		name     string
+		err      error
+		expected bool
+	}{
+		{
+			name:     "nil error",
+			err:      nil,
+			expected: false,
+		},
+		{
+			name:     "UPnP error 725",
+			err:      fmt.Errorf("SOAP fault. Code:  | Detail: <UPnPError><errorCode>725</errorCode><errorDescription>OnlyPermanentLeasesSupported</errorDescription></UPnPError>"),
+			expected: true,
+		},
+		{
+			name:     "wrapped error with 725",
+			err:      fmt.Errorf("add port mapping: %w", fmt.Errorf("Detail: <errorCode>725</errorCode>")),
+			expected: true,
+		},
+		{
+			name:     "error 725 with newlines in XML",
+			err:      fmt.Errorf("<errorCode>\n  725\n</errorCode>"),
+			expected: true,
+		},
+		{
+			name:     "bare 725 without XML tag",
+			err:      fmt.Errorf("error code 725"),
+			expected: false,
+		},
+		{
+			name:     "unrelated error",
+			err:      fmt.Errorf("connection refused"),
+			expected: false,
+		},
+	}
+
+	for _, tt := range tests {
+		t.Run(tt.name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			assert.Equal(t, tt.expected, isPermanentLeaseRequired(tt.err))
+		})
+	}
+}

client/internal/profilemanager/config.go

@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@ const (
 
 // mgmProber is the subset of management client needed for URL migration probes.
 type mgmProber interface {
-	GetServerPublicKey() (*wgtypes.Key, error)
+	HealthCheck() error
 	Close() error
 }
 
@@ -64,11 +64,13 @@ type ConfigInput struct {
 	StateFilePath                 string
 	PreSharedKey                  *string
 	ServerSSHAllowed              *bool
+	ServerVNCAllowed              *bool
 	EnableSSHRoot                 *bool
 	EnableSSHSFTP                 *bool
 	EnableSSHLocalPortForwarding  *bool
 	EnableSSHRemotePortForwarding *bool
 	DisableSSHAuth                *bool
+	DisableVNCAuth                *bool
 	SSHJWTCacheTTL                *int
 	NATExternalIPs                []string
 	CustomDNSAddress              []byte
@@ -114,11 +116,13 @@ type Config struct {
 	RosenpassEnabled              bool
 	RosenpassPermissive           bool
 	ServerSSHAllowed              *bool
+	ServerVNCAllowed              *bool
 	EnableSSHRoot                 *bool
 	EnableSSHSFTP                 *bool
 	EnableSSHLocalPortForwarding  *bool
 	EnableSSHRemotePortForwarding *bool
 	DisableSSHAuth                *bool
+	DisableVNCAuth                *bool
 	SSHJWTCacheTTL                *int
 
 	DisableClientRoutes bool
@@ -415,6 +419,21 @@ func (config *Config) apply(input ConfigInput) (updated bool, err error) {
 		updated = true
 	}
 
+	if input.ServerVNCAllowed != nil {
+		if config.ServerVNCAllowed == nil || *input.ServerVNCAllowed != *config.ServerVNCAllowed {
+			if *input.ServerVNCAllowed {
+				log.Infof("enabling VNC server")
+			} else {
+				log.Infof("disabling VNC server")
+			}
+			config.ServerVNCAllowed = input.ServerVNCAllowed
+			updated = true
+		}
+	} else if config.ServerVNCAllowed == nil {
+		config.ServerVNCAllowed = util.True()
+		updated = true
+	}
+
 	if input.EnableSSHRoot != nil && input.EnableSSHRoot != config.EnableSSHRoot {
 		if *input.EnableSSHRoot {
 			log.Infof("enabling SSH root login")
@@ -465,6 +484,16 @@ func (config *Config) apply(input ConfigInput) (updated bool, err error) {
 		updated = true
 	}
 
+	if input.DisableVNCAuth != nil && input.DisableVNCAuth != config.DisableVNCAuth {
+		if *input.DisableVNCAuth {
+			log.Infof("disabling VNC authentication")
+		} else {
+			log.Infof("enabling VNC authentication")
+		}
+		config.DisableVNCAuth = input.DisableVNCAuth
+		updated = true
+	}
+
 	if input.SSHJWTCacheTTL != nil && input.SSHJWTCacheTTL != config.SSHJWTCacheTTL {
 		log.Infof("updating SSH JWT cache TTL to %d seconds", *input.SSHJWTCacheTTL)
 		config.SSHJWTCacheTTL = input.SSHJWTCacheTTL
@@ -777,8 +806,7 @@ func UpdateOldManagementURL(ctx context.Context, config *Config, configPath stri
 	}()
 
 	// gRPC check
-	_, err = client.GetServerPublicKey()
-	if err != nil {
+	if err = client.HealthCheck(); err != nil {
 		log.Infof("couldn't switch to the new Management %s", newURL.String())
 		return nil, err
 	}

client/internal/profilemanager/config_test.go

@@ -17,12 +17,10 @@ import (
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/util"
 )
 
-type mockMgmProber struct {
-	key wgtypes.Key
-}
+type mockMgmProber struct{}
 
-func (m *mockMgmProber) GetServerPublicKey() (*wgtypes.Key, error) {
-	return &m.key, nil
+func (m *mockMgmProber) HealthCheck() error {
+	return nil
 }
 
 func (m *mockMgmProber) Close() error { return nil }
@@ -247,11 +245,7 @@ func TestWireguardPortDefaultVsExplicit(t *testing.T) {
 func TestUpdateOldManagementURL(t *testing.T) {
 	origProber := newMgmProber
 	newMgmProber = func(_ context.Context, _ string, _ wgtypes.Key, _ bool) (mgmProber, error) {
-		key, err := wgtypes.GenerateKey()
-		if err != nil {
-			return nil, err
-		}
-		return &mockMgmProber{key: key.PublicKey()}, nil
+		return &mockMgmProber{}, nil
 	}
 	t.Cleanup(func() { newMgmProber = origProber })
 

client/internal/routemanager/manager.go

@@ -52,6 +52,7 @@ type Manager interface {
 	TriggerSelection(route.HAMap)
 	GetRouteSelector() *routeselector.RouteSelector
 	GetClientRoutes() route.HAMap
+	GetSelectedClientRoutes() route.HAMap
 	GetClientRoutesWithNetID() map[route.NetID][]*route.Route
 	SetRouteChangeListener(listener listener.NetworkChangeListener)
 	InitialRouteRange() []string
@@ -167,6 +168,7 @@ func (m *DefaultManager) setupAndroidRoutes(config ManagerConfig) {
 			NetworkType: route.IPv4Network,
 		}
 		cr = append(cr, fakeIPRoute)
+		m.notifier.SetFakeIPRoute(fakeIPRoute)
 	}
 
 	m.notifier.SetInitialClientRoutes(cr, routesForComparison)
@@ -465,6 +467,16 @@ func (m *DefaultManager) GetClientRoutes() route.HAMap {
 	return maps.Clone(m.clientRoutes)
 }
 
+// GetSelectedClientRoutes returns only the currently selected/active client routes,
+// filtering out deselected exit nodes. Use this instead of GetClientRoutes when checking
+// if traffic should be routed through the tunnel.
+func (m *DefaultManager) GetSelectedClientRoutes() route.HAMap {
+	m.mux.Lock()
+	defer m.mux.Unlock()
+
+	return m.routeSelector.FilterSelectedExitNodes(maps.Clone(m.clientRoutes))
+}
+
 // GetClientRoutesWithNetID returns the current routes from the route map, but the keys consist of the network ID only
 func (m *DefaultManager) GetClientRoutesWithNetID() map[route.NetID][]*route.Route {
 	m.mux.Lock()

client/internal/routemanager/mock.go

@@ -18,6 +18,7 @@ type MockManager struct {
 	TriggerSelectionFunc         func(haMap route.HAMap)
 	GetRouteSelectorFunc         func() *routeselector.RouteSelector
 	GetClientRoutesFunc          func() route.HAMap
+	GetSelectedClientRoutesFunc  func() route.HAMap
 	GetClientRoutesWithNetIDFunc func() map[route.NetID][]*route.Route
 	StopFunc                     func(manager *statemanager.Manager)
 }
@@ -61,7 +62,7 @@ func (m *MockManager) GetRouteSelector() *routeselector.RouteSelector {
 	return nil
 }
 
-// GetClientRoutes mock implementation of GetClientRoutes from Manager interface
+// GetClientRoutes mock implementation of GetClientRoutes from the Manager interface
 func (m *MockManager) GetClientRoutes() route.HAMap {
 	if m.GetClientRoutesFunc != nil {
 		return m.GetClientRoutesFunc()
@@ -69,6 +70,14 @@ func (m *MockManager) GetClientRoutes() route.HAMap {
 	return nil
 }
 
+// GetSelectedClientRoutes mock implementation of GetSelectedClientRoutes from the Manager interface
+func (m *MockManager) GetSelectedClientRoutes() route.HAMap {
+	if m.GetSelectedClientRoutesFunc != nil {
+		return m.GetSelectedClientRoutesFunc()
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
 // GetClientRoutesWithNetID mock implementation of GetClientRoutesWithNetID from Manager interface
 func (m *MockManager) GetClientRoutesWithNetID() map[route.NetID][]*route.Route {
 	if m.GetClientRoutesWithNetIDFunc != nil {

client/internal/routemanager/notifier/notifier_android.go

@@ -16,6 +16,7 @@ import (
 type Notifier struct {
 	initialRoutes []*route.Route
 	currentRoutes []*route.Route
+	fakeIPRoute   *route.Route
 
 	listener    listener.NetworkChangeListener
 	listenerMux sync.Mutex
@@ -31,13 +32,17 @@ func (n *Notifier) SetListener(listener listener.NetworkChangeListener) {
 	n.listener = listener
 }
 
-// SetInitialClientRoutes stores the full initial route set (including fake IP blocks)
-// and a separate comparison set (without fake IP blocks) for diff detection.
+// SetInitialClientRoutes stores the initial route sets for TUN configuration.
 func (n *Notifier) SetInitialClientRoutes(initialRoutes []*route.Route, routesForComparison []*route.Route) {
 	n.initialRoutes = filterStatic(initialRoutes)
 	n.currentRoutes = filterStatic(routesForComparison)
 }
 
+// SetFakeIPRoute stores the fake IP route to be included in every TUN rebuild.
+func (n *Notifier) SetFakeIPRoute(r *route.Route) {
+	n.fakeIPRoute = r
+}
+
 func (n *Notifier) OnNewRoutes(idMap route.HAMap) {
 	var newRoutes []*route.Route
 	for _, routes := range idMap {
@@ -69,7 +74,9 @@ func (n *Notifier) notify() {
 	}
 
 	allRoutes := slices.Clone(n.currentRoutes)
-	allRoutes = append(allRoutes, n.extraInitialRoutes()...)
+	if n.fakeIPRoute != nil {
+		allRoutes = append(allRoutes, n.fakeIPRoute)
+	}
 
 	routeStrings := n.routesToStrings(allRoutes)
 	sort.Strings(routeStrings)
@@ -78,23 +85,6 @@ func (n *Notifier) notify() {
 	}(n.listener)
 }
 
-// extraInitialRoutes returns initialRoutes whose network prefix is absent
-// from currentRoutes (e.g. the fake IP block added at setup time).
-func (n *Notifier) extraInitialRoutes() []*route.Route {
-	currentNets := make(map[netip.Prefix]struct{}, len(n.currentRoutes))
-	for _, r := range n.currentRoutes {
-		currentNets[r.Network] = struct{}{}
-	}
-
-	var extra []*route.Route
-	for _, r := range n.initialRoutes {
-		if _, ok := currentNets[r.Network]; !ok {
-			extra = append(extra, r)
-		}
-	}
-	return extra
-}
-
 func filterStatic(routes []*route.Route) []*route.Route {
 	out := make([]*route.Route, 0, len(routes))
 	for _, r := range routes {

client/internal/routemanager/notifier/notifier_ios.go

@@ -34,6 +34,10 @@ func (n *Notifier) SetInitialClientRoutes([]*route.Route, []*route.Route) {
 	// iOS doesn't care about initial routes
 }
 
+func (n *Notifier) SetFakeIPRoute(*route.Route) {
+	// Not used on iOS
+}
+
 func (n *Notifier) OnNewRoutes(route.HAMap) {
 	// Not used on iOS
 }
@@ -53,7 +57,6 @@ func (n *Notifier) OnNewPrefixes(prefixes []netip.Prefix) {
 	n.currentPrefixes = newNets
 	n.notify()
 }
-
 func (n *Notifier) notify() {
 	n.listenerMux.Lock()
 	defer n.listenerMux.Unlock()

client/internal/routemanager/notifier/notifier_other.go

@@ -23,6 +23,10 @@ func (n *Notifier) SetInitialClientRoutes([]*route.Route, []*route.Route) {
 	// Not used on non-mobile platforms
 }
 
+func (n *Notifier) SetFakeIPRoute(*route.Route) {
+	// Not used on non-mobile platforms
+}
+
 func (n *Notifier) OnNewRoutes(idMap route.HAMap) {
 	// Not used on non-mobile platforms
 }

client/ios/NetBirdSDK/client.go

@@ -161,7 +161,11 @@ func (c *Client) Run(fd int32, interfaceName string, envList *EnvList) error {
 	cfg.WgIface = interfaceName
 
 	c.connectClient = internal.NewConnectClient(ctx, cfg, c.recorder)
-	return c.connectClient.RunOniOS(fd, c.networkChangeListener, c.dnsManager, c.stateFile)
+	hostDNS := []netip.AddrPort{
+		netip.MustParseAddrPort("9.9.9.9:53"),
+		netip.MustParseAddrPort("149.112.112.112:53"),
+	}
+	return c.connectClient.RunOniOS(fd, c.networkChangeListener, c.dnsManager, hostDNS, c.stateFile)
 }
 
 // Stop the internal client and free the resources

client/proto/daemon.proto

@@ -209,6 +209,9 @@ message LoginRequest {
   optional bool enableSSHRemotePortForwarding = 37;
   optional bool disableSSHAuth = 38;
   optional int32 sshJWTCacheTTL = 39;
+
+  optional bool serverVNCAllowed = 41;
+  optional bool disableVNCAuth = 42;
 }
 
 message LoginResponse {
@@ -316,6 +319,10 @@ message GetConfigResponse {
   bool disableSSHAuth = 25;
 
   int32 sshJWTCacheTTL = 26;
+
+  bool serverVNCAllowed = 28;
+
+  bool disableVNCAuth = 29;
 }
 
 // PeerState contains the latest state of a peer
@@ -394,6 +401,11 @@ message SSHServerState {
   repeated SSHSessionInfo sessions = 2;
 }
 
+// VNCServerState contains the latest state of the VNC server
+message VNCServerState {
+  bool enabled = 1;
+}
+
 // FullStatus contains the full state held by the Status instance
 message FullStatus {
   ManagementState managementState = 1;
@@ -408,6 +420,7 @@ message FullStatus {
 
   bool lazyConnectionEnabled = 9;
   SSHServerState sshServerState = 10;
+  VNCServerState vncServerState = 11;
 }
 
 // Networks
@@ -677,6 +690,9 @@ message SetConfigRequest {
   optional bool enableSSHRemotePortForwarding = 32;
   optional bool disableSSHAuth = 33;
   optional int32 sshJWTCacheTTL = 34;
+
+  optional bool serverVNCAllowed = 36;
+  optional bool disableVNCAuth = 37;
 }
 
 message SetConfigResponse{}

client/server/server.go

@@ -366,6 +366,7 @@ func (s *Server) SetConfig(callerCtx context.Context, msg *proto.SetConfigReques
 	config.RosenpassPermissive = msg.RosenpassPermissive
 	config.DisableAutoConnect = msg.DisableAutoConnect
 	config.ServerSSHAllowed = msg.ServerSSHAllowed
+	config.ServerVNCAllowed = msg.ServerVNCAllowed
 	config.NetworkMonitor = msg.NetworkMonitor
 	config.DisableClientRoutes = msg.DisableClientRoutes
 	config.DisableServerRoutes = msg.DisableServerRoutes
@@ -382,6 +383,9 @@ func (s *Server) SetConfig(callerCtx context.Context, msg *proto.SetConfigReques
 	if msg.DisableSSHAuth != nil {
 		config.DisableSSHAuth = msg.DisableSSHAuth
 	}
+	if msg.DisableVNCAuth != nil {
+		config.DisableVNCAuth = msg.DisableVNCAuth
+	}
 	if msg.SshJWTCacheTTL != nil {
 		ttl := int(*msg.SshJWTCacheTTL)
 		config.SSHJWTCacheTTL = &ttl
@@ -1120,6 +1124,7 @@ func (s *Server) Status(
 		pbFullStatus := fullStatus.ToProto()
 		pbFullStatus.Events = s.statusRecorder.GetEventHistory()
 		pbFullStatus.SshServerState = s.getSSHServerState()
+		pbFullStatus.VncServerState = s.getVNCServerState()
 		statusResponse.FullStatus = pbFullStatus
 	}
 
@@ -1159,6 +1164,26 @@ func (s *Server) getSSHServerState() *proto.SSHServerState {
 	return sshServerState
 }
 
+// getVNCServerState retrieves the current VNC server state.
+func (s *Server) getVNCServerState() *proto.VNCServerState {
+	s.mutex.Lock()
+	connectClient := s.connectClient
+	s.mutex.Unlock()
+
+	if connectClient == nil {
+		return nil
+	}
+
+	engine := connectClient.Engine()
+	if engine == nil {
+		return nil
+	}
+
+	return &proto.VNCServerState{
+		Enabled: engine.GetVNCServerStatus(),
+	}
+}
+
 // GetPeerSSHHostKey retrieves SSH host key for a specific peer
 func (s *Server) GetPeerSSHHostKey(
 	ctx context.Context,
@@ -1359,6 +1384,10 @@ func (s *Server) ExposeService(req *proto.ExposeServiceRequest, srv proto.Daemon
 		return gstatus.Errorf(codes.FailedPrecondition, "engine not initialized")
 	}
 
+	if engine.IsBlockInbound() {
+		return gstatus.Errorf(codes.FailedPrecondition, "expose requires inbound connections but 'block inbound' is enabled, disable it first")
+	}
+
 	mgr := engine.GetExposeManager()
 	if mgr == nil {
 		return gstatus.Errorf(codes.Internal, "expose manager not available")
@@ -1496,6 +1525,11 @@ func (s *Server) GetConfig(ctx context.Context, req *proto.GetConfigRequest) (*p
 		disableSSHAuth = *cfg.DisableSSHAuth
 	}
 
+	disableVNCAuth := false
+	if cfg.DisableVNCAuth != nil {
+		disableVNCAuth = *cfg.DisableVNCAuth
+	}
+
 	sshJWTCacheTTL := int32(0)
 	if cfg.SSHJWTCacheTTL != nil {
 		sshJWTCacheTTL = int32(*cfg.SSHJWTCacheTTL)
@@ -1510,6 +1544,7 @@ func (s *Server) GetConfig(ctx context.Context, req *proto.GetConfigRequest) (*p
 		Mtu:                           int64(cfg.MTU),
 		DisableAutoConnect:            cfg.DisableAutoConnect,
 		ServerSSHAllowed:              *cfg.ServerSSHAllowed,
+		ServerVNCAllowed:              cfg.ServerVNCAllowed != nil && *cfg.ServerVNCAllowed,
 		RosenpassEnabled:              cfg.RosenpassEnabled,
 		RosenpassPermissive:           cfg.RosenpassPermissive,
 		LazyConnectionEnabled:         cfg.LazyConnectionEnabled,
@@ -1525,6 +1560,7 @@ func (s *Server) GetConfig(ctx context.Context, req *proto.GetConfigRequest) (*p
 		EnableSSHLocalPortForwarding:  enableSSHLocalPortForwarding,
 		EnableSSHRemotePortForwarding: enableSSHRemotePortForwarding,
 		DisableSSHAuth:                disableSSHAuth,
+		DisableVNCAuth:                disableVNCAuth,
 		SshJWTCacheTTL:                sshJWTCacheTTL,
 	}, nil
 }

client/server/setconfig_test.go

@@ -58,6 +58,8 @@ func TestSetConfig_AllFieldsSaved(t *testing.T) {
 	rosenpassEnabled := true
 	rosenpassPermissive := true
 	serverSSHAllowed := true
+	serverVNCAllowed := true
+	disableVNCAuth := true
 	interfaceName := "utun100"
 	wireguardPort := int64(51820)
 	preSharedKey := "test-psk"
@@ -82,6 +84,8 @@ func TestSetConfig_AllFieldsSaved(t *testing.T) {
 		RosenpassEnabled:      &rosenpassEnabled,
 		RosenpassPermissive:   &rosenpassPermissive,
 		ServerSSHAllowed:      &serverSSHAllowed,
+		ServerVNCAllowed:      &serverVNCAllowed,
+		DisableVNCAuth:        &disableVNCAuth,
 		InterfaceName:         &interfaceName,
 		WireguardPort:         &wireguardPort,
 		OptionalPreSharedKey:  &preSharedKey,
@@ -125,6 +129,10 @@ func TestSetConfig_AllFieldsSaved(t *testing.T) {
 	require.Equal(t, rosenpassPermissive, cfg.RosenpassPermissive)
 	require.NotNil(t, cfg.ServerSSHAllowed)
 	require.Equal(t, serverSSHAllowed, *cfg.ServerSSHAllowed)
+	require.NotNil(t, cfg.ServerVNCAllowed)
+	require.Equal(t, serverVNCAllowed, *cfg.ServerVNCAllowed)
+	require.NotNil(t, cfg.DisableVNCAuth)
+	require.Equal(t, disableVNCAuth, *cfg.DisableVNCAuth)
 	require.Equal(t, interfaceName, cfg.WgIface)
 	require.Equal(t, int(wireguardPort), cfg.WgPort)
 	require.Equal(t, preSharedKey, cfg.PreSharedKey)
@@ -176,6 +184,8 @@ func verifyAllFieldsCovered(t *testing.T, req *proto.SetConfigRequest) {
 		"RosenpassEnabled":              true,
 		"RosenpassPermissive":           true,
 		"ServerSSHAllowed":              true,
+		"ServerVNCAllowed":              true,
+		"DisableVNCAuth":                true,
 		"InterfaceName":                 true,
 		"WireguardPort":                 true,
 		"OptionalPreSharedKey":          true,
@@ -236,6 +246,8 @@ func TestCLIFlags_MappedToSetConfig(t *testing.T) {
 		"enable-rosenpass":                  "RosenpassEnabled",
 		"rosenpass-permissive":              "RosenpassPermissive",
 		"allow-server-ssh":                  "ServerSSHAllowed",
+		"allow-server-vnc":                  "ServerVNCAllowed",
+		"disable-vnc-auth":                  "DisableVNCAuth",
 		"interface-name":                    "InterfaceName",
 		"wireguard-port":                    "WireguardPort",
 		"preshared-key":                     "OptionalPreSharedKey",

client/server/state_generic.go

@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ import (
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/ssh/config"
 )
 
+// registerStates registers all states that need crash recovery cleanup.
 func registerStates(mgr *statemanager.Manager) {
 	mgr.RegisterState(&dns.ShutdownState{})
 	mgr.RegisterState(&systemops.ShutdownState{})

client/server/state_linux.go

@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ import (
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/ssh/config"
 )
 
+// registerStates registers all states that need crash recovery cleanup.
 func registerStates(mgr *statemanager.Manager) {
 	mgr.RegisterState(&dns.ShutdownState{})
 	mgr.RegisterState(&systemops.ShutdownState{})

client/ssh/proxy/proxy.go

@@ -141,7 +141,7 @@ func (p *SSHProxy) runProxySSHServer(jwtToken string) error {
 
 func (p *SSHProxy) handleSSHSession(session ssh.Session) {
 	ptyReq, winCh, isPty := session.Pty()
-	hasCommand := len(session.Command()) > 0
+	hasCommand := session.RawCommand() != ""
 
 	sshClient, err := p.getOrCreateBackendClient(session.Context(), session.User())
 	if err != nil {
@@ -180,7 +180,7 @@ func (p *SSHProxy) handleSSHSession(session ssh.Session) {
 	}
 
 	if hasCommand {
-		if err := serverSession.Run(strings.Join(session.Command(), " ")); err != nil {
+		if err := serverSession.Run(session.RawCommand()); err != nil {
 			log.Debugf("run command: %v", err)
 			p.handleProxyExitCode(session, err)
 		}

client/ssh/proxy/proxy_test.go

@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 package proxy
 
 import (
+	"bytes"
 	"context"
 	"crypto/rand"
 	"crypto/rsa"
@@ -245,6 +246,191 @@ func TestSSHProxy_Connect(t *testing.T) {
 	cancel()
 }
 
+// TestSSHProxy_CommandQuoting verifies that the proxy preserves shell quoting
+// when forwarding commands to the backend. This is critical for tools like
+// Ansible that send commands such as:
+//
+//	/bin/sh -c '( umask 77 && mkdir -p ... ) && sleep 0'
+//
+// The single quotes must be preserved so the backend shell receives the
+// subshell expression as a single argument to -c.
+func TestSSHProxy_CommandQuoting(t *testing.T) {
+	if testing.Short() {
+		t.Skip("Skipping integration test in short mode")
+	}
+
+	sshClient, cleanup := setupProxySSHClient(t)
+	defer cleanup()
+
+	// These commands simulate what the SSH protocol delivers as exec payloads.
+	// When a user types: ssh host '/bin/sh -c "( echo hello )"'
+	// the local shell strips the outer single quotes, and the SSH exec request
+	// contains the raw string: /bin/sh -c "( echo hello )"
+	//
+	// The proxy must forward this string verbatim. Using session.Command()
+	// (shlex.Split + strings.Join) strips the inner double quotes, breaking
+	// the command on the backend.
+	tests := []struct {
+		name    string
+		command string
+		expect  string
+	}{
+		{
+			name:    "subshell_in_double_quotes",
+			command: `/bin/sh -c "( echo from-subshell ) && echo outer"`,
+			expect:  "from-subshell\nouter\n",
+		},
+		{
+			name:    "printf_with_special_chars",
+			command: `/bin/sh -c "printf '%s\n' 'hello world'"`,
+			expect:  "hello world\n",
+		},
+		{
+			name:    "nested_command_substitution",
+			command: `/bin/sh -c "echo $(echo nested)"`,
+			expect:  "nested\n",
+		},
+	}
+
+	for _, tc := range tests {
+		t.Run(tc.name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			session, err := sshClient.NewSession()
+			require.NoError(t, err)
+			defer func() { _ = session.Close() }()
+
+			var stderrBuf bytes.Buffer
+			session.Stderr = &stderrBuf
+
+			outputCh := make(chan []byte, 1)
+			errCh := make(chan error, 1)
+			go func() {
+				output, err := session.Output(tc.command)
+				outputCh <- output
+				errCh <- err
+			}()
+
+			select {
+			case output := <-outputCh:
+				err := <-errCh
+				if stderrBuf.Len() > 0 {
+					t.Logf("stderr: %s", stderrBuf.String())
+				}
+				require.NoError(t, err, "command should succeed: %s", tc.command)
+				assert.Equal(t, tc.expect, string(output), "output mismatch for: %s", tc.command)
+			case <-time.After(5 * time.Second):
+				t.Fatalf("command timed out: %s", tc.command)
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+// setupProxySSHClient creates a full proxy test environment and returns
+// an SSH client connected through the proxy to a backend NetBird SSH server.
+func setupProxySSHClient(t *testing.T) (*cryptossh.Client, func()) {
+	t.Helper()
+
+	const (
+		issuer   = "https://test-issuer.example.com"
+		audience = "test-audience"
+	)
+
+	jwksServer, privateKey, jwksURL := setupJWKSServer(t)
+
+	hostKey, err := nbssh.GeneratePrivateKey(nbssh.ED25519)
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+	hostPubKey, err := nbssh.GeneratePublicKey(hostKey)
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+
+	serverConfig := &server.Config{
+		HostKeyPEM: hostKey,
+		JWT: &server.JWTConfig{
+			Issuer:       issuer,
+			Audiences:    []string{audience},
+			KeysLocation: jwksURL,
+		},
+	}
+	sshServer := server.New(serverConfig)
+	sshServer.SetAllowRootLogin(true)
+
+	testUsername := testutil.GetTestUsername(t)
+	testJWTUser := "test-username"
+	testUserHash, err := sshuserhash.HashUserID(testJWTUser)
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+
+	authConfig := &sshauth.Config{
+		UserIDClaim:     sshauth.DefaultUserIDClaim,
+		AuthorizedUsers: []sshuserhash.UserIDHash{testUserHash},
+		MachineUsers: map[string][]uint32{
+			testUsername: {0},
+		},
+	}
+	sshServer.UpdateSSHAuth(authConfig)
+
+	sshServerAddr := server.StartTestServer(t, sshServer)
+
+	mockDaemon := startMockDaemon(t)
+
+	host, portStr, err := net.SplitHostPort(sshServerAddr)
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+	port, err := strconv.Atoi(portStr)
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+
+	mockDaemon.setHostKey(host, hostPubKey)
+
+	validToken := generateValidJWT(t, privateKey, issuer, audience, testJWTUser)
+	mockDaemon.setJWTToken(validToken)
+
+	proxyInstance, err := New(mockDaemon.addr, host, port, io.Discard, nil)
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+
+	origStdin := os.Stdin
+	origStdout := os.Stdout
+
+	stdinReader, stdinWriter, err := os.Pipe()
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+	stdoutReader, stdoutWriter, err := os.Pipe()
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+
+	os.Stdin = stdinReader
+	os.Stdout = stdoutWriter
+
+	clientConn, proxyConn := net.Pipe()
+
+	go func() { _, _ = io.Copy(stdinWriter, proxyConn) }()
+	go func() { _, _ = io.Copy(proxyConn, stdoutReader) }()
+
+	ctx, cancel := context.WithTimeout(context.Background(), 10*time.Second)
+
+	go func() {
+		_ = proxyInstance.Connect(ctx)
+	}()
+
+	sshConfig := &cryptossh.ClientConfig{
+		User:            testutil.GetTestUsername(t),
+		Auth:            []cryptossh.AuthMethod{},
+		HostKeyCallback: cryptossh.InsecureIgnoreHostKey(),
+		Timeout:         5 * time.Second,
+	}
+
+	sshClientConn, chans, reqs, err := cryptossh.NewClientConn(clientConn, "test", sshConfig)
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+
+	client := cryptossh.NewClient(sshClientConn, chans, reqs)
+
+	cleanupFn := func() {
+		_ = client.Close()
+		_ = clientConn.Close()
+		cancel()
+		os.Stdin = origStdin
+		os.Stdout = origStdout
+		_ = sshServer.Stop()
+		mockDaemon.stop()
+		jwksServer.Close()
+	}
+
+	return client, cleanupFn
+}
+
 type mockDaemonServer struct {
 	proto.UnimplementedDaemonServiceServer
 	hostKeys map[string][]byte

client/ssh/server/executor_windows.go

@@ -200,8 +200,8 @@ func newLsaString(s string) lsaString {
 	}
 }
 
-// generateS4UUserToken creates a Windows token using S4U authentication
-// This is the exact approach OpenSSH for Windows uses for public key authentication
+// generateS4UUserToken creates a Windows token using S4U authentication.
+// This is the same approach OpenSSH for Windows uses for public key authentication.
 func generateS4UUserToken(logger *log.Entry, username, domain string) (windows.Handle, error) {
 	userCpn := buildUserCpn(username, domain)
 

client/ssh/server/server.go

@@ -284,19 +284,21 @@ func (s *Server) closeListener(ln net.Listener) {
 // Stop closes the SSH server
 func (s *Server) Stop() error {
 	s.mu.Lock()
-	defer s.mu.Unlock()
-
-	if s.sshServer == nil {
+	sshServer := s.sshServer
+	if sshServer == nil {
+		s.mu.Unlock()
 		return nil
 	}
+	s.sshServer = nil
+	s.listener = nil
+	s.mu.Unlock()
 
-	if err := s.sshServer.Close(); err != nil {
+	// Close outside the lock: session handlers need s.mu for unregisterSession.
+	if err := sshServer.Close(); err != nil {
 		log.Debugf("close SSH server: %v", err)
 	}
 
-	s.sshServer = nil
-	s.listener = nil
-
+	s.mu.Lock()
 	maps.Clear(s.sessions)
 	maps.Clear(s.pendingAuthJWT)
 	maps.Clear(s.connections)
@@ -307,6 +309,7 @@ func (s *Server) Stop() error {
 		}
 	}
 	maps.Clear(s.remoteForwardListeners)
+	s.mu.Unlock()
 
 	return nil
 }
@@ -504,27 +507,7 @@ func (s *Server) checkTokenAge(token *gojwt.Token, jwtConfig *JWTConfig) error {
 		maxTokenAge = DefaultJWTMaxTokenAge
 	}
 
-	claims, ok := token.Claims.(gojwt.MapClaims)
-	if !ok {
-		userID := extractUserID(token)
-		return fmt.Errorf("token has invalid claims format (user=%s)", userID)
-	}
-
-	iat, ok := claims["iat"].(float64)
-	if !ok {
-		userID := extractUserID(token)
-		return fmt.Errorf("token missing iat claim (user=%s)", userID)
-	}
-
-	issuedAt := time.Unix(int64(iat), 0)
-	tokenAge := time.Since(issuedAt)
-	maxAge := time.Duration(maxTokenAge) * time.Second
-	if tokenAge > maxAge {
-		userID := getUserIDFromClaims(claims)
-		return fmt.Errorf("token expired for user=%s: age=%v, max=%v", userID, tokenAge, maxAge)
-	}
-
-	return nil
+	return jwt.CheckTokenAge(token, time.Duration(maxTokenAge)*time.Second)
 }
 
 func (s *Server) extractAndValidateUser(token *gojwt.Token) (*auth.UserAuth, error) {
@@ -555,27 +538,7 @@ func (s *Server) hasSSHAccess(userAuth *auth.UserAuth) bool {
 }
 
 func extractUserID(token *gojwt.Token) string {
-	if token == nil {
-		return "unknown"
-	}
-	claims, ok := token.Claims.(gojwt.MapClaims)
-	if !ok {
-		return "unknown"
-	}
-	return getUserIDFromClaims(claims)
-}
-
-func getUserIDFromClaims(claims gojwt.MapClaims) string {
-	if sub, ok := claims["sub"].(string); ok && sub != "" {
-		return sub
-	}
-	if userID, ok := claims["user_id"].(string); ok && userID != "" {
-		return userID
-	}
-	if email, ok := claims["email"].(string); ok && email != "" {
-		return email
-	}
-	return "unknown"
+	return jwt.UserIDFromToken(token)
 }
 
 func (s *Server) parseTokenWithoutValidation(tokenString string) (map[string]interface{}, error) {

client/ssh/server/session_handlers.go

@@ -60,7 +60,7 @@ func (s *Server) sessionHandler(session ssh.Session) {
 	}
 
 	ptyReq, winCh, isPty := session.Pty()
-	hasCommand := len(session.Command()) > 0
+	hasCommand := session.RawCommand() != ""
 
 	if isPty && !hasCommand {
 		// ssh <host> - PTY interactive session (login)

client/status/status.go

@@ -130,6 +130,10 @@ type SSHServerStateOutput struct {
 	Sessions []SSHSessionOutput `json:"sessions" yaml:"sessions"`
 }
 
+type VNCServerStateOutput struct {
+	Enabled bool `json:"enabled" yaml:"enabled"`
+}
+
 type OutputOverview struct {
 	Peers                   PeersStateOutput           `json:"peers" yaml:"peers"`
 	CliVersion              string                     `json:"cliVersion" yaml:"cliVersion"`
@@ -151,6 +155,7 @@ type OutputOverview struct {
 	LazyConnectionEnabled   bool                       `json:"lazyConnectionEnabled" yaml:"lazyConnectionEnabled"`
 	ProfileName             string                     `json:"profileName" yaml:"profileName"`
 	SSHServerState          SSHServerStateOutput       `json:"sshServer" yaml:"sshServer"`
+	VNCServerState          VNCServerStateOutput       `json:"vncServer" yaml:"vncServer"`
 }
 
 // ConvertToStatusOutputOverview converts protobuf status to the output overview.
@@ -171,6 +176,9 @@ func ConvertToStatusOutputOverview(pbFullStatus *proto.FullStatus, opts ConvertO
 
 	relayOverview := mapRelays(pbFullStatus.GetRelays())
 	sshServerOverview := mapSSHServer(pbFullStatus.GetSshServerState())
+	vncServerOverview := VNCServerStateOutput{
+		Enabled: pbFullStatus.GetVncServerState().GetEnabled(),
+	}
 	peersOverview := mapPeers(pbFullStatus.GetPeers(), opts.StatusFilter, opts.PrefixNamesFilter, opts.PrefixNamesFilterMap, opts.IPsFilter, opts.ConnectionTypeFilter)
 
 	overview := OutputOverview{
@@ -194,6 +202,7 @@ func ConvertToStatusOutputOverview(pbFullStatus *proto.FullStatus, opts ConvertO
 		LazyConnectionEnabled:   pbFullStatus.GetLazyConnectionEnabled(),
 		ProfileName:             opts.ProfileName,
 		SSHServerState:          sshServerOverview,
+		VNCServerState:          vncServerOverview,
 	}
 
 	if opts.Anonymize {
@@ -524,6 +533,11 @@ func (o *OutputOverview) GeneralSummary(showURL bool, showRelays bool, showNameS
 		}
 	}
 
+	vncServerStatus := "Disabled"
+	if o.VNCServerState.Enabled {
+		vncServerStatus = "Enabled"
+	}
+
 	peersCountString := fmt.Sprintf("%d/%d Connected", o.Peers.Connected, o.Peers.Total)
 
 	var forwardingRulesString string
@@ -553,6 +567,7 @@ func (o *OutputOverview) GeneralSummary(showURL bool, showRelays bool, showNameS
 			"Quantum resistance: %s\n"+
 			"Lazy connection: %s\n"+
 			"SSH Server: %s\n"+
+			"VNC Server: %s\n"+
 			"Networks: %s\n"+
 			"%s"+
 			"Peers count: %s\n",
@@ -570,6 +585,7 @@ func (o *OutputOverview) GeneralSummary(showURL bool, showRelays bool, showNameS
 		rosenpassEnabledStatus,
 		lazyConnectionEnabledStatus,
 		sshServerStatus,
+		vncServerStatus,
 		networks,
 		forwardingRulesString,
 		peersCountString,

client/status/status_test.go

@@ -398,6 +398,9 @@ func TestParsingToJSON(t *testing.T) {
 		  "sshServer":{
 		    "enabled":false,
 			"sessions":[]
+		  },
+		  "vncServer":{
+		    "enabled":false
 		  }
         }`
 	// @formatter:on
@@ -505,6 +508,8 @@ profileName: ""
 sshServer:
     enabled: false
     sessions: []
+vncServer:
+    enabled: false
 `
 
 	assert.Equal(t, expectedYAML, yaml)
@@ -572,6 +577,7 @@ Interface type: Kernel
 Quantum resistance: false
 Lazy connection: false
 SSH Server: Disabled
+VNC Server: Disabled
 Networks: 10.10.0.0/24
 Peers count: 2/2 Connected
 `, lastConnectionUpdate1, lastHandshake1, lastConnectionUpdate2, lastHandshake2, runtime.GOOS, runtime.GOARCH, overview.CliVersion)
@@ -596,6 +602,7 @@ Interface type: Kernel
 Quantum resistance: false
 Lazy connection: false
 SSH Server: Disabled
+VNC Server: Disabled
 Networks: 10.10.0.0/24
 Peers count: 2/2 Connected
 `

client/system/info.go

@@ -63,6 +63,7 @@ type Info struct {
 	RosenpassEnabled    bool
 	RosenpassPermissive bool
 	ServerSSHAllowed    bool
+	ServerVNCAllowed    bool
 
 	DisableClientRoutes bool
 	DisableServerRoutes bool
@@ -78,21 +79,27 @@ type Info struct {
 	EnableSSHLocalPortForwarding  bool
 	EnableSSHRemotePortForwarding bool
 	DisableSSHAuth                bool
+	DisableVNCAuth                bool
 }
 
 func (i *Info) SetFlags(
 	rosenpassEnabled, rosenpassPermissive bool,
 	serverSSHAllowed *bool,
+	serverVNCAllowed *bool,
 	disableClientRoutes, disableServerRoutes,
 	disableDNS, disableFirewall, blockLANAccess, blockInbound, lazyConnectionEnabled bool,
 	enableSSHRoot, enableSSHSFTP, enableSSHLocalPortForwarding, enableSSHRemotePortForwarding *bool,
 	disableSSHAuth *bool,
+	disableVNCAuth *bool,
 ) {
 	i.RosenpassEnabled = rosenpassEnabled
 	i.RosenpassPermissive = rosenpassPermissive
 	if serverSSHAllowed != nil {
 		i.ServerSSHAllowed = *serverSSHAllowed
 	}
+	if serverVNCAllowed != nil {
+		i.ServerVNCAllowed = *serverVNCAllowed
+	}
 
 	i.DisableClientRoutes = disableClientRoutes
 	i.DisableServerRoutes = disableServerRoutes
@@ -118,6 +125,9 @@ func (i *Info) SetFlags(
 	if disableSSHAuth != nil {
 		i.DisableSSHAuth = *disableSSHAuth
 	}
+	if disableVNCAuth != nil {
+		i.DisableVNCAuth = *disableVNCAuth
+	}
 }
 
 // extractUserAgent extracts Netbird's agent (client) name and version from the outgoing context
@@ -153,6 +163,9 @@ func networkAddresses() ([]NetworkAddress, error) {
 
 	var netAddresses []NetworkAddress
 	for _, iface := range interfaces {
+		if iface.Flags&net.FlagUp == 0 {
+			continue
+		}
 		if iface.HardwareAddr.String() == "" {
 			continue
 		}

client/system/info_freebsd.go

@@ -43,18 +43,24 @@ func GetInfo(ctx context.Context) *Info {
 
 	systemHostname, _ := os.Hostname()
 
+	addrs, err := networkAddresses()
+	if err != nil {
+		log.Warnf("failed to discover network addresses: %s", err)
+	}
+
 	return &Info{
-		GoOS:           runtime.GOOS,
-		Kernel:         osInfo[0],
-		Platform:       runtime.GOARCH,
-		OS:             osName,
-		OSVersion:      osVersion,
-		Hostname:       extractDeviceName(ctx, systemHostname),
-		CPUs:           runtime.NumCPU(),
-		NetbirdVersion: version.NetbirdVersion(),
-		UIVersion:      extractUserAgent(ctx),
-		KernelVersion:  osInfo[1],
-		Environment:    env,
+		GoOS:             runtime.GOOS,
+		Kernel:           osInfo[0],
+		Platform:         runtime.GOARCH,
+		OS:               osName,
+		OSVersion:        osVersion,
+		Hostname:         extractDeviceName(ctx, systemHostname),
+		CPUs:             runtime.NumCPU(),
+		NetbirdVersion:   version.NetbirdVersion(),
+		UIVersion:        extractUserAgent(ctx),
+		KernelVersion:    osInfo[1],
+		NetworkAddresses: addrs,
+		Environment:      env,
 	}
 }
 

client/ui/debug.go

@@ -24,9 +24,10 @@ import (
 
 // Initial state for the debug collection
 type debugInitialState struct {
-	wasDown      bool
-	logLevel     proto.LogLevel
-	isLevelTrace bool
+	wasDown        bool
+	needsRestoreUp bool
+	logLevel       proto.LogLevel
+	isLevelTrace   bool
 }
 
 // Debug collection parameters
@@ -371,46 +372,51 @@ func (s *serviceClient) configureServiceForDebug(
 	conn proto.DaemonServiceClient,
 	state *debugInitialState,
 	enablePersistence bool,
-) error {
+) {
 	if state.wasDown {
 		if _, err := conn.Up(s.ctx, &proto.UpRequest{}); err != nil {
-			return fmt.Errorf("bring service up: %v", err)
+			log.Warnf("failed to bring service up: %v", err)
+		} else {
+			log.Info("Service brought up for debug")
+			time.Sleep(time.Second * 10)
 		}
-		log.Info("Service brought up for debug")
-		time.Sleep(time.Second * 10)
 	}
 
 	if !state.isLevelTrace {
 		if _, err := conn.SetLogLevel(s.ctx, &proto.SetLogLevelRequest{Level: proto.LogLevel_TRACE}); err != nil {
-			return fmt.Errorf("set log level to TRACE: %v", err)
+			log.Warnf("failed to set log level to TRACE: %v", err)
+		} else {
+			log.Info("Log level set to TRACE for debug")
 		}
-		log.Info("Log level set to TRACE for debug")
 	}
 
 	if _, err := conn.Down(s.ctx, &proto.DownRequest{}); err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("bring service down: %v", err)
+		log.Warnf("failed to bring service down: %v", err)
+	} else {
+		state.needsRestoreUp = !state.wasDown
+		time.Sleep(time.Second)
 	}
-	time.Sleep(time.Second)
 
 	if enablePersistence {
 		if _, err := conn.SetSyncResponsePersistence(s.ctx, &proto.SetSyncResponsePersistenceRequest{
 			Enabled: true,
 		}); err != nil {
-			return fmt.Errorf("enable sync response persistence: %v", err)
+			log.Warnf("failed to enable sync response persistence: %v", err)
+		} else {
+			log.Info("Sync response persistence enabled for debug")
 		}
-		log.Info("Sync response persistence enabled for debug")
 	}
 
 	if _, err := conn.Up(s.ctx, &proto.UpRequest{}); err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("bring service back up: %v", err)
+		log.Warnf("failed to bring service back up: %v", err)
+	} else {
+		state.needsRestoreUp = false
+		time.Sleep(time.Second * 3)
 	}
-	time.Sleep(time.Second * 3)
 
 	if _, err := conn.StartCPUProfile(s.ctx, &proto.StartCPUProfileRequest{}); err != nil {
 		log.Warnf("failed to start CPU profiling: %v", err)
 	}
-
-	return nil
 }
 
 func (s *serviceClient) collectDebugData(
@@ -424,9 +430,7 @@ func (s *serviceClient) collectDebugData(
 	var wg sync.WaitGroup
 	startProgressTracker(ctx, &wg, params.duration, progress)
 
-	if err := s.configureServiceForDebug(conn, state, params.enablePersistence); err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
+	s.configureServiceForDebug(conn, state, params.enablePersistence)
 
 	wg.Wait()
 	progress.progressBar.Hide()
@@ -482,9 +486,17 @@ func (s *serviceClient) createDebugBundleFromCollection(
 
 // Restore service to original state
 func (s *serviceClient) restoreServiceState(conn proto.DaemonServiceClient, state *debugInitialState) {
+	if state.needsRestoreUp {
+		if _, err := conn.Up(s.ctx, &proto.UpRequest{}); err != nil {
+			log.Warnf("failed to restore up state: %v", err)
+		} else {
+			log.Info("Service state restored to up")
+		}
+	}
+
 	if state.wasDown {
 		if _, err := conn.Down(s.ctx, &proto.DownRequest{}); err != nil {
-			log.Errorf("Failed to restore down state: %v", err)
+			log.Warnf("failed to restore down state: %v", err)
 		} else {
 			log.Info("Service state restored to down")
 		}
@@ -492,7 +504,7 @@ func (s *serviceClient) restoreServiceState(conn proto.DaemonServiceClient, stat
 
 	if !state.isLevelTrace {
 		if _, err := conn.SetLogLevel(s.ctx, &proto.SetLogLevelRequest{Level: state.logLevel}); err != nil {
-			log.Errorf("Failed to restore log level: %v", err)
+			log.Warnf("failed to restore log level: %v", err)
 		} else {
 			log.Info("Log level restored to original setting")
 		}

client/vnc/server/agent_windows.go

@@ -0,0 +1,474 @@
+//go:build windows
+
+package server
+
+import (
+	crand "crypto/rand"
+	"encoding/hex"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"fmt"
+	"io"
+	"net"
+	"os"
+	"sync"
+	"time"
+	"unsafe"
+
+	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
+	"golang.org/x/sys/windows"
+)
+
+const (
+	agentPort = "15900"
+
+	// agentTokenLen is the length of the random authentication token
+	// used to verify that connections to the agent come from the service.
+	agentTokenLen = 32
+
+	stillActive = 259
+
+	tokenPrimary          = 1
+	securityImpersonation = 2
+	tokenSessionID        = 12
+
+	createUnicodeEnvironment = 0x00000400
+	createNoWindow           = 0x08000000
+)
+
+var (
+	kernel32 = windows.NewLazySystemDLL("kernel32.dll")
+	advapi32 = windows.NewLazySystemDLL("advapi32.dll")
+	userenv  = windows.NewLazySystemDLL("userenv.dll")
+
+	procWTSGetActiveConsoleSessionId = kernel32.NewProc("WTSGetActiveConsoleSessionId")
+	procSetTokenInformation          = advapi32.NewProc("SetTokenInformation")
+	procCreateEnvironmentBlock       = userenv.NewProc("CreateEnvironmentBlock")
+	procDestroyEnvironmentBlock      = userenv.NewProc("DestroyEnvironmentBlock")
+
+	wtsapi32                  = windows.NewLazySystemDLL("wtsapi32.dll")
+	procWTSEnumerateSessionsW = wtsapi32.NewProc("WTSEnumerateSessionsW")
+	procWTSFreeMemory         = wtsapi32.NewProc("WTSFreeMemory")
+)
+
+// GetCurrentSessionID returns the session ID of the current process.
+func GetCurrentSessionID() uint32 {
+	var token windows.Token
+	if err := windows.OpenProcessToken(windows.CurrentProcess(),
+		windows.TOKEN_QUERY, &token); err != nil {
+		return 0
+	}
+	defer token.Close()
+	var id uint32
+	var ret uint32
+	_ = windows.GetTokenInformation(token, windows.TokenSessionId,
+		(*byte)(unsafe.Pointer(&id)), 4, &ret)
+	return id
+}
+
+func getConsoleSessionID() uint32 {
+	r, _, _ := procWTSGetActiveConsoleSessionId.Call()
+	return uint32(r)
+}
+
+const (
+	wtsActive       = 0
+	wtsConnected    = 1
+	wtsDisconnected = 4
+)
+
+type wtsSessionInfo struct {
+	SessionID      uint32
+	WinStationName [66]byte // actually *uint16, but we just need the struct size
+	State          uint32
+}
+
+// getActiveSessionID returns the session ID of the best session to attach to.
+// Prefers an active (logged-in, interactive) session over the console session.
+// This avoids kicking out an RDP user when the console is at the login screen.
+func getActiveSessionID() uint32 {
+	var sessionInfo uintptr
+	var count uint32
+
+	r, _, _ := procWTSEnumerateSessionsW.Call(
+		0, // WTS_CURRENT_SERVER_HANDLE
+		0, // reserved
+		1, // version
+		uintptr(unsafe.Pointer(&sessionInfo)),
+		uintptr(unsafe.Pointer(&count)),
+	)
+	if r == 0 || count == 0 {
+		return getConsoleSessionID()
+	}
+	defer procWTSFreeMemory.Call(sessionInfo)
+
+	type wtsSession struct {
+		SessionID uint32
+		Station   *uint16
+		State     uint32
+	}
+	sessions := unsafe.Slice((*wtsSession)(unsafe.Pointer(sessionInfo)), count)
+
+	// Find the first active session (not session 0, which is the services session).
+	var bestID uint32
+	found := false
+	for _, s := range sessions {
+		if s.SessionID == 0 {
+			continue
+		}
+		if s.State == wtsActive {
+			bestID = s.SessionID
+			found = true
+			break
+		}
+	}
+
+	if !found {
+		return getConsoleSessionID()
+	}
+	return bestID
+}
+
+// getSystemTokenForSession duplicates the current SYSTEM token and sets its
+// session ID so the spawned process runs in the target session. Using a SYSTEM
+// token gives access to both Default and Winlogon desktops plus UIPI bypass.
+func getSystemTokenForSession(sessionID uint32) (windows.Token, error) {
+	var cur windows.Token
+	if err := windows.OpenProcessToken(windows.CurrentProcess(),
+		windows.MAXIMUM_ALLOWED, &cur); err != nil {
+		return 0, fmt.Errorf("OpenProcessToken: %w", err)
+	}
+	defer cur.Close()
+
+	var dup windows.Token
+	if err := windows.DuplicateTokenEx(cur, windows.MAXIMUM_ALLOWED, nil,
+		securityImpersonation, tokenPrimary, &dup); err != nil {
+		return 0, fmt.Errorf("DuplicateTokenEx: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	sid := sessionID
+	r, _, err := procSetTokenInformation.Call(
+		uintptr(dup),
+		uintptr(tokenSessionID),
+		uintptr(unsafe.Pointer(&sid)),
+		unsafe.Sizeof(sid),
+	)
+	if r == 0 {
+		dup.Close()
+		return 0, fmt.Errorf("SetTokenInformation(SessionId=%d): %w", sessionID, err)
+	}
+	return dup, nil
+}
+
+const agentTokenEnvVar = "NB_VNC_AGENT_TOKEN"
+
+// injectEnvVar appends a KEY=VALUE entry to a Unicode environment block.
+// The block is a sequence of null-terminated UTF-16 strings, terminated by
+// an extra null. Returns a new block pointer with the entry added.
+func injectEnvVar(envBlock uintptr, key, value string) uintptr {
+	entry := key + "=" + value
+
+	// Walk the existing block to find its total length.
+	ptr := (*uint16)(unsafe.Pointer(envBlock))
+	var totalChars int
+	for {
+		ch := *(*uint16)(unsafe.Pointer(uintptr(unsafe.Pointer(ptr)) + uintptr(totalChars)*2))
+		if ch == 0 {
+			// Check for double-null terminator.
+			next := *(*uint16)(unsafe.Pointer(uintptr(unsafe.Pointer(ptr)) + uintptr(totalChars+1)*2))
+			totalChars++
+			if next == 0 {
+				// End of block (don't count the final null yet, we'll rebuild).
+				break
+			}
+		} else {
+			totalChars++
+		}
+	}
+
+	entryUTF16, _ := windows.UTF16FromString(entry)
+	// New block: existing entries + new entry (null-terminated) + final null.
+	newLen := totalChars + len(entryUTF16) + 1
+	newBlock := make([]uint16, newLen)
+	// Copy existing entries (up to but not including the final null).
+	for i := range totalChars {
+		newBlock[i] = *(*uint16)(unsafe.Pointer(uintptr(unsafe.Pointer(ptr)) + uintptr(i)*2))
+	}
+	copy(newBlock[totalChars:], entryUTF16)
+	newBlock[newLen-1] = 0 // final null terminator
+
+	return uintptr(unsafe.Pointer(&newBlock[0]))
+}
+
+func spawnAgentInSession(sessionID uint32, port string, authToken string) (windows.Handle, error) {
+	token, err := getSystemTokenForSession(sessionID)
+	if err != nil {
+		return 0, fmt.Errorf("get SYSTEM token for session %d: %w", sessionID, err)
+	}
+	defer token.Close()
+
+	var envBlock uintptr
+	r, _, _ := procCreateEnvironmentBlock.Call(
+		uintptr(unsafe.Pointer(&envBlock)),
+		uintptr(token),
+		0,
+	)
+	if r != 0 {
+		defer procDestroyEnvironmentBlock.Call(envBlock)
+	}
+
+	// Inject the auth token into the environment block so it doesn't appear
+	// in the process command line (visible via tasklist/wmic).
+	if r != 0 {
+		envBlock = injectEnvVar(envBlock, agentTokenEnvVar, authToken)
+	}
+
+	exePath, err := os.Executable()
+	if err != nil {
+		return 0, fmt.Errorf("get executable path: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	cmdLine := fmt.Sprintf(`"%s" vnc-agent --port %s`, exePath, port)
+	cmdLineW, err := windows.UTF16PtrFromString(cmdLine)
+	if err != nil {
+		return 0, fmt.Errorf("UTF16 cmdline: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	// Create an inheritable pipe for the agent's stderr so we can relog
+	// its output in the service process.
+	var sa windows.SecurityAttributes
+	sa.Length = uint32(unsafe.Sizeof(sa))
+	sa.InheritHandle = 1
+
+	var stderrRead, stderrWrite windows.Handle
+	if err := windows.CreatePipe(&stderrRead, &stderrWrite, &sa, 0); err != nil {
+		return 0, fmt.Errorf("create stderr pipe: %w", err)
+	}
+	// The read end must NOT be inherited by the child.
+	windows.SetHandleInformation(stderrRead, windows.HANDLE_FLAG_INHERIT, 0)
+
+	desktop, _ := windows.UTF16PtrFromString(`WinSta0\Default`)
+	si := windows.StartupInfo{
+		Cb:         uint32(unsafe.Sizeof(windows.StartupInfo{})),
+		Desktop:    desktop,
+		Flags:      windows.STARTF_USESHOWWINDOW | windows.STARTF_USESTDHANDLES,
+		ShowWindow: 0,
+		StdErr:     stderrWrite,
+		StdOutput:  stderrWrite,
+	}
+	var pi windows.ProcessInformation
+
+	var envPtr *uint16
+	if envBlock != 0 {
+		envPtr = (*uint16)(unsafe.Pointer(envBlock))
+	}
+
+	err = windows.CreateProcessAsUser(
+		token, nil, cmdLineW,
+		nil, nil, true, // inheritHandles=true for the pipe
+		createUnicodeEnvironment|createNoWindow,
+		envPtr, nil, &si, &pi,
+	)
+	// Close the write end in the parent so reads will get EOF when the child exits.
+	windows.CloseHandle(stderrWrite)
+	if err != nil {
+		windows.CloseHandle(stderrRead)
+		return 0, fmt.Errorf("CreateProcessAsUser: %w", err)
+	}
+	windows.CloseHandle(pi.Thread)
+
+	// Relog agent output in the service with a [vnc-agent] prefix.
+	go relogAgentOutput(stderrRead)
+
+	log.Infof("spawned agent PID=%d in session %d on port %s", pi.ProcessId, sessionID, port)
+	return pi.Process, nil
+}
+
+// sessionManager monitors the active console session and ensures a VNC agent
+// process is running in it. When the session changes (e.g., user switch, RDP
+// connect/disconnect), it kills the old agent and spawns a new one.
+type sessionManager struct {
+	port      string
+	mu        sync.Mutex
+	agentProc windows.Handle
+	sessionID uint32
+	authToken string
+	done      chan struct{}
+}
+
+func newSessionManager(port string) *sessionManager {
+	return &sessionManager{port: port, sessionID: ^uint32(0), done: make(chan struct{})}
+}
+
+// generateAuthToken creates a new random hex token for agent authentication.
+func generateAuthToken() string {
+	b := make([]byte, agentTokenLen)
+	if _, err := crand.Read(b); err != nil {
+		log.Warnf("generate agent auth token: %v", err)
+		return ""
+	}
+	return hex.EncodeToString(b)
+}
+
+// AuthToken returns the current agent authentication token.
+func (m *sessionManager) AuthToken() string {
+	m.mu.Lock()
+	defer m.mu.Unlock()
+	return m.authToken
+}
+
+// Stop signals the session manager to exit its polling loop.
+func (m *sessionManager) Stop() {
+	select {
+	case <-m.done:
+	default:
+		close(m.done)
+	}
+}
+
+func (m *sessionManager) run() {
+	ticker := time.NewTicker(2 * time.Second)
+	defer ticker.Stop()
+
+	for {
+		sid := getActiveSessionID()
+
+		m.mu.Lock()
+		if sid != m.sessionID {
+			log.Infof("active session changed: %d -> %d", m.sessionID, sid)
+			m.killAgent()
+			m.sessionID = sid
+		}
+
+		if m.agentProc != 0 {
+			var code uint32
+			_ = windows.GetExitCodeProcess(m.agentProc, &code)
+			if code != stillActive {
+				log.Infof("agent exited (code=%d), respawning", code)
+				windows.CloseHandle(m.agentProc)
+				m.agentProc = 0
+			}
+		}
+
+		if m.agentProc == 0 && sid != 0xFFFFFFFF {
+			m.authToken = generateAuthToken()
+			h, err := spawnAgentInSession(sid, m.port, m.authToken)
+			if err != nil {
+				log.Warnf("spawn agent in session %d: %v", sid, err)
+				m.authToken = ""
+			} else {
+				m.agentProc = h
+			}
+		}
+		m.mu.Unlock()
+
+		select {
+		case <-m.done:
+			m.mu.Lock()
+			m.killAgent()
+			m.mu.Unlock()
+			return
+		case <-ticker.C:
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+func (m *sessionManager) killAgent() {
+	if m.agentProc != 0 {
+		_ = windows.TerminateProcess(m.agentProc, 0)
+		windows.CloseHandle(m.agentProc)
+		m.agentProc = 0
+		log.Info("killed old agent")
+	}
+}
+
+// relogAgentOutput reads JSON log lines from the agent's stderr pipe and
+// relogs them at the correct level with the service's formatter.
+func relogAgentOutput(pipe windows.Handle) {
+	defer windows.CloseHandle(pipe)
+	f := os.NewFile(uintptr(pipe), "vnc-agent-stderr")
+	defer f.Close()
+
+	entry := log.WithField("component", "vnc-agent")
+	dec := json.NewDecoder(f)
+	for dec.More() {
+		var m map[string]any
+		if err := dec.Decode(&m); err != nil {
+			break
+		}
+		msg, _ := m["msg"].(string)
+		if msg == "" {
+			continue
+		}
+
+		// Forward extra fields from the agent (skip standard logrus fields).
+		// Remap "caller" to "source" so it doesn't conflict with logrus internals
+		// but still shows the original file/line from the agent process.
+		fields := make(log.Fields)
+		for k, v := range m {
+			switch k {
+			case "msg", "level", "time", "func":
+				continue
+			case "caller":
+				fields["source"] = v
+			default:
+				fields[k] = v
+			}
+		}
+		e := entry.WithFields(fields)
+
+		switch m["level"] {
+		case "error":
+			e.Error(msg)
+		case "warning":
+			e.Warn(msg)
+		case "debug":
+			e.Debug(msg)
+		case "trace":
+			e.Trace(msg)
+		default:
+			e.Info(msg)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// proxyToAgent connects to the agent, sends the auth token, then proxies
+// the VNC client connection bidirectionally.
+func proxyToAgent(client net.Conn, port string, authToken string) {
+	defer client.Close()
+
+	addr := "127.0.0.1:" + port
+	var agentConn net.Conn
+	var err error
+	for range 50 {
+		agentConn, err = net.DialTimeout("tcp", addr, time.Second)
+		if err == nil {
+			break
+		}
+		time.Sleep(200 * time.Millisecond)
+	}
+	if err != nil {
+		log.Warnf("proxy cannot reach agent at %s: %v", addr, err)
+		return
+	}
+	defer agentConn.Close()
+
+	// Send the auth token so the agent can verify this connection
+	// comes from the trusted service process.
+	tokenBytes, _ := hex.DecodeString(authToken)
+	if _, err := agentConn.Write(tokenBytes); err != nil {
+		log.Warnf("send auth token to agent: %v", err)
+		return
+	}
+
+	log.Debugf("proxy connected to agent, starting bidirectional copy")
+
+	done := make(chan struct{}, 2)
+	cp := func(label string, dst, src net.Conn) {
+		n, err := io.Copy(dst, src)
+		log.Debugf("proxy %s: %d bytes, err=%v", label, n, err)
+		done <- struct{}{}
+	}
+	go cp("client→agent", agentConn, client)
+	go cp("agent→client", client, agentConn)
+	<-done
+}

client/vnc/server/capture_darwin.go

@@ -0,0 +1,274 @@
+//go:build darwin && !ios
+
+package server
+
+import (
+	"fmt"
+	"image"
+	"sync"
+	"time"
+	"unsafe"
+
+	"github.com/ebitengine/purego"
+	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
+)
+
+var darwinCaptureOnce sync.Once
+
+var (
+	cgMainDisplayID                func() uint32
+	cgDisplayPixelsWide            func(uint32) uintptr
+	cgDisplayPixelsHigh            func(uint32) uintptr
+	cgDisplayCreateImage           func(uint32) uintptr
+	cgImageGetWidth                func(uintptr) uintptr
+	cgImageGetHeight               func(uintptr) uintptr
+	cgImageGetBytesPerRow          func(uintptr) uintptr
+	cgImageGetBitsPerPixel         func(uintptr) uintptr
+	cgImageGetDataProvider         func(uintptr) uintptr
+	cgDataProviderCopyData         func(uintptr) uintptr
+	cgImageRelease                 func(uintptr)
+	cfDataGetLength                func(uintptr) int64
+	cfDataGetBytePtr               func(uintptr) uintptr
+	cfRelease                      func(uintptr)
+	cgPreflightScreenCaptureAccess func() bool
+	cgRequestScreenCaptureAccess   func() bool
+	darwinCaptureReady             bool
+)
+
+func initDarwinCapture() {
+	darwinCaptureOnce.Do(func() {
+		cg, err := purego.Dlopen("/System/Library/Frameworks/CoreGraphics.framework/CoreGraphics", purego.RTLD_NOW|purego.RTLD_GLOBAL)
+		if err != nil {
+			log.Debugf("load CoreGraphics: %v", err)
+			return
+		}
+		cf, err := purego.Dlopen("/System/Library/Frameworks/CoreFoundation.framework/CoreFoundation", purego.RTLD_NOW|purego.RTLD_GLOBAL)
+		if err != nil {
+			log.Debugf("load CoreFoundation: %v", err)
+			return
+		}
+
+		purego.RegisterLibFunc(&cgMainDisplayID, cg, "CGMainDisplayID")
+		purego.RegisterLibFunc(&cgDisplayPixelsWide, cg, "CGDisplayPixelsWide")
+		purego.RegisterLibFunc(&cgDisplayPixelsHigh, cg, "CGDisplayPixelsHigh")
+		purego.RegisterLibFunc(&cgDisplayCreateImage, cg, "CGDisplayCreateImage")
+		purego.RegisterLibFunc(&cgImageGetWidth, cg, "CGImageGetWidth")
+		purego.RegisterLibFunc(&cgImageGetHeight, cg, "CGImageGetHeight")
+		purego.RegisterLibFunc(&cgImageGetBytesPerRow, cg, "CGImageGetBytesPerRow")
+		purego.RegisterLibFunc(&cgImageGetBitsPerPixel, cg, "CGImageGetBitsPerPixel")
+		purego.RegisterLibFunc(&cgImageGetDataProvider, cg, "CGImageGetDataProvider")
+		purego.RegisterLibFunc(&cgDataProviderCopyData, cg, "CGDataProviderCopyData")
+		purego.RegisterLibFunc(&cgImageRelease, cg, "CGImageRelease")
+		purego.RegisterLibFunc(&cfDataGetLength, cf, "CFDataGetLength")
+		purego.RegisterLibFunc(&cfDataGetBytePtr, cf, "CFDataGetBytePtr")
+		purego.RegisterLibFunc(&cfRelease, cf, "CFRelease")
+
+		// Screen capture permission APIs (macOS 11+). Might not exist on older versions.
+		if sym, err := purego.Dlsym(cg, "CGPreflightScreenCaptureAccess"); err == nil {
+			purego.RegisterFunc(&cgPreflightScreenCaptureAccess, sym)
+		}
+		if sym, err := purego.Dlsym(cg, "CGRequestScreenCaptureAccess"); err == nil {
+			purego.RegisterFunc(&cgRequestScreenCaptureAccess, sym)
+		}
+
+		darwinCaptureReady = true
+	})
+}
+
+// CGCapturer captures the macOS main display using Core Graphics.
+type CGCapturer struct {
+	displayID uint32
+	w, h      int
+}
+
+// NewCGCapturer creates a screen capturer for the main display.
+func NewCGCapturer() (*CGCapturer, error) {
+	initDarwinCapture()
+	if !darwinCaptureReady {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("CoreGraphics not available")
+	}
+
+	// Request Screen Recording permission (shows system dialog on macOS 11+).
+	if cgPreflightScreenCaptureAccess != nil && !cgPreflightScreenCaptureAccess() {
+		if cgRequestScreenCaptureAccess != nil {
+			cgRequestScreenCaptureAccess()
+		}
+		log.Warn("Screen Recording permission not granted. " +
+			"Grant in System Settings > Privacy & Security > Screen Recording, then restart.")
+	}
+
+	displayID := cgMainDisplayID()
+	w := int(cgDisplayPixelsWide(displayID))
+	h := int(cgDisplayPixelsHigh(displayID))
+	if w == 0 || h == 0 {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("display dimensions are zero")
+	}
+
+	log.Infof("macOS capturer ready: %dx%d (display=%d)", w, h, displayID)
+	return &CGCapturer{displayID: displayID, w: w, h: h}, nil
+}
+
+// Width returns the screen width.
+func (c *CGCapturer) Width() int { return c.w }
+
+// Height returns the screen height.
+func (c *CGCapturer) Height() int { return c.h }
+
+// Capture returns the current screen as an RGBA image.
+func (c *CGCapturer) Capture() (*image.RGBA, error) {
+	cgImage := cgDisplayCreateImage(c.displayID)
+	if cgImage == 0 {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("CGDisplayCreateImage returned nil (screen recording permission?)")
+	}
+	defer cgImageRelease(cgImage)
+
+	w := int(cgImageGetWidth(cgImage))
+	h := int(cgImageGetHeight(cgImage))
+	bytesPerRow := int(cgImageGetBytesPerRow(cgImage))
+	bpp := int(cgImageGetBitsPerPixel(cgImage))
+
+	provider := cgImageGetDataProvider(cgImage)
+	if provider == 0 {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("CGImageGetDataProvider returned nil")
+	}
+
+	cfData := cgDataProviderCopyData(provider)
+	if cfData == 0 {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("CGDataProviderCopyData returned nil")
+	}
+	defer cfRelease(cfData)
+
+	dataLen := int(cfDataGetLength(cfData))
+	dataPtr := cfDataGetBytePtr(cfData)
+	if dataPtr == 0 || dataLen == 0 {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("empty image data")
+	}
+
+	src := unsafe.Slice((*byte)(unsafe.Pointer(dataPtr)), dataLen)
+	img := image.NewRGBA(image.Rect(0, 0, w, h))
+
+	bytesPerPixel := bpp / 8
+	for row := 0; row < h; row++ {
+		srcOff := row * bytesPerRow
+		dstOff := row * img.Stride
+		for col := 0; col < w; col++ {
+			si := srcOff + col*bytesPerPixel
+			di := dstOff + col*4
+			img.Pix[di+0] = src[si+2] // R (from BGRA)
+			img.Pix[di+1] = src[si+1] // G
+			img.Pix[di+2] = src[si+0] // B
+			img.Pix[di+3] = 0xff
+		}
+	}
+
+	return img, nil
+}
+
+// MacPoller wraps CGCapturer in a continuous capture loop.
+type MacPoller struct {
+	mu    sync.Mutex
+	frame *image.RGBA
+	w, h  int
+	done  chan struct{}
+}
+
+// NewMacPoller creates a capturer that continuously grabs the macOS display.
+func NewMacPoller() *MacPoller {
+	p := &MacPoller{done: make(chan struct{})}
+	go p.loop()
+	return p
+}
+
+// Close stops the capture loop.
+func (p *MacPoller) Close() {
+	select {
+	case <-p.done:
+	default:
+		close(p.done)
+	}
+}
+
+// Width returns the screen width.
+func (p *MacPoller) Width() int {
+	p.mu.Lock()
+	defer p.mu.Unlock()
+	return p.w
+}
+
+// Height returns the screen height.
+func (p *MacPoller) Height() int {
+	p.mu.Lock()
+	defer p.mu.Unlock()
+	return p.h
+}
+
+// Capture returns the most recent frame.
+func (p *MacPoller) Capture() (*image.RGBA, error) {
+	p.mu.Lock()
+	img := p.frame
+	p.mu.Unlock()
+	if img != nil {
+		return img, nil
+	}
+	return nil, fmt.Errorf("no frame available yet")
+}
+
+func (p *MacPoller) loop() {
+	var capturer *CGCapturer
+	var initFails int
+
+	for {
+		select {
+		case <-p.done:
+			return
+		default:
+		}
+
+		if capturer == nil {
+			var err error
+			capturer, err = NewCGCapturer()
+			if err != nil {
+				initFails++
+				if initFails <= maxCapturerRetries {
+					log.Debugf("macOS capturer: %v (attempt %d/%d)", err, initFails, maxCapturerRetries)
+					select {
+					case <-p.done:
+						return
+					case <-time.After(2 * time.Second):
+					}
+					continue
+				}
+				log.Warnf("macOS capturer unavailable after %d attempts, stopping poller", maxCapturerRetries)
+				return
+			}
+			initFails = 0
+			p.mu.Lock()
+			p.w, p.h = capturer.Width(), capturer.Height()
+			p.mu.Unlock()
+		}
+
+		img, err := capturer.Capture()
+		if err != nil {
+			log.Debugf("macOS capture: %v", err)
+			capturer = nil
+			select {
+			case <-p.done:
+				return
+			case <-time.After(500 * time.Millisecond):
+			}
+			continue
+		}
+
+		p.mu.Lock()
+		p.frame = img
+		p.mu.Unlock()
+
+		select {
+		case <-p.done:
+			return
+		case <-time.After(33 * time.Millisecond): // ~30 fps
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+var _ ScreenCapturer = (*MacPoller)(nil)

client/vnc/server/capture_dxgi_windows.go

@@ -0,0 +1,99 @@
+//go:build windows
+
+package server
+
+import (
+	"errors"
+	"fmt"
+	"image"
+
+	"github.com/kirides/go-d3d/d3d11"
+	"github.com/kirides/go-d3d/outputduplication"
+)
+
+// dxgiCapturer captures the desktop using DXGI Desktop Duplication.
+// Provides GPU-accelerated capture with native dirty rect tracking.
+// Only works from the interactive user session, not Session 0.
+//
+// Uses a double-buffer: DXGI writes into img, then we copy to the current
+// output buffer and hand it out. Alternating between two output buffers
+// avoids allocating a new image.RGBA per frame (~8MB at 1080p, 30fps).
+type dxgiCapturer struct {
+	dup    *outputduplication.OutputDuplicator
+	device *d3d11.ID3D11Device
+	ctx    *d3d11.ID3D11DeviceContext
+	img    *image.RGBA
+	out    [2]*image.RGBA
+	outIdx int
+	width  int
+	height int
+}
+
+func newDXGICapturer() (*dxgiCapturer, error) {
+	device, deviceCtx, err := d3d11.NewD3D11Device()
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("create D3D11 device: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	dup, err := outputduplication.NewIDXGIOutputDuplication(device, deviceCtx, 0)
+	if err != nil {
+		device.Release()
+		deviceCtx.Release()
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("create output duplication: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	w, h := screenSize()
+	if w == 0 || h == 0 {
+		dup.Release()
+		device.Release()
+		deviceCtx.Release()
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("screen dimensions are zero")
+	}
+
+	rect := image.Rect(0, 0, w, h)
+	c := &dxgiCapturer{
+		dup:    dup,
+		device: device,
+		ctx:    deviceCtx,
+		img:    image.NewRGBA(rect),
+		out:    [2]*image.RGBA{image.NewRGBA(rect), image.NewRGBA(rect)},
+		width:  w,
+		height: h,
+	}
+
+	// Grab the initial frame with a longer timeout to ensure we have
+	// a valid image before returning.
+	_ = dup.GetImage(c.img, 2000)
+
+	return c, nil
+}
+
+func (c *dxgiCapturer) capture() (*image.RGBA, error) {
+	err := c.dup.GetImage(c.img, 100)
+	if err != nil && !errors.Is(err, outputduplication.ErrNoImageYet) {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+
+	// Copy into the next output buffer. The DesktopCapturer hands out the
+	// returned pointer to VNC sessions that read pixels concurrently, so we
+	// alternate between two pre-allocated buffers instead of allocating per frame.
+	out := c.out[c.outIdx]
+	c.outIdx ^= 1
+	copy(out.Pix, c.img.Pix)
+	return out, nil
+}
+
+func (c *dxgiCapturer) close() {
+	if c.dup != nil {
+		c.dup.Release()
+		c.dup = nil
+	}
+	if c.ctx != nil {
+		c.ctx.Release()
+		c.ctx = nil
+	}
+	if c.device != nil {
+		c.device.Release()
+		c.device = nil
+	}
+}

client/vnc/server/capture_windows.go

@@ -0,0 +1,461 @@
+//go:build windows
+
+package server
+
+import (
+	"fmt"
+	"image"
+	"runtime"
+	"sync"
+	"sync/atomic"
+	"time"
+	"unsafe"
+
+	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
+	"golang.org/x/sys/windows"
+)
+
+var (
+	gdi32  = windows.NewLazySystemDLL("gdi32.dll")
+	user32 = windows.NewLazySystemDLL("user32.dll")
+
+	procGetDC            = user32.NewProc("GetDC")
+	procReleaseDC        = user32.NewProc("ReleaseDC")
+	procCreateCompatDC   = gdi32.NewProc("CreateCompatibleDC")
+	procCreateDIBSection = gdi32.NewProc("CreateDIBSection")
+	procSelectObject     = gdi32.NewProc("SelectObject")
+	procDeleteObject     = gdi32.NewProc("DeleteObject")
+	procDeleteDC         = gdi32.NewProc("DeleteDC")
+	procBitBlt           = gdi32.NewProc("BitBlt")
+	procGetSystemMetrics = user32.NewProc("GetSystemMetrics")
+
+	// Desktop switching for service/Session 0 capture.
+	procOpenInputDesktop          = user32.NewProc("OpenInputDesktop")
+	procSetThreadDesktop          = user32.NewProc("SetThreadDesktop")
+	procCloseDesktop              = user32.NewProc("CloseDesktop")
+	procOpenWindowStation         = user32.NewProc("OpenWindowStationW")
+	procSetProcessWindowStation   = user32.NewProc("SetProcessWindowStation")
+	procCloseWindowStation        = user32.NewProc("CloseWindowStation")
+	procGetUserObjectInformationW = user32.NewProc("GetUserObjectInformationW")
+)
+
+const uoiName = 2
+
+const (
+	smCxScreen   = 0
+	smCyScreen   = 1
+	srccopy      = 0x00CC0020
+	dibRgbColors = 0
+)
+
+type bitmapInfoHeader struct {
+	Size          uint32
+	Width         int32
+	Height        int32
+	Planes        uint16
+	BitCount      uint16
+	Compression   uint32
+	SizeImage     uint32
+	XPelsPerMeter int32
+	YPelsPerMeter int32
+	ClrUsed       uint32
+	ClrImportant  uint32
+}
+
+type bitmapInfo struct {
+	Header bitmapInfoHeader
+}
+
+// setupInteractiveWindowStation associates the current process with WinSta0,
+// the interactive window station. This is required for a SYSTEM service in
+// Session 0 to call OpenInputDesktop for screen capture and input injection.
+func setupInteractiveWindowStation() error {
+	name, err := windows.UTF16PtrFromString("WinSta0")
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("UTF16 WinSta0: %w", err)
+	}
+	hWinSta, _, err := procOpenWindowStation.Call(
+		uintptr(unsafe.Pointer(name)),
+		0,
+		uintptr(windows.MAXIMUM_ALLOWED),
+	)
+	if hWinSta == 0 {
+		return fmt.Errorf("OpenWindowStation(WinSta0): %w", err)
+	}
+	r, _, err := procSetProcessWindowStation.Call(hWinSta)
+	if r == 0 {
+		procCloseWindowStation.Call(hWinSta)
+		return fmt.Errorf("SetProcessWindowStation: %w", err)
+	}
+	log.Info("process window station set to WinSta0 (interactive)")
+	return nil
+}
+
+func screenSize() (int, int) {
+	w, _, _ := procGetSystemMetrics.Call(uintptr(smCxScreen))
+	h, _, _ := procGetSystemMetrics.Call(uintptr(smCyScreen))
+	return int(w), int(h)
+}
+
+func getDesktopName(hDesk uintptr) string {
+	var buf [256]uint16
+	var needed uint32
+	procGetUserObjectInformationW.Call(hDesk, uoiName,
+		uintptr(unsafe.Pointer(&buf[0])), 512,
+		uintptr(unsafe.Pointer(&needed)))
+	return windows.UTF16ToString(buf[:])
+}
+
+// switchToInputDesktop opens the desktop currently receiving user input
+// and sets it as the calling OS thread's desktop. Must be called from a
+// goroutine locked to its OS thread via runtime.LockOSThread().
+func switchToInputDesktop() (bool, string) {
+	hDesk, _, _ := procOpenInputDesktop.Call(0, 0, uintptr(windows.MAXIMUM_ALLOWED))
+	if hDesk == 0 {
+		return false, ""
+	}
+	name := getDesktopName(hDesk)
+	ret, _, _ := procSetThreadDesktop.Call(hDesk)
+	procCloseDesktop.Call(hDesk)
+	return ret != 0, name
+}
+
+// gdiCapturer captures the desktop screen using GDI BitBlt.
+// GDI objects (DC, DIBSection) are allocated once and reused across frames.
+type gdiCapturer struct {
+	mu     sync.Mutex
+	width  int
+	height int
+
+	// Pre-allocated GDI resources, reused across captures.
+	memDC uintptr
+	bmp   uintptr
+	bits  uintptr
+}
+
+func newGDICapturer() (*gdiCapturer, error) {
+	w, h := screenSize()
+	if w == 0 || h == 0 {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("screen dimensions are zero")
+	}
+	c := &gdiCapturer{width: w, height: h}
+	if err := c.allocGDI(); err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	return c, nil
+}
+
+// allocGDI pre-allocates the compatible DC and DIB section for reuse.
+func (c *gdiCapturer) allocGDI() error {
+	screenDC, _, _ := procGetDC.Call(0)
+	if screenDC == 0 {
+		return fmt.Errorf("GetDC returned 0")
+	}
+	defer procReleaseDC.Call(0, screenDC)
+
+	memDC, _, _ := procCreateCompatDC.Call(screenDC)
+	if memDC == 0 {
+		return fmt.Errorf("CreateCompatibleDC returned 0")
+	}
+
+	bi := bitmapInfo{
+		Header: bitmapInfoHeader{
+			Size:     uint32(unsafe.Sizeof(bitmapInfoHeader{})),
+			Width:    int32(c.width),
+			Height:   -int32(c.height), // negative = top-down DIB
+			Planes:   1,
+			BitCount: 32,
+		},
+	}
+
+	var bits uintptr
+	bmp, _, _ := procCreateDIBSection.Call(
+		screenDC,
+		uintptr(unsafe.Pointer(&bi)),
+		dibRgbColors,
+		uintptr(unsafe.Pointer(&bits)),
+		0, 0,
+	)
+	if bmp == 0 || bits == 0 {
+		procDeleteDC.Call(memDC)
+		return fmt.Errorf("CreateDIBSection returned 0")
+	}
+
+	procSelectObject.Call(memDC, bmp)
+
+	c.memDC = memDC
+	c.bmp = bmp
+	c.bits = bits
+	return nil
+}
+
+func (c *gdiCapturer) close() { c.freeGDI() }
+
+// freeGDI releases pre-allocated GDI resources.
+func (c *gdiCapturer) freeGDI() {
+	if c.bmp != 0 {
+		procDeleteObject.Call(c.bmp)
+		c.bmp = 0
+	}
+	if c.memDC != 0 {
+		procDeleteDC.Call(c.memDC)
+		c.memDC = 0
+	}
+	c.bits = 0
+}
+
+func (c *gdiCapturer) capture() (*image.RGBA, error) {
+	c.mu.Lock()
+	defer c.mu.Unlock()
+
+	if c.memDC == 0 {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("GDI resources not allocated")
+	}
+
+	screenDC, _, _ := procGetDC.Call(0)
+	if screenDC == 0 {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("GetDC returned 0")
+	}
+	defer procReleaseDC.Call(0, screenDC)
+
+	ret, _, _ := procBitBlt.Call(c.memDC, 0, 0, uintptr(c.width), uintptr(c.height),
+		screenDC, 0, 0, srccopy)
+	if ret == 0 {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("BitBlt returned 0")
+	}
+
+	n := c.width * c.height * 4
+	raw := unsafe.Slice((*byte)(unsafe.Pointer(c.bits)), n)
+
+	// GDI gives BGRA, the RFB encoder expects RGBA (img.Pix layout).
+	// Swap R and B in bulk using uint32 operations (one load + mask + shift
+	// per pixel instead of three separate byte assignments).
+	img := image.NewRGBA(image.Rect(0, 0, c.width, c.height))
+	pix := img.Pix
+	copy(pix, raw)
+	swizzleBGRAtoRGBA(pix)
+	return img, nil
+}
+
+// DesktopCapturer captures the interactive desktop, handling desktop transitions
+// (login screen, UAC prompts). A dedicated OS-locked goroutine continuously
+// captures frames, which are retrieved by the VNC session on demand.
+// Capture pauses automatically when no clients are connected.
+type DesktopCapturer struct {
+	mu    sync.Mutex
+	frame *image.RGBA
+	w, h  int
+
+	// clients tracks the number of active VNC sessions. When zero, the
+	// capture loop idles instead of grabbing frames.
+	clients atomic.Int32
+
+	// wake is signaled when a client connects and the loop should resume.
+	wake chan struct{}
+	// done is closed when Close is called, terminating the capture loop.
+	done chan struct{}
+}
+
+// NewDesktopCapturer creates a capturer that continuously grabs the active desktop.
+func NewDesktopCapturer() *DesktopCapturer {
+	c := &DesktopCapturer{
+		wake: make(chan struct{}, 1),
+		done: make(chan struct{}),
+	}
+	go c.loop()
+	return c
+}
+
+// ClientConnect increments the active client count, resuming capture if needed.
+func (c *DesktopCapturer) ClientConnect() {
+	c.clients.Add(1)
+	select {
+	case c.wake <- struct{}{}:
+	default:
+	}
+}
+
+// ClientDisconnect decrements the active client count.
+func (c *DesktopCapturer) ClientDisconnect() {
+	c.clients.Add(-1)
+}
+
+// Close stops the capture loop and releases resources.
+func (c *DesktopCapturer) Close() {
+	select {
+	case <-c.done:
+	default:
+		close(c.done)
+	}
+}
+
+// Width returns the current screen width.
+func (c *DesktopCapturer) Width() int {
+	c.mu.Lock()
+	defer c.mu.Unlock()
+	return c.w
+}
+
+// Height returns the current screen height.
+func (c *DesktopCapturer) Height() int {
+	c.mu.Lock()
+	defer c.mu.Unlock()
+	return c.h
+}
+
+// Capture returns the most recent desktop frame.
+func (c *DesktopCapturer) Capture() (*image.RGBA, error) {
+	c.mu.Lock()
+	img := c.frame
+	c.mu.Unlock()
+	if img != nil {
+		return img, nil
+	}
+	return nil, fmt.Errorf("no frame available yet")
+}
+
+// waitForClient blocks until a client connects or the capturer is closed.
+func (c *DesktopCapturer) waitForClient() bool {
+	if c.clients.Load() > 0 {
+		return true
+	}
+	select {
+	case <-c.wake:
+		return true
+	case <-c.done:
+		return false
+	}
+}
+
+func (c *DesktopCapturer) loop() {
+	runtime.LockOSThread()
+
+	// When running as a Windows service (Session 0), we need to attach to the
+	// interactive window station before OpenInputDesktop will succeed.
+	if err := setupInteractiveWindowStation(); err != nil {
+		log.Warnf("attach to interactive window station: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	frameTicker := time.NewTicker(33 * time.Millisecond) // ~30 fps
+	defer frameTicker.Stop()
+
+	retryTimer := time.NewTimer(0)
+	retryTimer.Stop()
+	defer retryTimer.Stop()
+
+	type frameCapturer interface {
+		capture() (*image.RGBA, error)
+		close()
+	}
+
+	var cap frameCapturer
+	var desktopFails int
+	var lastDesktop string
+
+	createCapturer := func() (frameCapturer, error) {
+		dc, err := newDXGICapturer()
+		if err == nil {
+			log.Info("using DXGI Desktop Duplication for capture")
+			return dc, nil
+		}
+		log.Debugf("DXGI unavailable (%v), falling back to GDI", err)
+		gc, err := newGDICapturer()
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, err
+		}
+		log.Info("using GDI BitBlt for capture")
+		return gc, nil
+	}
+
+	for {
+		if !c.waitForClient() {
+			if cap != nil {
+				cap.close()
+			}
+			return
+		}
+
+		// No clients: release the capturer and wait.
+		if c.clients.Load() <= 0 {
+			if cap != nil {
+				cap.close()
+				cap = nil
+			}
+			continue
+		}
+
+		ok, desk := switchToInputDesktop()
+		if !ok {
+			desktopFails++
+			if desktopFails == 1 || desktopFails%100 == 0 {
+				log.Warnf("switchToInputDesktop failed (count=%d), no interactive desktop session?", desktopFails)
+			}
+			retryTimer.Reset(100 * time.Millisecond)
+			select {
+			case <-retryTimer.C:
+			case <-c.done:
+				return
+			}
+			continue
+		}
+		if desktopFails > 0 {
+			log.Infof("switchToInputDesktop recovered after %d failures, desktop=%q", desktopFails, desk)
+			desktopFails = 0
+		}
+		if desk != lastDesktop {
+			log.Infof("desktop changed: %q -> %q", lastDesktop, desk)
+			lastDesktop = desk
+			if cap != nil {
+				cap.close()
+			}
+			cap = nil
+		}
+
+		if cap == nil {
+			fc, err := createCapturer()
+			if err != nil {
+				log.Warnf("create capturer: %v", err)
+				retryTimer.Reset(500 * time.Millisecond)
+				select {
+				case <-retryTimer.C:
+				case <-c.done:
+					return
+				}
+				continue
+			}
+			cap = fc
+			w, h := screenSize()
+			c.mu.Lock()
+			c.w, c.h = w, h
+			c.mu.Unlock()
+			log.Infof("screen capturer ready: %dx%d", w, h)
+		}
+
+		img, err := cap.capture()
+		if err != nil {
+			log.Debugf("capture: %v", err)
+			cap.close()
+			cap = nil
+			retryTimer.Reset(100 * time.Millisecond)
+			select {
+			case <-retryTimer.C:
+			case <-c.done:
+				return
+			}
+			continue
+		}
+
+		c.mu.Lock()
+		c.frame = img
+		c.mu.Unlock()
+
+		select {
+		case <-frameTicker.C:
+		case <-c.done:
+			if cap != nil {
+				cap.close()
+			}
+			return
+		}
+	}
+}

client/vnc/server/capture_x11.go

@@ -0,0 +1,385 @@
+//go:build (linux && !android) || freebsd
+
+package server
+
+import (
+	"fmt"
+	"image"
+	"os"
+	"os/exec"
+	"strings"
+	"sync"
+	"time"
+
+	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
+
+	"github.com/jezek/xgb"
+	"github.com/jezek/xgb/xproto"
+)
+
+// X11Capturer captures the screen from an X11 display using the MIT-SHM extension.
+type X11Capturer struct {
+	mu      sync.Mutex
+	conn    *xgb.Conn
+	screen  *xproto.ScreenInfo
+	w, h    int
+	shmID   int
+	shmAddr []byte
+	shmSeg  uint32 // shm.Seg
+	useSHM  bool
+}
+
+// detectX11Display finds the active X11 display and sets DISPLAY/XAUTHORITY
+// environment variables if needed. This is required when running as a system
+// service where these vars aren't set.
+func detectX11Display() {
+	if os.Getenv("DISPLAY") != "" {
+		return
+	}
+
+	// Try /proc first (Linux), then ps fallback (FreeBSD and others).
+	if detectX11FromProc() {
+		return
+	}
+	if detectX11FromSockets() {
+		return
+	}
+}
+
+// detectX11FromProc scans /proc/*/cmdline for Xorg (Linux).
+func detectX11FromProc() bool {
+	entries, err := os.ReadDir("/proc")
+	if err != nil {
+		return false
+	}
+	for _, e := range entries {
+		if !e.IsDir() {
+			continue
+		}
+		cmdline, err := os.ReadFile("/proc/" + e.Name() + "/cmdline")
+		if err != nil {
+			continue
+		}
+		if display, auth := parseXorgArgs(splitCmdline(cmdline)); display != "" {
+			setDisplayEnv(display, auth)
+			return true
+		}
+	}
+	return false
+}
+
+// detectX11FromSockets checks /tmp/.X11-unix/ for X sockets and uses ps
+// to find the auth file. Works on FreeBSD and other systems without /proc.
+func detectX11FromSockets() bool {
+	entries, err := os.ReadDir("/tmp/.X11-unix")
+	if err != nil {
+		return false
+	}
+
+	// Find the lowest display number.
+	for _, e := range entries {
+		name := e.Name()
+		if len(name) < 2 || name[0] != 'X' {
+			continue
+		}
+		display := ":" + name[1:]
+		os.Setenv("DISPLAY", display)
+		log.Infof("auto-detected DISPLAY=%s (from socket)", display)
+
+		// Try to find -auth from ps output.
+		if auth := findXorgAuthFromPS(); auth != "" {
+			os.Setenv("XAUTHORITY", auth)
+			log.Infof("auto-detected XAUTHORITY=%s (from ps)", auth)
+		}
+		return true
+	}
+	return false
+}
+
+// findXorgAuthFromPS runs ps to find Xorg and extract its -auth argument.
+func findXorgAuthFromPS() string {
+	out, err := exec.Command("ps", "auxww").Output()
+	if err != nil {
+		return ""
+	}
+	for _, line := range strings.Split(string(out), "\n") {
+		if !strings.Contains(line, "Xorg") && !strings.Contains(line, "/X ") {
+			continue
+		}
+		fields := strings.Fields(line)
+		for i, f := range fields {
+			if f == "-auth" && i+1 < len(fields) {
+				return fields[i+1]
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	return ""
+}
+
+func parseXorgArgs(args []string) (display, auth string) {
+	if len(args) == 0 {
+		return "", ""
+	}
+	base := args[0]
+	if !(base == "Xorg" || base == "X" || len(base) > 0 && base[len(base)-1] == 'X' ||
+		strings.Contains(base, "/Xorg") || strings.Contains(base, "/X")) {
+		return "", ""
+	}
+	for i, arg := range args[1:] {
+		if len(arg) > 0 && arg[0] == ':' {
+			display = arg
+		}
+		if arg == "-auth" && i+2 < len(args) {
+			auth = args[i+2]
+		}
+	}
+	return display, auth
+}
+
+func setDisplayEnv(display, auth string) {
+	os.Setenv("DISPLAY", display)
+	log.Infof("auto-detected DISPLAY=%s", display)
+	if auth != "" {
+		os.Setenv("XAUTHORITY", auth)
+		log.Infof("auto-detected XAUTHORITY=%s", auth)
+	}
+}
+
+func splitCmdline(data []byte) []string {
+	var args []string
+	for _, b := range splitNull(data) {
+		if len(b) > 0 {
+			args = append(args, string(b))
+		}
+	}
+	return args
+}
+
+func splitNull(data []byte) [][]byte {
+	var parts [][]byte
+	start := 0
+	for i, b := range data {
+		if b == 0 {
+			parts = append(parts, data[start:i])
+			start = i + 1
+		}
+	}
+	if start < len(data) {
+		parts = append(parts, data[start:])
+	}
+	return parts
+}
+
+// NewX11Capturer connects to the X11 display and sets up shared memory capture.
+func NewX11Capturer(display string) (*X11Capturer, error) {
+	detectX11Display()
+
+	if display == "" {
+		display = os.Getenv("DISPLAY")
+	}
+	if display == "" {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("DISPLAY not set and no Xorg process found")
+	}
+
+	conn, err := xgb.NewConnDisplay(display)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("connect to X11 display %s: %w", display, err)
+	}
+
+	setup := xproto.Setup(conn)
+	if len(setup.Roots) == 0 {
+		conn.Close()
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("no X11 screens")
+	}
+	screen := setup.Roots[0]
+
+	c := &X11Capturer{
+		conn:   conn,
+		screen: &screen,
+		w:      int(screen.WidthInPixels),
+		h:      int(screen.HeightInPixels),
+	}
+
+	if err := c.initSHM(); err != nil {
+		log.Debugf("X11 SHM not available, using slow GetImage: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	log.Infof("X11 capturer ready: %dx%d (display=%s, shm=%v)", c.w, c.h, display, c.useSHM)
+	return c, nil
+}
+
+// initSHM is implemented in capture_x11_shm_linux.go (requires SysV SHM).
+// On platforms without SysV SHM (FreeBSD), a stub returns an error and
+// the capturer falls back to GetImage.
+
+// Width returns the screen width.
+func (c *X11Capturer) Width() int { return c.w }
+
+// Height returns the screen height.
+func (c *X11Capturer) Height() int { return c.h }
+
+// Capture returns the current screen as an RGBA image.
+func (c *X11Capturer) Capture() (*image.RGBA, error) {
+	c.mu.Lock()
+	defer c.mu.Unlock()
+
+	if c.useSHM {
+		return c.captureSHM()
+	}
+	return c.captureGetImage()
+}
+
+// captureSHM is implemented in capture_x11_shm_linux.go.
+
+func (c *X11Capturer) captureGetImage() (*image.RGBA, error) {
+	cookie := xproto.GetImage(c.conn, xproto.ImageFormatZPixmap,
+		xproto.Drawable(c.screen.Root),
+		0, 0, uint16(c.w), uint16(c.h), 0xFFFFFFFF)
+
+	reply, err := cookie.Reply()
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("GetImage: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	img := image.NewRGBA(image.Rect(0, 0, c.w, c.h))
+	data := reply.Data
+	n := c.w * c.h * 4
+	if len(data) < n {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("GetImage returned %d bytes, expected %d", len(data), n)
+	}
+
+	for i := 0; i < n; i += 4 {
+		img.Pix[i+0] = data[i+2] // R
+		img.Pix[i+1] = data[i+1] // G
+		img.Pix[i+2] = data[i+0] // B
+		img.Pix[i+3] = 0xff
+	}
+	return img, nil
+}
+
+// Close releases X11 resources.
+func (c *X11Capturer) Close() {
+	c.closeSHM()
+	c.conn.Close()
+}
+
+// closeSHM is implemented in capture_x11_shm_linux.go.
+
+// X11Poller wraps X11Capturer in a continuous capture loop, matching the
+// DesktopCapturer pattern from Windows.
+type X11Poller struct {
+	mu      sync.Mutex
+	frame   *image.RGBA
+	w, h    int
+	display string
+	done    chan struct{}
+}
+
+// NewX11Poller creates a capturer that continuously grabs the X11 display.
+func NewX11Poller(display string) *X11Poller {
+	p := &X11Poller{
+		display: display,
+		done:    make(chan struct{}),
+	}
+	go p.loop()
+	return p
+}
+
+// Close stops the capture loop.
+func (p *X11Poller) Close() {
+	select {
+	case <-p.done:
+	default:
+		close(p.done)
+	}
+}
+
+// Width returns the screen width.
+func (p *X11Poller) Width() int {
+	p.mu.Lock()
+	defer p.mu.Unlock()
+	return p.w
+}
+
+// Height returns the screen height.
+func (p *X11Poller) Height() int {
+	p.mu.Lock()
+	defer p.mu.Unlock()
+	return p.h
+}
+
+// Capture returns the most recent frame.
+func (p *X11Poller) Capture() (*image.RGBA, error) {
+	p.mu.Lock()
+	img := p.frame
+	p.mu.Unlock()
+	if img != nil {
+		return img, nil
+	}
+	return nil, fmt.Errorf("no frame available yet")
+}
+
+func (p *X11Poller) loop() {
+	var capturer *X11Capturer
+	var initFails int
+
+	defer func() {
+		if capturer != nil {
+			capturer.Close()
+		}
+	}()
+
+	for {
+		select {
+		case <-p.done:
+			return
+		default:
+		}
+
+		if capturer == nil {
+			var err error
+			capturer, err = NewX11Capturer(p.display)
+			if err != nil {
+				initFails++
+				if initFails <= maxCapturerRetries {
+					log.Debugf("X11 capturer: %v (attempt %d/%d)", err, initFails, maxCapturerRetries)
+					select {
+					case <-p.done:
+						return
+					case <-time.After(2 * time.Second):
+					}
+					continue
+				}
+				log.Warnf("X11 capturer unavailable after %d attempts, stopping poller", maxCapturerRetries)
+				return
+			}
+			initFails = 0
+			p.mu.Lock()
+			p.w, p.h = capturer.Width(), capturer.Height()
+			p.mu.Unlock()
+		}
+
+		img, err := capturer.Capture()
+		if err != nil {
+			log.Debugf("X11 capture: %v", err)
+			capturer.Close()
+			capturer = nil
+			select {
+			case <-p.done:
+				return
+			case <-time.After(500 * time.Millisecond):
+			}
+			continue
+		}
+
+		p.mu.Lock()
+		p.frame = img
+		p.mu.Unlock()
+
+		select {
+		case <-p.done:
+			return
+		case <-time.After(33 * time.Millisecond): // ~30 fps
+		}
+	}
+}

client/vnc/server/capture_x11_shm_linux.go

@@ -0,0 +1,78 @@
+//go:build linux && !android
+
+package server
+
+import (
+	"fmt"
+	"image"
+
+	"github.com/jezek/xgb/shm"
+	"github.com/jezek/xgb/xproto"
+	"golang.org/x/sys/unix"
+)
+
+func (c *X11Capturer) initSHM() error {
+	if err := shm.Init(c.conn); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("init SHM extension: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	size := c.w * c.h * 4
+	id, err := unix.SysvShmGet(unix.IPC_PRIVATE, size, unix.IPC_CREAT|0600)
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("shmget: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	addr, err := unix.SysvShmAttach(id, 0, 0)
+	if err != nil {
+		unix.SysvShmCtl(id, unix.IPC_RMID, nil)
+		return fmt.Errorf("shmat: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	unix.SysvShmCtl(id, unix.IPC_RMID, nil)
+
+	seg, err := shm.NewSegId(c.conn)
+	if err != nil {
+		unix.SysvShmDetach(addr)
+		return fmt.Errorf("new SHM seg: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	if err := shm.AttachChecked(c.conn, seg, uint32(id), false).Check(); err != nil {
+		unix.SysvShmDetach(addr)
+		return fmt.Errorf("SHM attach to X: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	c.shmID = id
+	c.shmAddr = addr
+	c.shmSeg = uint32(seg)
+	c.useSHM = true
+	return nil
+}
+
+func (c *X11Capturer) captureSHM() (*image.RGBA, error) {
+	cookie := shm.GetImage(c.conn, xproto.Drawable(c.screen.Root),
+		0, 0, uint16(c.w), uint16(c.h), 0xFFFFFFFF,
+		xproto.ImageFormatZPixmap, shm.Seg(c.shmSeg), 0)
+
+	_, err := cookie.Reply()
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("SHM GetImage: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	img := image.NewRGBA(image.Rect(0, 0, c.w, c.h))
+	n := c.w * c.h * 4
+
+	for i := 0; i < n; i += 4 {
+		img.Pix[i+0] = c.shmAddr[i+2] // R
+		img.Pix[i+1] = c.shmAddr[i+1] // G
+		img.Pix[i+2] = c.shmAddr[i+0] // B
+		img.Pix[i+3] = 0xff
+	}
+	return img, nil
+}
+
+func (c *X11Capturer) closeSHM() {
+	if c.useSHM {
+		shm.Detach(c.conn, shm.Seg(c.shmSeg))
+		unix.SysvShmDetach(c.shmAddr)
+	}
+}

client/vnc/server/capture_x11_shm_stub.go

@@ -0,0 +1,18 @@
+//go:build freebsd
+
+package server
+
+import (
+	"fmt"
+	"image"
+)
+
+func (c *X11Capturer) initSHM() error {
+	return fmt.Errorf("SysV SHM not available on this platform")
+}
+
+func (c *X11Capturer) captureSHM() (*image.RGBA, error) {
+	return nil, fmt.Errorf("SHM capture not available on this platform")
+}
+
+func (c *X11Capturer) closeSHM() {}

client/vnc/server/input_darwin.go

@@ -0,0 +1,403 @@
+//go:build darwin && !ios
+
+package server
+
+import (
+	"fmt"
+	"os/exec"
+	"strings"
+	"sync"
+
+	"github.com/ebitengine/purego"
+	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
+)
+
+// Core Graphics event constants.
+const (
+	kCGEventSourceStateCombinedSessionState int32 = 0
+
+	kCGEventLeftMouseDown     int32 = 1
+	kCGEventLeftMouseUp       int32 = 2
+	kCGEventRightMouseDown    int32 = 3
+	kCGEventRightMouseUp      int32 = 4
+	kCGEventMouseMoved        int32 = 5
+	kCGEventLeftMouseDragged  int32 = 6
+	kCGEventRightMouseDragged int32 = 7
+	kCGEventKeyDown           int32 = 10
+	kCGEventKeyUp             int32 = 11
+	kCGEventOtherMouseDown    int32 = 25
+	kCGEventOtherMouseUp      int32 = 26
+
+	kCGMouseButtonLeft   int32 = 0
+	kCGMouseButtonRight  int32 = 1
+	kCGMouseButtonCenter int32 = 2
+
+	kCGHIDEventTap int32 = 0
+)
+
+var darwinInputOnce sync.Once
+
+var (
+	cgEventSourceCreate        func(int32) uintptr
+	cgEventCreateKeyboardEvent func(uintptr, uint16, bool) uintptr
+	// CGEventCreateMouseEvent takes CGPoint as two separate float64 args.
+	// purego can't handle array/struct types but individual float64s work.
+	cgEventCreateMouseEvent func(uintptr, int32, float64, float64, int32) uintptr
+	cgEventPost             func(int32, uintptr)
+
+	// CGEventCreateScrollWheelEvent is variadic, call via SyscallN.
+	cgEventCreateScrollWheelEventAddr uintptr
+
+	darwinInputReady  bool
+	darwinEventSource uintptr
+)
+
+func initDarwinInput() {
+	darwinInputOnce.Do(func() {
+		cg, err := purego.Dlopen("/System/Library/Frameworks/CoreGraphics.framework/CoreGraphics", purego.RTLD_NOW|purego.RTLD_GLOBAL)
+		if err != nil {
+			log.Debugf("load CoreGraphics for input: %v", err)
+			return
+		}
+
+		purego.RegisterLibFunc(&cgEventSourceCreate, cg, "CGEventSourceCreate")
+		purego.RegisterLibFunc(&cgEventCreateKeyboardEvent, cg, "CGEventCreateKeyboardEvent")
+		purego.RegisterLibFunc(&cgEventCreateMouseEvent, cg, "CGEventCreateMouseEvent")
+		purego.RegisterLibFunc(&cgEventPost, cg, "CGEventPost")
+
+		sym, err := purego.Dlsym(cg, "CGEventCreateScrollWheelEvent")
+		if err == nil {
+			cgEventCreateScrollWheelEventAddr = sym
+		}
+
+		darwinInputReady = true
+	})
+}
+
+func ensureEventSource() uintptr {
+	if darwinEventSource != 0 {
+		return darwinEventSource
+	}
+	darwinEventSource = cgEventSourceCreate(kCGEventSourceStateCombinedSessionState)
+	return darwinEventSource
+}
+
+// MacInputInjector injects keyboard and mouse events via Core Graphics.
+type MacInputInjector struct {
+	lastButtons uint8
+	pbcopyPath  string
+	pbpastePath string
+}
+
+// NewMacInputInjector creates a macOS input injector.
+func NewMacInputInjector() (*MacInputInjector, error) {
+	initDarwinInput()
+	if !darwinInputReady {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("CoreGraphics not available for input injection")
+	}
+	checkMacPermissions()
+
+	m := &MacInputInjector{}
+	if path, err := exec.LookPath("pbcopy"); err == nil {
+		m.pbcopyPath = path
+	}
+	if path, err := exec.LookPath("pbpaste"); err == nil {
+		m.pbpastePath = path
+	}
+	if m.pbcopyPath == "" || m.pbpastePath == "" {
+		log.Debugf("clipboard tools not found (pbcopy=%q, pbpaste=%q)", m.pbcopyPath, m.pbpastePath)
+	}
+
+	log.Info("macOS input injector ready")
+	return m, nil
+}
+
+// checkMacPermissions logs warnings and triggers the Accessibility prompt.
+// Screen Recording has no programmatic prompt, the user must grant it manually.
+func checkMacPermissions() {
+	// Check Accessibility via osascript (triggers the system prompt dialog).
+	out, err := exec.Command("osascript", "-e",
+		`tell application "System Events" to return name of first process`).CombinedOutput()
+	if err != nil {
+		log.Warn("Accessibility permission not granted. Input injection will not work. " +
+			"Grant in System Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessibility.")
+		log.Debugf("accessibility check output: %s (%v)", strings.TrimSpace(string(out)), err)
+	}
+
+	log.Info("Screen Recording permission is required for screen capture. " +
+		"If the screen appears black, grant in System Settings > Privacy & Security > Screen Recording.")
+}
+
+// InjectKey simulates a key press or release.
+func (m *MacInputInjector) InjectKey(keysym uint32, down bool) {
+	src := ensureEventSource()
+	if src == 0 {
+		return
+	}
+	keycode := keysymToMacKeycode(keysym)
+	if keycode == 0xFFFF {
+		return
+	}
+	event := cgEventCreateKeyboardEvent(src, keycode, down)
+	if event == 0 {
+		return
+	}
+	cgEventPost(kCGHIDEventTap, event)
+	cfRelease(event)
+}
+
+// InjectPointer simulates mouse movement and button events.
+func (m *MacInputInjector) InjectPointer(buttonMask uint8, px, py, serverW, serverH int) {
+	if serverW == 0 || serverH == 0 {
+		return
+	}
+	src := ensureEventSource()
+	if src == 0 {
+		return
+	}
+
+	x := float64(px)
+	y := float64(py)
+	leftDown := buttonMask&0x01 != 0
+	rightDown := buttonMask&0x04 != 0
+	middleDown := buttonMask&0x02 != 0
+	scrollUp := buttonMask&0x08 != 0
+	scrollDown := buttonMask&0x10 != 0
+
+	wasLeft := m.lastButtons&0x01 != 0
+	wasRight := m.lastButtons&0x04 != 0
+	wasMiddle := m.lastButtons&0x02 != 0
+
+	if leftDown {
+		m.postMouse(src, kCGEventLeftMouseDragged, x, y, kCGMouseButtonLeft)
+	} else if rightDown {
+		m.postMouse(src, kCGEventRightMouseDragged, x, y, kCGMouseButtonRight)
+	} else {
+		m.postMouse(src, kCGEventMouseMoved, x, y, kCGMouseButtonLeft)
+	}
+
+	if leftDown && !wasLeft {
+		m.postMouse(src, kCGEventLeftMouseDown, x, y, kCGMouseButtonLeft)
+	} else if !leftDown && wasLeft {
+		m.postMouse(src, kCGEventLeftMouseUp, x, y, kCGMouseButtonLeft)
+	}
+	if rightDown && !wasRight {
+		m.postMouse(src, kCGEventRightMouseDown, x, y, kCGMouseButtonRight)
+	} else if !rightDown && wasRight {
+		m.postMouse(src, kCGEventRightMouseUp, x, y, kCGMouseButtonRight)
+	}
+	if middleDown && !wasMiddle {
+		m.postMouse(src, kCGEventOtherMouseDown, x, y, kCGMouseButtonCenter)
+	} else if !middleDown && wasMiddle {
+		m.postMouse(src, kCGEventOtherMouseUp, x, y, kCGMouseButtonCenter)
+	}
+
+	if scrollUp {
+		m.postScroll(src, 3)
+	}
+	if scrollDown {
+		m.postScroll(src, -3)
+	}
+
+	m.lastButtons = buttonMask
+}
+
+func (m *MacInputInjector) postMouse(src uintptr, eventType int32, x, y float64, button int32) {
+	if cgEventCreateMouseEvent == nil {
+		return
+	}
+	event := cgEventCreateMouseEvent(src, eventType, x, y, button)
+	if event == 0 {
+		return
+	}
+	cgEventPost(kCGHIDEventTap, event)
+	cfRelease(event)
+}
+
+func (m *MacInputInjector) postScroll(src uintptr, deltaY int32) {
+	if cgEventCreateScrollWheelEventAddr == 0 {
+		return
+	}
+	// CGEventCreateScrollWheelEvent(source, units, wheelCount, wheel1delta)
+	// units=0 (pixel), wheelCount=1, wheel1delta=deltaY
+	// Variadic C function: pass args as uintptr via SyscallN.
+	r1, _, _ := purego.SyscallN(cgEventCreateScrollWheelEventAddr,
+		src, 0, 1, uintptr(uint32(deltaY)))
+	if r1 == 0 {
+		return
+	}
+	cgEventPost(kCGHIDEventTap, r1)
+	cfRelease(r1)
+}
+
+// SetClipboard sets the macOS clipboard using pbcopy.
+func (m *MacInputInjector) SetClipboard(text string) {
+	if m.pbcopyPath == "" {
+		return
+	}
+	cmd := exec.Command(m.pbcopyPath)
+	cmd.Stdin = strings.NewReader(text)
+	if err := cmd.Run(); err != nil {
+		log.Tracef("set clipboard via pbcopy: %v", err)
+	}
+}
+
+// GetClipboard reads the macOS clipboard using pbpaste.
+func (m *MacInputInjector) GetClipboard() string {
+	if m.pbpastePath == "" {
+		return ""
+	}
+	out, err := exec.Command(m.pbpastePath).Output()
+	if err != nil {
+		log.Tracef("get clipboard via pbpaste: %v", err)
+		return ""
+	}
+	return string(out)
+}
+
+// Close is a no-op on macOS.
+func (m *MacInputInjector) Close() {}
+
+func keysymToMacKeycode(keysym uint32) uint16 {
+	if keysym >= 0x61 && keysym <= 0x7a {
+		return asciiToMacKey[keysym-0x61]
+	}
+	if keysym >= 0x41 && keysym <= 0x5a {
+		return asciiToMacKey[keysym-0x41]
+	}
+	if keysym >= 0x30 && keysym <= 0x39 {
+		return digitToMacKey[keysym-0x30]
+	}
+	if code, ok := specialKeyMap[keysym]; ok {
+		return code
+	}
+	return 0xFFFF
+}
+
+var asciiToMacKey = [26]uint16{
+	0x00, 0x0B, 0x08, 0x02, 0x0E, 0x03, 0x05, 0x04,
+	0x22, 0x26, 0x28, 0x25, 0x2E, 0x2D, 0x1F, 0x23,
+	0x0C, 0x0F, 0x01, 0x11, 0x20, 0x09, 0x0D, 0x07,
+	0x10, 0x06,
+}
+
+var digitToMacKey = [10]uint16{
+	0x1D, 0x12, 0x13, 0x14, 0x15, 0x17, 0x16, 0x1A, 0x1C, 0x19,
+}
+
+var specialKeyMap = map[uint32]uint16{
+	// Whitespace and editing
+	0x0020: 0x31, // space
+	0xff08: 0x33, // BackSpace
+	0xff09: 0x30, // Tab
+	0xff0d: 0x24, // Return
+	0xff1b: 0x35, // Escape
+	0xffff: 0x75, // Delete (forward)
+
+	// Navigation
+	0xff50: 0x73, // Home
+	0xff51: 0x7B, // Left
+	0xff52: 0x7E, // Up
+	0xff53: 0x7C, // Right
+	0xff54: 0x7D, // Down
+	0xff55: 0x74, // Page_Up
+	0xff56: 0x79, // Page_Down
+	0xff57: 0x77, // End
+	0xff63: 0x72, // Insert (Help on Mac)
+
+	// Modifiers
+	0xffe1: 0x38, // Shift_L
+	0xffe2: 0x3C, // Shift_R
+	0xffe3: 0x3B, // Control_L
+	0xffe4: 0x3E, // Control_R
+	0xffe5: 0x39, // Caps_Lock
+	0xffe9: 0x3A, // Alt_L (Option)
+	0xffea: 0x3D, // Alt_R (Option)
+	0xffe7: 0x37, // Meta_L (Command)
+	0xffe8: 0x36, // Meta_R (Command)
+	0xffeb: 0x37, // Super_L (Command) - noVNC sends this
+	0xffec: 0x36, // Super_R (Command)
+
+	// Mode_switch / ISO_Level3_Shift (sent by noVNC for macOS Option remap)
+	0xff7e: 0x3A, // Mode_switch -> Option
+	0xfe03: 0x3D, // ISO_Level3_Shift -> Right Option
+
+	// Function keys
+	0xffbe: 0x7A, // F1
+	0xffbf: 0x78, // F2
+	0xffc0: 0x63, // F3
+	0xffc1: 0x76, // F4
+	0xffc2: 0x60, // F5
+	0xffc3: 0x61, // F6
+	0xffc4: 0x62, // F7
+	0xffc5: 0x64, // F8
+	0xffc6: 0x65, // F9
+	0xffc7: 0x6D, // F10
+	0xffc8: 0x67, // F11
+	0xffc9: 0x6F, // F12
+	0xffca: 0x69, // F13
+	0xffcb: 0x6B, // F14
+	0xffcc: 0x71, // F15
+	0xffcd: 0x6A, // F16
+	0xffce: 0x40, // F17
+	0xffcf: 0x4F, // F18
+	0xffd0: 0x50, // F19
+	0xffd1: 0x5A, // F20
+
+	// Punctuation (US keyboard layout, keysym = ASCII code)
+	0x002d: 0x1B, // minus -
+	0x003d: 0x18, // equal =
+	0x005b: 0x21, // bracketleft [
+	0x005d: 0x1E, // bracketright ]
+	0x005c: 0x2A, // backslash
+	0x003b: 0x29, // semicolon ;
+	0x0027: 0x27, // apostrophe '
+	0x0060: 0x32, // grave `
+	0x002c: 0x2B, // comma ,
+	0x002e: 0x2F, // period .
+	0x002f: 0x2C, // slash /
+
+	// Shifted punctuation (noVNC sends these as separate keysyms)
+	0x005f: 0x1B, // underscore _ (shift+minus)
+	0x002b: 0x18, // plus + (shift+equal)
+	0x007b: 0x21, // braceleft { (shift+[)
+	0x007d: 0x1E, // braceright } (shift+])
+	0x007c: 0x2A, // bar | (shift+\)
+	0x003a: 0x29, // colon : (shift+;)
+	0x0022: 0x27, // quotedbl " (shift+')
+	0x007e: 0x32, // tilde ~ (shift+`)
+	0x003c: 0x2B, // less < (shift+,)
+	0x003e: 0x2F, // greater > (shift+.)
+	0x003f: 0x2C, // question ? (shift+/)
+	0x0021: 0x12, // exclam ! (shift+1)
+	0x0040: 0x13, // at @ (shift+2)
+	0x0023: 0x14, // numbersign # (shift+3)
+	0x0024: 0x15, // dollar $ (shift+4)
+	0x0025: 0x17, // percent % (shift+5)
+	0x005e: 0x16, // asciicircum ^ (shift+6)
+	0x0026: 0x1A, // ampersand & (shift+7)
+	0x002a: 0x1C, // asterisk * (shift+8)
+	0x0028: 0x19, // parenleft ( (shift+9)
+	0x0029: 0x1D, // parenright ) (shift+0)
+
+	// Numpad
+	0xffb0: 0x52, // KP_0
+	0xffb1: 0x53, // KP_1
+	0xffb2: 0x54, // KP_2
+	0xffb3: 0x55, // KP_3
+	0xffb4: 0x56, // KP_4
+	0xffb5: 0x57, // KP_5
+	0xffb6: 0x58, // KP_6
+	0xffb7: 0x59, // KP_7
+	0xffb8: 0x5B, // KP_8
+	0xffb9: 0x5C, // KP_9
+	0xffae: 0x41, // KP_Decimal
+	0xffaa: 0x43, // KP_Multiply
+	0xffab: 0x45, // KP_Add
+	0xffad: 0x4E, // KP_Subtract
+	0xffaf: 0x4B, // KP_Divide
+	0xff8d: 0x4C, // KP_Enter
+	0xffbd: 0x51, // KP_Equal
+}
+
+var _ InputInjector = (*MacInputInjector)(nil)