When multiple VeraCrypt.exe instances were launched simultaneously, race conditions
could occur during the WM_INITDIALOG processing phase, potentially causing application
crashes or hang. This was because the initialization logic handles critical operations
like mounting/unmounting volumes and processing favorite volumes that modify global
system state.
This commit:
- Adds a named local session mutex (MainInitMutex) that serializes the WM_INITDIALOG handler
- Implements proper acquisition and release of the mutex during initialization
- Ensures proper cleanup of mutex resources on application exit
This update introduces a screen protection mechanism that leverages the Windows Display Affinity API to prevent screen capture, screen recording, and inclusion in the Windows 11 Recall feature. By default, all VeraCrypt windows, menus, and tooltips are protected. Users can enable or disable this feature through a new setting available in the application Preferences, as well as in the installer and MSI configurations.
This enhances user privacy by mitigating potential leaks of sensitive interface content.
Note: Due to a regression in Windows 11 affecting layered windows, ComboBox dropdowns cannot currently be protected by this mechanism.
The cascade order has been updated so that SM4 is applied after the other cipher(s) (e.g., Serpent). This change reflects standard cryptanalytic guidance, which shows that the overall strength of a cascade is limited by the first encryption stage. Given that SM4 uses a 128-bit key, its post-quantum brute-force resistance is lower than ciphers with a 256-bit key (such as Serpent). By placing SM4 last, we ensure that any potential weakness in SM4 cannot reduce the security margin provided by the stronger cipher.
When VeraCrypt is run as an AppImage, the veracrypt binary resides in a SquashFS mount under /tmp which is inaccessible to root. Using this path with sudo results in a "command not found" error.
This patch detects the AppImage environment by checking both APPIMAGE and APPDIR variables, ensuring the executable path starts with APPDIR and that APPDIR starts with the expected "/tmp/.mount_Veracr" prefix. In this scenario, the AppImage file itself (APPIMAGE) is used as the executable for sudo, resolving the elevation issue.
