A whoooole lotta 4.0.x fixes.

frontends/web/README_subprocess.md

@@ -0,0 +1,62 @@
+# Subprocess Isolation for Stegasoo WebUI
+
+This update runs encode/decode/compare operations in isolated subprocesses
+to prevent jpegio/scipy crashes from taking down the Flask server.
+
+## Files
+
+- **app.py** - Updated Flask app using subprocess isolation
+- **subprocess_stego.py** - Flask-side wrapper with clean API  
+- **stego_worker.py** - Subprocess script that does actual stegasoo operations
+
+## Setup
+
+1. Place all three files in your `webui/` directory (same level as templates/)
+
+2. Make sure stego_worker.py is executable (optional):
+   ```bash
+   chmod +x stego_worker.py
+   ```
+
+3. Run the Flask app:
+   ```bash
+   python app.py
+   ```
+
+## How It Works
+
+Instead of calling stegasoo functions directly in the Flask process:
+
+```python
+# OLD (crashes could kill Flask)
+result = encode(...)
+```
+
+We now run them in subprocesses:
+
+```python
+# NEW (crashes only kill the subprocess)
+result = subprocess_stego.encode(...)
+```
+
+If jpegio or scipy crashes due to memory corruption, only the subprocess
+dies. Flask logs the error and continues running. The next request spawns
+a fresh subprocess.
+
+## Configuration
+
+In `app.py`, you can adjust the timeout:
+
+```python
+subprocess_stego = SubprocessStego(timeout=180)  # 3 minutes
+```
+
+Larger images may need longer timeouts.
+
+## Troubleshooting
+
+If you see "Worker script not found" errors, make sure `stego_worker.py`
+is in the same directory as `app.py`.
+
+If subprocess operations fail, check the Flask logs for error details.
+The subprocess wrapper captures both stdout and stderr from the worker.

frontends/web/app.py

@@ -29,12 +29,16 @@ from flask import (
     jsonify, flash, redirect, url_for
 )
 
+import os
+os.environ['NUMPY_MADVISE_HUGEPAGE'] = '0'
+os.environ['OMP_NUM_THREADS'] = '1'
+
 # Add parent to path for development
 sys.path.insert(0, str(Path(__file__).parent.parent.parent / 'src'))
 
 import stegasoo
 from stegasoo import (
-    encode, decode, generate_credentials,
+    generate_credentials,
     export_rsa_key_pem, load_rsa_key,
     validate_pin, validate_message, validate_image,
     validate_rsa_key, validate_security_factors,
@@ -48,8 +52,7 @@ from stegasoo import (
     EMBED_MODE_DCT,
     EMBED_MODE_AUTO,
     has_dct_support,
-    compare_modes,
-    will_fit_by_mode,
+    # NOTE: encode, decode, compare_modes, will_fit_by_mode now use subprocess isolation
 )
 from stegasoo.constants import (
     __version__,
@@ -90,6 +93,17 @@ from stegasoo.qr_utils import (
     QR_MAX_BINARY, COMPRESSION_PREFIX
 )
 
+# ============================================================================
+# SUBPROCESS ISOLATION FOR STEGASOO OPERATIONS
+# ============================================================================
+# Runs encode/decode/compare in subprocesses to prevent jpegio/scipy crashes
+# from taking down the Flask server.
+
+from subprocess_stego import SubprocessStego
+
+# Initialize subprocess wrapper (worker script must be in same directory)
+subprocess_stego = SubprocessStego(timeout=180)  # 3 minute timeout for large images
+
 
 # ============================================================================
 # FLASK APP CONFIGURATION
@@ -436,6 +450,7 @@ def api_compare_capacity():
     """
     Compare LSB and DCT capacity for an uploaded carrier image.
     Returns JSON with capacity info for both modes.
+    Uses subprocess isolation to prevent crashes.
     """
     carrier = request.files.get('carrier')
     if not carrier:
@@ -443,23 +458,28 @@ def api_compare_capacity():
     
     try:
         carrier_data = carrier.read()
-        comparison = compare_modes(carrier_data)
+        
+        # Use subprocess-isolated compare_modes
+        result = subprocess_stego.compare_modes(carrier_data)
+        
+        if not result.success:
+            return jsonify({'error': result.error or 'Comparison failed'}), 500
         
         return jsonify({
             'success': True,
-            'width': comparison['width'],
-            'height': comparison['height'],
+            'width': result.width,
+            'height': result.height,
             'lsb': {
-                'capacity_bytes': comparison['lsb']['capacity_bytes'],
-                'capacity_kb': round(comparison['lsb']['capacity_kb'], 1),
-                'output': comparison['lsb']['output'],
+                'capacity_bytes': result.lsb['capacity_bytes'],
+                'capacity_kb': round(result.lsb['capacity_kb'], 1),
+                'output': result.lsb.get('output', 'PNG'),
             },
             'dct': {
-                'capacity_bytes': comparison['dct']['capacity_bytes'],
-                'capacity_kb': round(comparison['dct']['capacity_kb'], 1),
-                'output': comparison['dct']['output'],
-                'available': comparison['dct']['available'],
-                'ratio': round(comparison['dct']['ratio_vs_lsb'], 1),
+                'capacity_bytes': result.dct['capacity_bytes'],
+                'capacity_kb': round(result.dct['capacity_kb'], 1),
+                'output': result.dct.get('output', 'JPEG'),
+                'available': result.dct.get('available', True),
+                'ratio': round(result.dct.get('ratio_vs_lsb', 0), 1),
             }
         })
     except Exception as e:
@@ -471,6 +491,7 @@ def api_check_fit():
     """
     Check if a payload will fit in the carrier with selected mode.
     Returns JSON with fit status and details.
+    Uses subprocess isolation to prevent crashes.
     """
     carrier = request.files.get('carrier')
     payload_size = request.form.get('payload_size', type=int)
@@ -487,16 +508,25 @@ def api_check_fit():
     
     try:
         carrier_data = carrier.read()
-        result = will_fit_by_mode(payload_size, carrier_data, embed_mode=embed_mode)
+        
+        # Use subprocess-isolated capacity check
+        result = subprocess_stego.check_capacity(
+            carrier_data=carrier_data,
+            payload_size=payload_size,
+            embed_mode=embed_mode,
+        )
+        
+        if not result.success:
+            return jsonify({'error': result.error or 'Capacity check failed'}), 500
         
         return jsonify({
             'success': True,
-            'fits': result['fits'],
-            'payload_size': result['payload_size'],
-            'capacity': result['capacity'],
-            'usage_percent': round(result['usage_percent'], 1),
-            'headroom': result['headroom'],
-            'mode': embed_mode,
+            'fits': result.fits,
+            'payload_size': result.payload_size,
+            'capacity': result.capacity,
+            'usage_percent': round(result.usage_percent, 1),
+            'headroom': result.headroom,
+            'mode': result.mode,
         })
     except Exception as e:
         return jsonify({'error': str(e)}), 500
@@ -641,37 +671,63 @@ def encode_page():
                 return render_template('encode.html', has_qrcode_read=HAS_QRCODE_READ)
             
             # v3.2.0: No date parameter needed
-            encode_result = encode(
-                message=payload,
-                reference_photo=ref_data,
-                carrier_image=carrier_data,
-                passphrase=passphrase,  # v3.2.0: Renamed from day_phrase
-                pin=pin,
-                rsa_key_data=rsa_key_data,
-                rsa_password=key_password,
-                # date_str removed in v3.2.0
-                embed_mode=embed_mode,
-                dct_output_format=dct_output_format if embed_mode == 'dct' else None,
-                dct_color_mode=dct_color_mode if embed_mode == 'dct' else None,
-            )
+            # Use subprocess-isolated encode to prevent crashes
+            if payload_type == 'file' and payload_file and payload_file.filename:
+                encode_result = subprocess_stego.encode(
+                    carrier_data=carrier_data,
+                    reference_data=ref_data,
+                    file_data=payload.data,
+                    file_name=payload.filename,
+                    file_mime=payload.mime_type,
+                    passphrase=passphrase,
+                    pin=pin if pin else None,
+                    rsa_key_data=rsa_key_data,
+                    rsa_password=key_password,
+                    embed_mode=embed_mode,
+                    dct_output_format=dct_output_format if embed_mode == 'dct' else 'png',
+                    dct_color_mode=dct_color_mode if embed_mode == 'dct' else 'color',
+                )
+            else:
+                encode_result = subprocess_stego.encode(
+                    carrier_data=carrier_data,
+                    reference_data=ref_data,
+                    message=payload,
+                    passphrase=passphrase,
+                    pin=pin if pin else None,
+                    rsa_key_data=rsa_key_data,
+                    rsa_password=key_password,
+                    embed_mode=embed_mode,
+                    dct_output_format=dct_output_format if embed_mode == 'dct' else 'png',
+                    dct_color_mode=dct_color_mode if embed_mode == 'dct' else 'color',
+                )
+            
+            # Check for subprocess errors
+            if not encode_result.success:
+                error_msg = encode_result.error or 'Encoding failed'
+                if 'capacity' in error_msg.lower():
+                    raise CapacityError(error_msg)
+                raise StegasooError(error_msg)
             
             # Determine actual output format for filename and storage
             if embed_mode == 'dct' and dct_output_format == 'jpeg':
                 output_ext = '.jpg'
                 output_mime = 'image/jpeg'
-                filename = encode_result.filename
-                if filename.endswith('.png'):
-                    filename = filename[:-4] + '.jpg'
             else:
                 output_ext = '.png'
                 output_mime = 'image/png'
-                filename = encode_result.filename
+            
+            # Use filename from result or generate one
+            filename = encode_result.filename
+            if not filename:
+                filename = generate_filename('stego', output_ext)
+            elif embed_mode == 'dct' and dct_output_format == 'jpeg' and filename.endswith('.png'):
+                filename = filename[:-4] + '.jpg'
             
             # Store temporarily
             file_id = secrets.token_urlsafe(16)
             cleanup_temp_files()
             TEMP_FILES[file_id] = {
-                'data': encode_result.stego_image,
+                'data': encode_result.stego_data,
                 'filename': filename,
                 'timestamp': time.time(),
                 'embed_mode': embed_mode,
@@ -864,17 +920,24 @@ def decode_page():
                     return render_template('decode.html', has_qrcode_read=HAS_QRCODE_READ)
             
             # v3.2.0: No date_str parameter needed
-            decode_result = decode(
-                stego_image=stego_data,
-                reference_photo=ref_data,
-                passphrase=passphrase,  # v3.2.0: Renamed from day_phrase
-                pin=pin,
+            # Use subprocess-isolated decode to prevent crashes
+            decode_result = subprocess_stego.decode(
+                stego_data=stego_data,
+                reference_data=ref_data,
+                passphrase=passphrase,
+                pin=pin if pin else None,
                 rsa_key_data=rsa_key_data,
                 rsa_password=key_password,
-                # date_str removed in v3.2.0
                 embed_mode=embed_mode,
             )
             
+            # Check for subprocess errors
+            if not decode_result.success:
+                error_msg = decode_result.error or 'Decoding failed'
+                if 'decrypt' in error_msg.lower() or decode_result.error_type == 'DecryptionError':
+                    raise DecryptionError(error_msg)
+                raise StegasooError(error_msg)
+            
             if decode_result.is_file:
                 # File content - store temporarily for download
                 file_id = secrets.token_urlsafe(16)
@@ -942,6 +1005,54 @@ def about():
     )
 
 
+# Add these two test routes anywhere in app.py after the app = Flask(...) line:
+
+@app.route('/test-capacity', methods=['POST'])
+def test_capacity():
+    """Minimal capacity test - no stegasoo code, just PIL."""
+    carrier = request.files.get('carrier')
+    if not carrier:
+        return jsonify({'error': 'No carrier image provided'}), 400
+    
+    try:
+        carrier_data = carrier.read()
+        buffer = io.BytesIO(carrier_data)
+        img = Image.open(buffer)
+        width, height = img.size
+        fmt = img.format
+        img.close()
+        buffer.close()
+        
+        pixels = width * height
+        lsb_bytes = (pixels * 3) // 8
+        dct_bytes = ((width // 8) * (height // 8) * 16) // 8 - 10
+        
+        return jsonify({
+            'success': True,
+            'width': width,
+            'height': height,
+            'format': fmt,
+            'lsb_kb': round(lsb_bytes / 1024, 1),
+            'dct_kb': round(dct_bytes / 1024, 1),
+        })
+    except Exception as e:
+        return jsonify({'error': str(e)}), 500
+
+
+@app.route('/test-capacity-nopil', methods=['POST'])
+def test_capacity_nopil():
+    """Ultra-minimal test - no PIL, no stegasoo."""
+    carrier = request.files.get('carrier')
+    if not carrier:
+        return jsonify({'error': 'No carrier image provided'}), 400
+    
+    carrier_data = carrier.read()
+    return jsonify({
+        'success': True,
+        'data_size': len(carrier_data),
+    })
+
+
 # ============================================================================
 # MAIN
 # ============================================================================

frontends/web/stego_worker.py

@@ -0,0 +1,191 @@
+#!/usr/bin/env python3
+"""
+Stegasoo Subprocess Worker
+
+This script runs in a subprocess and handles encode/decode operations.
+If it crashes due to jpegio/scipy issues, the parent Flask process survives.
+
+Communication is via JSON over stdin/stdout:
+- Input: JSON object with operation parameters
+- Output: JSON object with results or error
+
+Usage:
+    echo '{"operation": "encode", ...}' | python stego_worker.py
+"""
+
+import sys
+import json
+import base64
+import traceback
+from pathlib import Path
+
+# Ensure stegasoo is importable
+sys.path.insert(0, str(Path(__file__).parent.parent.parent / 'src'))
+sys.path.insert(0, str(Path(__file__).parent))
+
+
+def encode_operation(params: dict) -> dict:
+    """Handle encode operation."""
+    from stegasoo import encode, FilePayload
+    
+    # Decode base64 inputs
+    carrier_data = base64.b64decode(params['carrier_b64'])
+    reference_data = base64.b64decode(params['reference_b64'])
+    
+    # Optional RSA key
+    rsa_key_data = None
+    if params.get('rsa_key_b64'):
+        rsa_key_data = base64.b64decode(params['rsa_key_b64'])
+    
+    # Determine payload type
+    if params.get('file_b64'):
+        file_data = base64.b64decode(params['file_b64'])
+        payload = FilePayload(
+            data=file_data,
+            filename=params.get('file_name', 'file'),
+            mime_type=params.get('file_mime', 'application/octet-stream'),
+        )
+    else:
+        payload = params.get('message', '')
+    
+    # Call encode with correct parameter names
+    result = encode(
+        message=payload,
+        reference_photo=reference_data,
+        carrier_image=carrier_data,
+        passphrase=params.get('passphrase', ''),
+        pin=params.get('pin'),
+        rsa_key_data=rsa_key_data,
+        rsa_password=params.get('rsa_password'),
+        embed_mode=params.get('embed_mode', 'lsb'),
+        dct_output_format=params.get('dct_output_format', 'png'),
+        dct_color_mode=params.get('dct_color_mode', 'color'),
+    )
+    
+    # Build stats dict if available
+    stats = None
+    if hasattr(result, 'stats') and result.stats:
+        stats = {
+            'pixels_modified': getattr(result.stats, 'pixels_modified', 0),
+            'capacity_used': getattr(result.stats, 'capacity_used', 0),
+            'bytes_embedded': getattr(result.stats, 'bytes_embedded', 0),
+        }
+    
+    return {
+        'success': True,
+        'stego_b64': base64.b64encode(result.stego_image).decode('ascii'),
+        'filename': getattr(result, 'filename', None),
+        'stats': stats,
+    }
+
+
+def decode_operation(params: dict) -> dict:
+    """Handle decode operation."""
+    from stegasoo import decode
+    
+    # Decode base64 inputs
+    stego_data = base64.b64decode(params['stego_b64'])
+    reference_data = base64.b64decode(params['reference_b64'])
+    
+    # Optional RSA key
+    rsa_key_data = None
+    if params.get('rsa_key_b64'):
+        rsa_key_data = base64.b64decode(params['rsa_key_b64'])
+    
+    # Call decode with correct parameter names
+    result = decode(
+        stego_image=stego_data,
+        reference_photo=reference_data,
+        passphrase=params.get('passphrase', ''),
+        pin=params.get('pin'),
+        rsa_key_data=rsa_key_data,
+        rsa_password=params.get('rsa_password'),
+        embed_mode=params.get('embed_mode', 'auto'),
+    )
+    
+    if result.is_file:
+        return {
+            'success': True,
+            'is_file': True,
+            'file_b64': base64.b64encode(result.file_data).decode('ascii'),
+            'filename': result.filename,
+            'mime_type': result.mime_type,
+        }
+    else:
+        return {
+            'success': True,
+            'is_file': False,
+            'message': result.message,
+        }
+
+
+def compare_operation(params: dict) -> dict:
+    """Handle compare_modes operation."""
+    from stegasoo import compare_modes
+    
+    carrier_data = base64.b64decode(params['carrier_b64'])
+    result = compare_modes(carrier_data)
+    
+    return {
+        'success': True,
+        'comparison': result,
+    }
+
+
+def capacity_check_operation(params: dict) -> dict:
+    """Handle will_fit_by_mode operation."""
+    from stegasoo import will_fit_by_mode
+    
+    carrier_data = base64.b64decode(params['carrier_b64'])
+    
+    result = will_fit_by_mode(
+        payload=params['payload_size'],
+        carrier_image=carrier_data,
+        embed_mode=params.get('embed_mode', 'lsb'),
+    )
+    
+    return {
+        'success': True,
+        'result': result,
+    }
+
+
+def main():
+    """Main entry point - read JSON from stdin, write JSON to stdout."""
+    try:
+        # Read all input
+        input_text = sys.stdin.read()
+        
+        if not input_text.strip():
+            output = {'success': False, 'error': 'No input provided'}
+        else:
+            params = json.loads(input_text)
+            operation = params.get('operation')
+            
+            if operation == 'encode':
+                output = encode_operation(params)
+            elif operation == 'decode':
+                output = decode_operation(params)
+            elif operation == 'compare':
+                output = compare_operation(params)
+            elif operation == 'capacity':
+                output = capacity_check_operation(params)
+            else:
+                output = {'success': False, 'error': f'Unknown operation: {operation}'}
+    
+    except json.JSONDecodeError as e:
+        output = {'success': False, 'error': f'Invalid JSON: {e}'}
+    except Exception as e:
+        output = {
+            'success': False,
+            'error': str(e),
+            'error_type': type(e).__name__,
+            'traceback': traceback.format_exc(),
+        }
+    
+    # Write output as JSON
+    print(json.dumps(output), flush=True)
+
+
+if __name__ == '__main__':
+    main()

frontends/web/subprocess_stego.py

@@ -0,0 +1,425 @@
+"""
+Subprocess Steganography Wrapper
+
+Runs stegasoo operations in isolated subprocesses to prevent crashes
+from taking down the Flask server.
+
+Usage:
+    from subprocess_stego import SubprocessStego
+    
+    stego = SubprocessStego()
+    
+    # Encode
+    result = stego.encode(
+        carrier_data=carrier_bytes,
+        reference_data=ref_bytes,
+        message="secret message",
+        passphrase="my passphrase",
+        pin="123456",
+        embed_mode="dct",
+    )
+    
+    if result.success:
+        stego_bytes = result.stego_data
+        extension = result.extension
+    else:
+        error_message = result.error
+    
+    # Decode
+    result = stego.decode(
+        stego_data=stego_bytes,
+        reference_data=ref_bytes,
+        passphrase="my passphrase",
+        pin="123456",
+    )
+    
+    # Compare modes (capacity)
+    result = stego.compare_modes(carrier_bytes)
+"""
+
+import json
+import base64
+import subprocess
+import sys
+from pathlib import Path
+from dataclasses import dataclass
+from typing import Optional, Dict, Any, Union
+
+
+# Default timeout for operations (seconds)
+DEFAULT_TIMEOUT = 120
+
+# Path to worker script - adjust if needed
+WORKER_SCRIPT = Path(__file__).parent / 'stego_worker.py'
+
+
+@dataclass
+class EncodeResult:
+    """Result from encode operation."""
+    success: bool
+    stego_data: Optional[bytes] = None
+    filename: Optional[str] = None
+    stats: Optional[Dict[str, Any]] = None
+    error: Optional[str] = None
+    error_type: Optional[str] = None
+
+
+@dataclass
+class DecodeResult:
+    """Result from decode operation."""
+    success: bool
+    is_file: bool = False
+    message: Optional[str] = None
+    file_data: Optional[bytes] = None
+    filename: Optional[str] = None
+    mime_type: Optional[str] = None
+    error: Optional[str] = None
+    error_type: Optional[str] = None
+
+
+@dataclass
+class CompareResult:
+    """Result from compare_modes operation."""
+    success: bool
+    width: int = 0
+    height: int = 0
+    lsb: Optional[Dict[str, Any]] = None
+    dct: Optional[Dict[str, Any]] = None
+    error: Optional[str] = None
+
+
+@dataclass
+class CapacityResult:
+    """Result from capacity check operation."""
+    success: bool
+    fits: bool = False
+    payload_size: int = 0
+    capacity: int = 0
+    usage_percent: float = 0.0
+    headroom: int = 0
+    mode: str = ""
+    error: Optional[str] = None
+
+
+class SubprocessStego:
+    """
+    Subprocess-isolated steganography operations.
+    
+    All operations run in a separate Python process. If jpegio or scipy
+    crashes, only the subprocess dies - Flask keeps running.
+    """
+    
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        worker_path: Optional[Path] = None,
+        python_executable: Optional[str] = None,
+        timeout: int = DEFAULT_TIMEOUT,
+    ):
+        """
+        Initialize subprocess wrapper.
+        
+        Args:
+            worker_path: Path to stego_worker.py (default: same directory)
+            python_executable: Python interpreter to use (default: same as current)
+            timeout: Default timeout in seconds
+        """
+        self.worker_path = worker_path or WORKER_SCRIPT
+        self.python = python_executable or sys.executable
+        self.timeout = timeout
+        
+        if not self.worker_path.exists():
+            raise FileNotFoundError(f"Worker script not found: {self.worker_path}")
+    
+    def _run_worker(self, params: Dict[str, Any], timeout: Optional[int] = None) -> Dict[str, Any]:
+        """
+        Run the worker subprocess with given parameters.
+        
+        Args:
+            params: Dictionary of parameters (will be JSON-encoded)
+            timeout: Operation timeout in seconds
+            
+        Returns:
+            Dictionary with results from worker
+        """
+        timeout = timeout or self.timeout
+        input_json = json.dumps(params)
+        
+        try:
+            result = subprocess.run(
+                [self.python, str(self.worker_path)],
+                input=input_json,
+                capture_output=True,
+                text=True,
+                timeout=timeout,
+                cwd=str(self.worker_path.parent),
+            )
+            
+            if result.returncode != 0:
+                # Worker crashed
+                return {
+                    'success': False,
+                    'error': f'Worker crashed (exit code {result.returncode})',
+                    'stderr': result.stderr,
+                }
+            
+            if not result.stdout.strip():
+                return {
+                    'success': False,
+                    'error': 'Worker returned empty output',
+                    'stderr': result.stderr,
+                }
+            
+            return json.loads(result.stdout)
+            
+        except subprocess.TimeoutExpired:
+            return {
+                'success': False,
+                'error': f'Operation timed out after {timeout} seconds',
+                'error_type': 'TimeoutError',
+            }
+        except json.JSONDecodeError as e:
+            return {
+                'success': False,
+                'error': f'Invalid JSON from worker: {e}',
+                'raw_output': result.stdout if 'result' in dir() else None,
+            }
+        except Exception as e:
+            return {
+                'success': False,
+                'error': str(e),
+                'error_type': type(e).__name__,
+            }
+    
+    def encode(
+        self,
+        carrier_data: bytes,
+        reference_data: bytes,
+        message: Optional[str] = None,
+        file_data: Optional[bytes] = None,
+        file_name: Optional[str] = None,
+        file_mime: Optional[str] = None,
+        passphrase: str = "",
+        pin: Optional[str] = None,
+        rsa_key_data: Optional[bytes] = None,
+        rsa_password: Optional[str] = None,
+        embed_mode: str = "lsb",
+        dct_output_format: str = "png",
+        dct_color_mode: str = "color",
+        timeout: Optional[int] = None,
+    ) -> EncodeResult:
+        """
+        Encode a message or file into an image.
+        
+        Args:
+            carrier_data: Carrier image bytes
+            reference_data: Reference photo bytes
+            message: Text message to encode (if not file)
+            file_data: File bytes to encode (if not message)
+            file_name: Original filename (for file payload)
+            file_mime: MIME type (for file payload)
+            passphrase: Encryption passphrase
+            pin: Optional PIN
+            rsa_key_data: Optional RSA key PEM bytes
+            rsa_password: RSA key password if encrypted
+            embed_mode: 'lsb' or 'dct'
+            dct_output_format: 'png' or 'jpeg' (for DCT mode)
+            dct_color_mode: 'grayscale' or 'color' (for DCT mode)
+            timeout: Operation timeout in seconds
+            
+        Returns:
+            EncodeResult with stego_data and extension on success
+        """
+        params = {
+            'operation': 'encode',
+            'carrier_b64': base64.b64encode(carrier_data).decode('ascii'),
+            'reference_b64': base64.b64encode(reference_data).decode('ascii'),
+            'message': message,
+            'passphrase': passphrase,
+            'pin': pin,
+            'embed_mode': embed_mode,
+            'dct_output_format': dct_output_format,
+            'dct_color_mode': dct_color_mode,
+        }
+        
+        if file_data:
+            params['file_b64'] = base64.b64encode(file_data).decode('ascii')
+            params['file_name'] = file_name
+            params['file_mime'] = file_mime
+        
+        if rsa_key_data:
+            params['rsa_key_b64'] = base64.b64encode(rsa_key_data).decode('ascii')
+            params['rsa_password'] = rsa_password
+        
+        result = self._run_worker(params, timeout)
+        
+        if result.get('success'):
+            return EncodeResult(
+                success=True,
+                stego_data=base64.b64decode(result['stego_b64']),
+                filename=result.get('filename'),
+                stats=result.get('stats'),
+            )
+        else:
+            return EncodeResult(
+                success=False,
+                error=result.get('error', 'Unknown error'),
+                error_type=result.get('error_type'),
+            )
+    
+    def decode(
+        self,
+        stego_data: bytes,
+        reference_data: bytes,
+        passphrase: str = "",
+        pin: Optional[str] = None,
+        rsa_key_data: Optional[bytes] = None,
+        rsa_password: Optional[str] = None,
+        embed_mode: str = "auto",
+        timeout: Optional[int] = None,
+    ) -> DecodeResult:
+        """
+        Decode a message or file from a stego image.
+        
+        Args:
+            stego_data: Stego image bytes
+            reference_data: Reference photo bytes
+            passphrase: Decryption passphrase
+            pin: Optional PIN
+            rsa_key_data: Optional RSA key PEM bytes
+            rsa_password: RSA key password if encrypted
+            embed_mode: 'auto', 'lsb', or 'dct'
+            timeout: Operation timeout in seconds
+            
+        Returns:
+            DecodeResult with message or file_data on success
+        """
+        params = {
+            'operation': 'decode',
+            'stego_b64': base64.b64encode(stego_data).decode('ascii'),
+            'reference_b64': base64.b64encode(reference_data).decode('ascii'),
+            'passphrase': passphrase,
+            'pin': pin,
+            'embed_mode': embed_mode,
+        }
+        
+        if rsa_key_data:
+            params['rsa_key_b64'] = base64.b64encode(rsa_key_data).decode('ascii')
+            params['rsa_password'] = rsa_password
+        
+        result = self._run_worker(params, timeout)
+        
+        if result.get('success'):
+            if result.get('is_file'):
+                return DecodeResult(
+                    success=True,
+                    is_file=True,
+                    file_data=base64.b64decode(result['file_b64']),
+                    filename=result.get('filename'),
+                    mime_type=result.get('mime_type'),
+                )
+            else:
+                return DecodeResult(
+                    success=True,
+                    is_file=False,
+                    message=result.get('message'),
+                )
+        else:
+            return DecodeResult(
+                success=False,
+                error=result.get('error', 'Unknown error'),
+                error_type=result.get('error_type'),
+            )
+    
+    def compare_modes(
+        self,
+        carrier_data: bytes,
+        timeout: Optional[int] = None,
+    ) -> CompareResult:
+        """
+        Compare LSB and DCT capacity for a carrier image.
+        
+        Args:
+            carrier_data: Carrier image bytes
+            timeout: Operation timeout in seconds
+            
+        Returns:
+            CompareResult with capacity information
+        """
+        params = {
+            'operation': 'compare',
+            'carrier_b64': base64.b64encode(carrier_data).decode('ascii'),
+        }
+        
+        result = self._run_worker(params, timeout)
+        
+        if result.get('success'):
+            comparison = result.get('comparison', {})
+            return CompareResult(
+                success=True,
+                width=comparison.get('width', 0),
+                height=comparison.get('height', 0),
+                lsb=comparison.get('lsb'),
+                dct=comparison.get('dct'),
+            )
+        else:
+            return CompareResult(
+                success=False,
+                error=result.get('error', 'Unknown error'),
+            )
+    
+    def check_capacity(
+        self,
+        carrier_data: bytes,
+        payload_size: int,
+        embed_mode: str = "lsb",
+        timeout: Optional[int] = None,
+    ) -> CapacityResult:
+        """
+        Check if a payload will fit in the carrier.
+        
+        Args:
+            carrier_data: Carrier image bytes
+            payload_size: Size of payload in bytes
+            embed_mode: 'lsb' or 'dct'
+            timeout: Operation timeout in seconds
+            
+        Returns:
+            CapacityResult with fit information
+        """
+        params = {
+            'operation': 'capacity',
+            'carrier_b64': base64.b64encode(carrier_data).decode('ascii'),
+            'payload_size': payload_size,
+            'embed_mode': embed_mode,
+        }
+        
+        result = self._run_worker(params, timeout)
+        
+        if result.get('success'):
+            r = result.get('result', {})
+            return CapacityResult(
+                success=True,
+                fits=r.get('fits', False),
+                payload_size=r.get('payload_size', 0),
+                capacity=r.get('capacity', 0),
+                usage_percent=r.get('usage_percent', 0.0),
+                headroom=r.get('headroom', 0),
+                mode=r.get('mode', embed_mode),
+            )
+        else:
+            return CapacityResult(
+                success=False,
+                error=result.get('error', 'Unknown error'),
+            )
+
+
+# Convenience function for quick usage
+_default_stego: Optional[SubprocessStego] = None
+
+
+def get_subprocess_stego() -> SubprocessStego:
+    """Get or create default SubprocessStego instance."""
+    global _default_stego
+    if _default_stego is None:
+        _default_stego = SubprocessStego()
+    return _default_stego

frontends/web/templates/about.html

@@ -11,11 +11,11 @@
             </div>
             <div class="card-body">
                 <p class="lead">
-                    Stegasoo is a secure steganography tool that hides encrypted messages and files 
+                    Stegasoo is a steganography tool that hides encrypted messages and files 
                     inside ordinary images using multi-factor authentication.
                 </p>
                 
-                <h6 class="text-primary mt-4 mb-3"><i class="bi bi-stars me-2"></i>Key Features</h6>
+                <h6 class="text-primary mt-4 mb-3">Features</h6>
                 <div class="row">
                     <div class="col-md-6">
                         <ul class="list-unstyled">
@@ -32,39 +32,37 @@
                             <li class="mb-2">
                                 <i class="bi bi-check-circle text-success me-2"></i>
                                 <strong>AES-256-GCM Encryption</strong>
-                                <br><small class="text-muted">Military-grade authenticated encryption</small>
+                                <br><small class="text-muted">Authenticated encryption with integrity verification</small>
                             </li>
                             <li class="mb-2">
                                 <i class="bi bi-check-circle text-success me-2"></i>
-                                <strong>Single Passphrase</strong>
-                                <span class="badge bg-success ms-1">v3.2.0</span>
-                                <br><small class="text-muted">Stronger default security</small>
+                                <strong>LSB &amp; DCT Modes</strong>
+                                <br><small class="text-muted">Choose capacity (LSB) or JPEG resilience (DCT)</small>
                             </li>
                         </ul>
                     </div>
                     <div class="col-md-6">
                         <ul class="list-unstyled">
-                            <li class="mb-2">
-                                <i class="bi bi-check-circle text-success me-2"></i>
-                                <strong>DCT Mode</strong>
-                                <span class="badge bg-warning text-dark ms-1">v3.0</span>
-                                <br><small class="text-muted">Survives JPEG recompression for social media</small>
-                            </li>
                             <li class="mb-2">
                                 <i class="bi bi-check-circle text-success me-2"></i>
                                 <strong>Random Pixel Embedding</strong>
-                                <br><small class="text-muted">Defeats statistical steganalysis</small>
+                                <br><small class="text-muted">Key-derived selection defeats statistical analysis</small>
                             </li>
                             <li class="mb-2">
                                 <i class="bi bi-check-circle text-success me-2"></i>
-                                <strong>Large Capacity</strong>
-                                <br><small class="text-muted">Up to {{ max_payload_kb }} KB payload, 24MP images</small>
+                                <strong>Large Image Support</strong>
+                                <br><small class="text-muted">Up to {{ max_payload_kb }} KB payload, tested with 14MB+ images</small>
                             </li>
                             <li class="mb-2">
                                 <i class="bi bi-check-circle text-success me-2"></i>
                                 <strong>Zero Server Storage</strong>
                                 <br><small class="text-muted">Nothing saved, files auto-expire</small>
                             </li>
+                            <li class="mb-2">
+                                <i class="bi bi-check-circle text-success me-2"></i>
+                                <strong>QR Code Keys</strong>
+                                <br><small class="text-muted">Import/export RSA keys via QR codes</small>
+                            </li>
                         </ul>
                     </div>
                 </div>
@@ -78,8 +76,7 @@
             </div>
             <div class="card-body">
                 <p>
-                    <span class="badge bg-warning text-dark me-1">New in v3.0</span>
-                    Stegasoo now supports two embedding modes, each optimized for different use cases.
+                    Stegasoo supports two embedding modes, each optimized for different use cases.
                 </p>
                 
                 <div class="row mt-4">
@@ -120,7 +117,6 @@
                             <div class="card-header">
                                 <i class="bi bi-soundwave text-warning me-2"></i>
                                 <strong>DCT Mode</strong>
-                                <span class="badge bg-warning text-dark ms-2">v3.0</span>
                             </div>
                             <div class="card-body">
                                 <p class="small">
@@ -200,7 +196,7 @@
                 <h5 class="mb-0"><i class="bi bi-shield-lock me-2"></i>How Security Works</h5>
             </div>
             <div class="card-body">
-                <p>Stegasoo uses <strong>hybrid multi-factor authentication</strong> to derive encryption keys:</p>
+                <p>Stegasoo uses <strong>multi-factor authentication</strong> to derive encryption keys:</p>
                 
                 <div class="row text-center my-4">
                     <div class="col-md-3 mb-3">
@@ -215,7 +211,6 @@
                         <div class="p-3 bg-dark rounded">
                             <i class="bi bi-chat-quote text-warning fs-2 d-block mb-2"></i>
                             <strong>Passphrase</strong>
-                            <span class="badge bg-success ms-1">v3.2.0</span>
                             <div class="small text-muted mt-1">Something you know</div>
                             <div class="small text-success">~44 bits (4 words)</div>
                         </div>
@@ -224,7 +219,7 @@
                         <div class="p-3 bg-dark rounded">
                             <i class="bi bi-123 text-danger fs-2 d-block mb-2"></i>
                             <strong>Static PIN</strong>
-                            <div class="small text-muted mt-1">Something you know (fixed)</div>
+                            <div class="small text-muted mt-1">Something you know</div>
                             <div class="small text-success">~20 bits (6 digits)</div>
                         </div>
                     </div>
@@ -233,7 +228,7 @@
                             <i class="bi bi-key text-primary fs-2 d-block mb-2"></i>
                             <strong>RSA Key</strong>
                             <div class="small text-muted mt-1">Something you have (optional)</div>
-                            <div class="small text-success">~128 bits (2048-bit)</div>
+                            <div class="small text-success">~128 bits</div>
                         </div>
                     </div>
                 </div>
@@ -247,148 +242,77 @@
                 <h6 class="mt-4">Key Derivation</h6>
                 <p>
                     {% if has_argon2 %}
-                    <span class="badge bg-success me-1"><i class="bi bi-check"></i> Argon2id Available</span>
-                    Using <strong>Argon2id</strong> with 256MB memory cost — the winner of the Password Hashing Competition 
-                    and current best practice for key derivation. This makes GPU/ASIC attacks infeasible.
+                    <span class="badge bg-success me-1"><i class="bi bi-check"></i> Argon2id</span>
+                    Using <strong>Argon2id</strong> with 256MB memory cost — memory-hard KDF that 
+                    makes GPU/ASIC attacks infeasible.
                     {% else %}
                     <span class="badge bg-warning text-dark me-1"><i class="bi bi-exclamation-triangle"></i> Argon2 Not Available</span>
                     Falling back to <strong>PBKDF2-SHA512</strong> with 600,000 iterations.
                     Install <code>argon2-cffi</code> for stronger security.
                     {% endif %}
                 </p>
-                
-                <h6 class="mt-4">Steganography Techniques</h6>
-                <p>
-                    <strong>LSB Mode:</strong> Uses Least Significant Bit embedding with pseudo-random pixel selection.
-                    The pixel locations are determined by a key derived from your credentials, making the 
-                    hidden data's location unpredictable without the correct inputs.
-                </p>
-                <p>
-                    <strong>DCT Mode:</strong> Uses Discrete Cosine Transform embedding with Quantization Index Modulation (QIM).
-                    Data is hidden in mid-frequency coefficients of 8×8 blocks, making it resilient to JPEG recompression.
-                    {% if has_dct %}
-                    <span class="badge bg-success"><i class="bi bi-check"></i> DCT Available</span>
-                    {% else %}
-                    <span class="badge bg-secondary">DCT Requires scipy</span>
-                    {% endif %}
-                </p>
             </div>
         </div>
         
+        <!-- Version History -->
         <div class="card mb-4">
             <div class="card-header">
-                <h5 class="mb-0"><i class="bi bi-file-earmark-binary me-2"></i>File Embedding</h5>
+                <h5 class="mb-0"><i class="bi bi-clock-history me-2"></i>Version History</h5>
             </div>
             <div class="card-body">
-                <p>
-                    Stegasoo supports embedding <strong>any file type</strong>, not just text messages.
-                </p>
-                
-                <div class="row">
-                    <div class="col-md-6">
-                        <h6><i class="bi bi-check2-square text-success me-2"></i>Supported</h6>
-                        <ul class="small">
-                            <li>PDF documents</li>
-                            <li>ZIP/RAR archives</li>
-                            <li>Office documents (DOCX, XLSX, PPTX)</li>
-                            <li>Source code files</li>
-                            <li>Any binary file up to {{ max_payload_kb }} KB</li>
-                        </ul>
-                    </div>
-                    <div class="col-md-6">
-                        <h6><i class="bi bi-info-circle text-info me-2"></i>How It Works</h6>
-                        <ul class="small">
-                            <li>Original filename is preserved</li>
-                            <li>MIME type is stored for proper handling</li>
-                            <li>File is encrypted identically to text</li>
-                            <li>Decoding auto-detects text vs. file</li>
-                        </ul>
-                    </div>
+                <div class="table-responsive">
+                    <table class="table table-dark table-sm small">
+                        <thead>
+                            <tr>
+                                <th>Version</th>
+                                <th>Changes</th>
+                            </tr>
+                        </thead>
+                        <tbody>
+                            <tr>
+                                <td><strong>4.0.0</strong></td>
+                                <td>
+                                    Simplified auth (no date dependency), passphrase replaces day_phrase, 
+                                    4-word default, JPEG normalization fix, large image support (14MB+ tested),
+                                    subprocess isolation for stability, Python 3.10-3.12 required
+                                </td>
+                            </tr>
+                            <tr>
+                                <td>3.2.0</td>
+                                <td>Single passphrase (removed day-of-week rotation), increased default words</td>
+                            </tr>
+                            <tr>
+                                <td>3.0.0</td>
+                                <td>DCT steganography mode, JPEG output, color preservation option</td>
+                            </tr>
+                            <tr>
+                                <td>2.2.0</td>
+                                <td>QR code RSA key import/export</td>
+                            </tr>
+                            <tr>
+                                <td>2.1.0</td>
+                                <td>File embedding, compression support</td>
+                            </tr>
+                            <tr>
+                                <td>2.0.0</td>
+                                <td>Web UI, REST API, RSA key support</td>
+                            </tr>
+                            <tr>
+                                <td>1.0.0</td>
+                                <td>Initial release, CLI only, LSB mode</td>
+                            </tr>
+                        </tbody>
+                    </table>
                 </div>
                 
-                <div class="alert alert-info small mt-3">
-                    <i class="bi bi-lightbulb me-2"></i>
-                    <strong>Tip:</strong> For larger files, compress them first (ZIP) to maximize capacity.
-                    Note that DCT mode has ~10× less capacity than LSB mode.
+                <div class="alert alert-warning small mt-3 mb-0">
+                    <i class="bi bi-exclamation-triangle me-2"></i>
+                    <strong>Compatibility:</strong> v4.0 cannot decode messages from v3.1 or earlier (different format).
+                    Messages encoded with v3.2 should decode correctly.
                 </div>
             </div>
         </div>
         
-        <!-- REST API Card -->
-        <div class="card mb-4">
-            <div class="card-header">
-                <h5 class="mb-0"><i class="bi bi-braces me-2"></i>REST API</h5>
-            </div>
-            <div class="card-body">
-                <p>
-                    <span class="badge bg-success me-1"><i class="bi bi-check-circle"></i> FastAPI</span>
-                    Stegasoo includes a complete REST API with automatic documentation and type validation.
-                </p>
-                
-                <h6 class="mt-4"><i class="bi bi-layers me-2"></i>Endpoints</h6>
-                <div class="row">
-                    <div class="col-md-6">
-                        <ul class="small">
-                            <li><code>POST /generate</code> – Generate credentials</li>
-                            <li><code>POST /encode</code> – Encode text (JSON)</li>
-                            <li><code>POST /encode/multipart</code> – Encode with uploads</li>
-                            <li><code>POST /decode</code> – Decode message (JSON)</li>
-                            <li><code>POST /decode/multipart</code> – Decode with uploads</li>
-                        </ul>
-                    </div>
-                    <div class="col-md-6">
-                        <ul class="small">
-                            <li><code>POST /image/info</code> – Get image capacity</li>
-                            <li><code>POST /extract-key-from-qr</code> – Extract RSA from QR</li>
-                            <li><code>GET /</code> – API status and capabilities</li>
-                            <li><code>GET /docs</code> – Swagger documentation</li>
-                            <li><code>GET /redoc</code> – ReDoc documentation</li>
-                        </ul>
-                    </div>
-                </div>
-                
-                <h6 class="mt-4"><i class="bi bi-code-slash me-2"></i>Example: DCT Encode</h6>
-                <pre class="bg-dark p-3 rounded small"><code># Encode with DCT mode for social media
-curl -X POST "http://localhost:8000/encode/multipart" \
-  -F "passphrase=apple forest thunder mountain" \
-  -F "pin=123456" \
-  -F "embed_mode=dct" \
-  -F "dct_output_format=jpeg" \
-  -F "reference_photo=@photo.jpg" \
-  -F "carrier=@meme.png" \
-  -F "message=secret message" \
-  --output stego.jpg</code></pre>
-                
-                <h6 class="mt-4"><i class="bi bi-terminal me-2"></i>Command Line</h6>
-                <pre class="bg-dark p-3 rounded small"><code># Generate credentials
-stegasoo generate --pin --words 4
-
-# Encode with LSB (default)
-stegasoo encode -r photo.jpg -c meme.png -p "apple forest thunder mountain" \
-  --pin 123456 -m "secret"
-
-# Encode with DCT for social media
-stegasoo encode -r photo.jpg -c meme.png -p "apple forest thunder mountain" \
-  --pin 123456 -m "secret" --mode dct --dct-format jpeg
-
-# Decode (auto-detects mode)
-stegasoo decode -r photo.jpg -s stego.png -p "apple forest thunder mountain" \
-  --pin 123456</code></pre>
-                
-                <p class="small text-muted mt-3 mb-0">
-                    <span class="badge bg-{% if has_argon2 %}success{% else %}warning{% endif %} me-1">
-                        {% if has_argon2 %}Argon2{% else %}PBKDF2{% endif %}
-                    </span>
-                    <span class="badge bg-{% if has_dct %}success{% else %}secondary{% endif %} me-1">
-                        {% if has_dct %}DCT Available{% else %}DCT Unavailable{% endif %}
-                    </span>
-                    <span class="badge bg-{% if has_qrcode_read %}success{% else %}secondary{% endif %}">
-                        {% if has_qrcode_read %}QR Reading{% else %}No QR Reading{% endif %}
-                    </span>
-                </p>
-            </div>
-        </div>
-        
         <div class="card mb-4">
             <div class="card-header">
                 <h5 class="mb-0"><i class="bi bi-question-circle me-2"></i>Usage Guide</h5>
@@ -470,7 +394,7 @@ stegasoo decode -r photo.jpg -s stego.png -p "apple forest thunder mountain" \
             </div>
         </div>
         
-        <div class="card">
+        <div class="card mb-4">
             <div class="card-header">
                 <h5 class="mb-0"><i class="bi bi-speedometer2 me-2"></i>Limits &amp; Specifications</h5>
             </div>
@@ -514,11 +438,13 @@ stegasoo decode -r photo.jpg -s stego.png -p "apple forest thunder mountain" \
                             <td><strong>2048, 3072, 4096 bits</strong></td>
                         </tr>
                         <tr>
-                            <td><i class="bi bi-chat-quote me-2"></i>Passphrase length
-                                <span class="badge bg-success ms-1">v3.2.0</span>
-                            </td>
+                            <td><i class="bi bi-chat-quote me-2"></i>Passphrase length</td>
                             <td><strong>3-12 words</strong> (BIP-39, recommended: 4+ words)</td>
                         </tr>
+                        <tr>
+                            <td><i class="bi bi-code me-2"></i>Python version</td>
+                            <td><strong>3.10-3.12</strong> (3.13 not supported)</td>
+                        </tr>
                     </tbody>
                 </table>
             </div>
@@ -528,7 +454,7 @@ stegasoo decode -r photo.jpg -s stego.png -p "apple forest thunder mountain" \
             <p>
                 Stegasoo v{{ version }} &bull; 
                 <i class="bi bi-github me-1"></i>Open Source &bull;
-                Built with Python, Flask/FastAPI, and cryptography
+                Built with Python, Flask, and cryptography
             </p>
         </div>
     </div>

frontends/web/templates/decode.html

@@ -3,6 +3,53 @@
 {% block title %}Decode Message - Stegasoo{% endblock %}
 
 {% block content %}
+<style>
+/* Glowing passphrase input */
+.passphrase-input {
+    background: rgba(30, 40, 50, 0.8) !important;
+    border: 2px solid rgba(99, 179, 237, 0.3) !important;
+    color: #63b3ed !important;
+    font-family: 'Courier New', monospace;
+    font-size: 1.1rem;
+    letter-spacing: 0.5px;
+    padding: 12px 16px;
+    transition: border-color 0.3s ease, box-shadow 0.3s ease, background 0.3s ease;
+}
+
+.passphrase-input:focus {
+    border-color: rgba(99, 179, 237, 0.8) !important;
+    box-shadow: 0 0 20px rgba(99, 179, 237, 0.4), 0 0 40px rgba(99, 179, 237, 0.2) !important;
+    background: rgba(30, 40, 50, 0.95) !important;
+}
+
+.passphrase-input::placeholder {
+    color: rgba(99, 179, 237, 0.4);
+}
+
+/* Glowing PIN input */
+.pin-input-container .form-control {
+    background: rgba(30, 40, 50, 0.8) !important;
+    border: 2px solid rgba(246, 173, 85, 0.3) !important;
+    color: #f6ad55 !important;
+    font-family: 'Courier New', monospace;
+    font-size: 1.2rem;
+    letter-spacing: 3px;
+    text-align: center;
+    transition: all 0.3s ease;
+}
+
+.pin-input-container .form-control:focus {
+    border-color: rgba(246, 173, 85, 0.8) !important;
+    box-shadow: 0 0 20px rgba(246, 173, 85, 0.4), 0 0 40px rgba(246, 173, 85, 0.2) !important;
+    background: rgba(30, 40, 50, 0.95) !important;
+}
+
+.pin-input-container .form-control::placeholder {
+    color: rgba(246, 173, 85, 0.4);
+    letter-spacing: 1px;
+}
+</style>
+
 <div class="row justify-content-center">
     <div class="col-lg-8">
         <div class="card">
@@ -17,14 +64,14 @@
                 </div>
                
                 <label class="form-label text-muted">Decoded Message:</label>
-                <div class="position-relative">
-                  <div class="alert-message p-3 rounded bg-dark border border-secondary" id="decodedContent" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">{{ decoded_message }}</div>
-                  <button class="btn btn-sm btn-outline-light position-absolute top-0 end-0 m-2" onclick="navigator.clipboard.writeText(document.getElementById('decodedContent').innerText).then(() => this.innerHTML = '<i class=\'bi bi-check\'></i>').catch(() => alert('Failed to copy'))">
-                    <i class="bi bi-clipboard"></i> Copy
-                  </button>
+                <div class="alert-message p-3 rounded bg-dark border border-secondary mb-2" id="decodedContent" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">{{ decoded_message }}</div>
+                <div class="d-flex justify-content-end mb-3">
+                    <button class="btn btn-sm btn-outline-light" onclick="navigator.clipboard.writeText(document.getElementById('decodedContent').innerText).then(() => { this.innerHTML = '<i class=\'bi bi-check\'></i> Copied!'; setTimeout(() => this.innerHTML = '<i class=\'bi bi-clipboard\'></i> Copy', 2000); }).catch(() => alert('Failed to copy'))">
+                        <i class="bi bi-clipboard"></i> Copy
+                    </button>
                 </div>
 
-                <a href="/decode" class="btn btn-outline-light w-100 mt-3">
+                <a href="/decode" class="btn btn-outline-light w-100">
                     <i class="bi bi-arrow-repeat me-2"></i>Decode Another
                 </a>
                 
@@ -99,7 +146,7 @@
                         <label class="form-label">
                             <i class="bi bi-chat-quote me-1"></i> Passphrase
                         </label>
-                        <input type="text" name="passphrase" class="form-control" 
+                        <input type="text" name="passphrase" id="passphraseInput" class="form-control passphrase-input" 
                                placeholder="e.g., correct horse battery staple" required>
                         <div class="form-text">
                             The passphrase used during encoding (typically 4 words)
@@ -114,64 +161,62 @@
                     </h6>
                     
                     <div class="row">
-                        <div class="col-md-6 mb-3">
-
+                        <div class="col-md-4 mb-3">
                             <label class="form-label"><i class="bi bi-123 me-1"></i> PIN</label>
-                            <div class="input-group">
-                                <input type="password" name="pin" class="form-control" id="pinInput" placeholder="6-9 digits" maxlength="9">
+                            <div class="input-group pin-input-container">
+                                <input type="password" name="pin" class="form-control" id="pinInput" placeholder="••••••" maxlength="9" style="max-width: 180px;">
                                 <button class="btn btn-outline-secondary" type="button" id="togglePin">
                                     <i class="bi bi-eye"></i>
                                 </button>
                             </div>
-                            <div class="form-text">
-                                If PIN was used during encoding
-                            </div>
- 
+                            <div class="form-text">If PIN was used during encoding</div>
                         </div>
                         
-                        <div class="col-md-6 mb-3">
+                        <div class="col-md-8 mb-3">
                             <label class="form-label">
                                 <i class="bi bi-file-earmark-lock me-1"></i> RSA Key
                             </label>
-                            <ul class="nav nav-tabs nav-tabs-sm mb-2" role="tablist">
-                                <li class="nav-item" role="presentation">
-                                    <button class="nav-link active py-1 px-2 small" data-bs-toggle="tab" data-bs-target="#rsaFileTabDec" type="button">
-                                        <i class="bi bi-file-earmark me-1"></i>.pem File
-                                    </button>
-                                </li>
-                                <li class="nav-item" role="presentation">
-                                    <button class="nav-link py-1 px-2 small" data-bs-toggle="tab" data-bs-target="#rsaQrTabDec" type="button">
-                                        <i class="bi bi-qr-code me-1"></i>QR Code
-                                    </button>
-                                </li>
-                            </ul>
-                            <div class="tab-content">
-                                <div class="tab-pane fade show active" id="rsaFileTabDec" role="tabpanel">
-                                    <input type="file" name="rsa_key" class="form-control form-control-sm" id="rsaKeyInput" accept=".pem,.key,application/x-pem-file">
-                                </div>
-                                <div class="tab-pane fade" id="rsaQrTabDec" role="tabpanel">
-                                  <input type="file" name="rsa_key_qr" class="form-control form-control-sm" id="rsaKeyQrInput" accept="image/*">
-                                    <div class="form-text small">PNG, JPG, or other image of QR code</div>
+                            
+                            <!-- RSA Input Method Toggle -->
+                            <div class="btn-group w-100 mb-2" role="group">
+                                <input type="radio" class="btn-check" name="rsa_input_method" id="rsaMethodFile" value="file" checked>
+                                <label class="btn btn-outline-secondary btn-sm" for="rsaMethodFile">
+                                    <i class="bi bi-file-earmark me-1"></i>.pem File
+                                </label>
+                                
+                                <input type="radio" class="btn-check" name="rsa_input_method" id="rsaMethodQr" value="qr">
+                                <label class="btn btn-outline-secondary btn-sm" for="rsaMethodQr">
+                                    <i class="bi bi-qr-code me-1"></i>QR Code
+                                </label>
+                            </div>
+                            
+                            <!-- .pem File Input -->
+                            <div id="rsaFileSection">
+                                <input type="file" name="rsa_key" class="form-control form-control-sm" id="rsaKeyInput" accept=".pem,.key,application/x-pem-file">
+                            </div>
+                            
+                            <!-- QR Code Input -->
+                            <div id="rsaQrSection" class="d-none">
+                                <div class="drop-zone p-3" id="qrDropZone">
+                                    <input type="file" name="rsa_key_qr" accept="image/*" id="rsaKeyQrInput">
+                                    <div class="drop-zone-label text-center">
+                                        <i class="bi bi-qr-code-scan fs-4 d-block text-muted mb-1"></i>
+                                        <span class="text-muted small">Drop QR image or click to browse</span>
+                                    </div>
+                                    <img class="drop-zone-preview d-none" id="qrPreview" style="max-height: 80px;">
                                 </div>
                             </div>
-                            <div class="form-text">
-                                If RSA key was used during encoding (file or QR image)
+                            
+                            <!-- Key Password (always visible) -->
+                            <div class="input-group input-group-sm mt-2">
+                                <input type="password" name="rsa_password" class="form-control" id="rsaPasswordInput" placeholder="Key password (if encrypted)">
+                                <button class="btn btn-outline-secondary" type="button" id="toggleRsaPassword">
+                                    <i class="bi bi-eye"></i>
+                                </button>
                             </div>
                         </div>
                     </div>
                     
-                    <!-- RSA Key Password (shown when key selected) -->
-                    <div class="mb-3 d-none" id="rsaPasswordGroup">
-                        <label class="form-label">
-                            <i class="bi bi-key me-1"></i> RSA Key Password
-                        </label>
-                        <input type="password" name="rsa_password" class="form-control"
-                               placeholder="Password for the .pem file (if encrypted)">
-                        <div class="form-text">
-                            Leave blank if your key file is not password-protected
-                        </div>
-                    </div>
-                    
                     <!-- ================================================================
                          ADVANCED OPTIONS (v3.0) - Extraction Mode
                          ================================================================ -->
@@ -276,7 +321,7 @@
                     </li>
                     <li class="mb-2">
                         <i class="bi bi-exclamation-triangle-fill text-warning me-1"></i>
-                        <strong>Format compatibility:</strong> v3.2.0 cannot decode messages from v3.1.0 (different format)
+                        <strong>Format compatibility:</strong> v4.0 cannot decode messages from v3.1 or earlier (different format)
                     </li>
                     <li class="mb-2">
                         <i class="bi bi-info-circle-fill text-info me-1"></i>
@@ -304,22 +349,6 @@ document.getElementById('decodeForm')?.addEventListener('submit', function() {
     btn.disabled = true;
 });
 
-// Show RSA password field when key is selected
-const rsaKeyInput = document.getElementById('rsaKeyInput');
-const rsaKeyQrInput = document.getElementById('rsaKeyQrInput');
-const rsaPasswordGroup = document.getElementById('rsaPasswordGroup');
-
-function checkRsaKeySelected() {
-    const hasFile = (rsaKeyInput && rsaKeyInput.files.length > 0) || 
-                    (rsaKeyQrInput && rsaKeyQrInput.files.length > 0);
-    if (rsaPasswordGroup) {
-        rsaPasswordGroup.classList.toggle('d-none', !hasFile);
-    }
-}
-
-rsaKeyInput?.addEventListener('change', checkRsaKeySelected);
-rsaKeyQrInput?.addEventListener('change', checkRsaKeySelected);
-
 // PIN Toggle
 document.getElementById('togglePin')?.addEventListener('click', function() {
     const input = document.getElementById('pinInput');
@@ -333,6 +362,35 @@ document.getElementById('togglePin')?.addEventListener('click', function() {
     }
 });
 
+// RSA Password Toggle
+document.getElementById('toggleRsaPassword')?.addEventListener('click', function() {
+    const input = document.getElementById('rsaPasswordInput');
+    const icon = this.querySelector('i');
+    if (input.type === 'password') {
+        input.type = 'text';
+        icon.classList.replace('bi-eye', 'bi-eye-slash');
+    } else {
+        input.type = 'password';
+        icon.classList.replace('bi-eye-slash', 'bi-eye');
+    }
+});
+
+// RSA Input Method Toggle (File vs QR)
+const rsaMethodFile = document.getElementById('rsaMethodFile');
+const rsaMethodQr = document.getElementById('rsaMethodQr');
+const rsaFileSection = document.getElementById('rsaFileSection');
+const rsaQrSection = document.getElementById('rsaQrSection');
+
+function updateRsaInputMethod() {
+    if (!rsaMethodFile || !rsaFileSection || !rsaQrSection) return;
+    const isFile = rsaMethodFile.checked;
+    rsaFileSection.classList.toggle('d-none', !isFile);
+    rsaQrSection.classList.toggle('d-none', isFile);
+}
+
+rsaMethodFile?.addEventListener('change', updateRsaInputMethod);
+rsaMethodQr?.addEventListener('change', updateRsaInputMethod);
+
 // Mode card highlighting
 const autoModeCard = document.getElementById('autoModeCard');
 const lsbModeCardDec = document.getElementById('lsbModeCardDec');
@@ -428,12 +486,85 @@ document.querySelectorAll('.drop-zone').forEach(zone => {
         
         const reader = new FileReader();
         reader.onload = e => {
-            preview.src = e.target.result;
-            preview.classList.remove('d-none');
+            if (preview) {
+                preview.src = e.target.result;
+                preview.classList.remove('d-none');
+            }
             label.innerHTML = '<i class="bi bi-check-circle text-success me-1"></i>' + file.name;
         };
         reader.readAsDataURL(file);
     }
 });
+
+// QR Code RSA Key scanning
+const rsaKeyQrInput = document.getElementById('rsaKeyQrInput');
+const qrPreview = document.getElementById('qrPreview');
+if (rsaKeyQrInput) {
+    rsaKeyQrInput.addEventListener('change', function() {
+        if (this.files && this.files[0]) {
+            const file = this.files[0];
+            
+            // Show image preview
+            if (file.type.startsWith('image/')) {
+                const reader = new FileReader();
+                reader.onload = e => {
+                    if (qrPreview) {
+                        qrPreview.src = e.target.result;
+                        qrPreview.classList.remove('d-none');
+                    }
+                };
+                reader.readAsDataURL(file);
+            }
+            
+            // Extract key from QR
+            const formData = new FormData();
+            formData.append('qr_image', file);
+            
+            fetch('/extract-key-from-qr', {
+                method: 'POST',
+                body: formData
+            })
+            .then(response => response.json())
+            .then(data => {
+                if (!data.success) {
+                    alert('QR decode failed: ' + data.error);
+                    return;
+                }
+                // Visual feedback
+                document.querySelector('#qrDropZone .drop-zone-label').innerHTML = 
+                    '<i class="bi bi-check-circle text-success me-1"></i>RSA Key loaded from QR';
+            })
+            .catch(err => {
+                alert('QR decode failed: ' + err);
+            });
+        }
+    });
+}
+
+// Auto-resize passphrase input font to fit long passphrases
+const passphraseInput = document.getElementById('passphraseInput');
+if (passphraseInput) {
+    // Stepped font sizes (characters -> rem)
+    const fontSizeSteps = [
+        { maxChars: 30, size: 1.1 },
+        { maxChars: 45, size: 1.0 },
+        { maxChars: 60, size: 0.95 },
+        { maxChars: Infinity, size: 0.9 }
+    ];
+    
+    function adjustPassphraseFontSize() {
+        const len = passphraseInput.value.length;
+        
+        for (const step of fontSizeSteps) {
+            if (len <= step.maxChars) {
+                passphraseInput.style.fontSize = step.size + 'rem';
+                break;
+            }
+        }
+    }
+    
+    passphraseInput.addEventListener('input', adjustPassphraseFontSize);
+    adjustPassphraseFontSize(); // Initial call in case of pre-filled value
+}
 </script>
 {% endblock %}

frontends/web/templates/encode.html

@@ -3,6 +3,57 @@
 {% block title %}Encode Message - Stegasoo{% endblock %}
 
 {% block content %}
+<style>
+/* Glowing passphrase input */
+.passphrase-input-container {
+    position: relative;
+}
+
+.passphrase-input {
+    background: rgba(30, 40, 50, 0.8) !important;
+    border: 2px solid rgba(99, 179, 237, 0.3) !important;
+    color: #63b3ed !important;
+    font-family: 'Courier New', monospace;
+    font-size: 1.1rem;
+    letter-spacing: 0.5px;
+    padding: 12px 16px;
+    transition: border-color 0.3s ease, box-shadow 0.3s ease, background 0.3s ease;
+}
+
+.passphrase-input:focus {
+    border-color: rgba(99, 179, 237, 0.8) !important;
+    box-shadow: 0 0 20px rgba(99, 179, 237, 0.4), 0 0 40px rgba(99, 179, 237, 0.2) !important;
+    background: rgba(30, 40, 50, 0.95) !important;
+}
+
+.passphrase-input::placeholder {
+    color: rgba(99, 179, 237, 0.4);
+}
+
+/* Glowing PIN input */
+.pin-input-container .form-control {
+    background: rgba(30, 40, 50, 0.8) !important;
+    border: 2px solid rgba(246, 173, 85, 0.3) !important;
+    color: #f6ad55 !important;
+    font-family: 'Courier New', monospace;
+    font-size: 1.2rem;
+    letter-spacing: 3px;
+    text-align: center;
+    transition: all 0.3s ease;
+}
+
+.pin-input-container .form-control:focus {
+    border-color: rgba(246, 173, 85, 0.8) !important;
+    box-shadow: 0 0 20px rgba(246, 173, 85, 0.4), 0 0 40px rgba(246, 173, 85, 0.2) !important;
+    background: rgba(30, 40, 50, 0.95) !important;
+}
+
+.pin-input-container .form-control::placeholder {
+    color: rgba(246, 173, 85, 0.4);
+    letter-spacing: 1px;
+}
+</style>
+
 <div class="row justify-content-center">
     <div class="col-lg-8">
         <div class="card">
@@ -11,7 +62,7 @@
             </div>
             <div class="card-body">
                 <form method="POST" enctype="multipart/form-data" id="encodeForm">
-                    <!-- v3.2.0: Removed client_date hidden field -->
+                    <!-- Removed client_date hidden field -->
                     
                     <!-- Embedding Mode Selection -->
                     <div class="mb-4">
@@ -182,15 +233,16 @@
                         </div>
                     </div>
                     
-                    <!-- v3.2.0: Renamed from day_phrase to passphrase, removed date selection -->
+                    <!-- Passphrase input with glow styling -->
                     <div class="mb-3">
                         <label class="form-label" id="passphraseLabel">
                             <i class="bi bi-chat-quote me-1"></i> Passphrase
-                            <span class="badge bg-success ms-2">v3.2.0</span>
                         </label>
-                        <input type="text" name="passphrase" class="form-control" 
-                               placeholder="e.g., apple forest thunder mountain" required
-                               id="passphraseInput">
+                        <div class="passphrase-input-container">
+                            <input type="text" name="passphrase" class="form-control passphrase-input" 
+                                   placeholder="e.g., apple forest thunder mountain" required
+                                   id="passphraseInput">
+                        </div>
                         <div class="form-text">
                             Your passphrase for this message
                         </div>
@@ -210,8 +262,8 @@
                     <div class="row">
                         <div class="col-md-4 mb-3">
                           <label class="form-label"><i class="bi bi-123 me-1"></i> PIN</label>
-                          <div class="input-group">
-                            <input type="password" name="pin" class="form-control" id="pinInput" placeholder="6-9 digits" maxlength="9" style="max-width: 140px;">
+                          <div class="input-group pin-input-container">
+                            <input type="password" name="pin" class="form-control" id="pinInput" placeholder="••••••" maxlength="9" style="max-width: 180px;">
                             <button class="btn btn-outline-secondary" type="button" id="togglePin">
                               <i class="bi bi-eye"></i>
                             </button>
@@ -250,6 +302,7 @@
                                         <i class="bi bi-qr-code-scan fs-4 d-block text-muted mb-1"></i>
                                         <span class="text-muted small">Drop QR image or click to browse</span>
                                     </div>
+                                    <img class="drop-zone-preview d-none" id="qrPreview" style="max-height: 80px;">
                                 </div>
                             </div>
                             
@@ -406,12 +459,33 @@ function updatePayloadSection() {
 payloadTextRadio.addEventListener('change', updatePayloadSection);
 payloadFileRadio.addEventListener('change', updatePayloadSection);
 
-// Passphrase validation (v3.2.0)
+// Passphrase validation and auto-resize font
 const passphraseInput = document.getElementById('passphraseInput');
 const passphraseWarning = document.getElementById('passphraseWarning');
 
+// Stepped font sizes (characters -> rem)
+const fontSizeSteps = [
+    { maxChars: 30, size: 1.1 },
+    { maxChars: 45, size: 1.0 },
+    { maxChars: 60, size: 0.95 },
+    { maxChars: Infinity, size: 0.9 }
+];
+
+function adjustPassphraseFontSize() {
+    if (!passphraseInput) return;
+    const len = passphraseInput.value.length;
+    
+    for (const step of fontSizeSteps) {
+        if (len <= step.maxChars) {
+            passphraseInput.style.fontSize = step.size + 'rem';
+            break;
+        }
+    }
+}
+
 if (passphraseInput) {
     passphraseInput.addEventListener('input', function() {
+        // Word count warning
         const words = this.value.trim().split(/\s+/).filter(w => w.length > 0);
         const recommendedWords = {{ recommended_passphrase_words }};
         
@@ -420,7 +494,13 @@ if (passphraseInput) {
         } else {
             passphraseWarning.style.display = 'none';
         }
+        
+        // Auto-resize font
+        adjustPassphraseFontSize();
     });
+    
+    // Initial font size adjustment
+    adjustPassphraseFontSize();
 }
 
 // Payload file info display
@@ -728,11 +808,27 @@ document.addEventListener('paste', function(e) {
 
 // QR Code RSA Key scanning
 const rsaQrInput = document.getElementById('rsaQrInput');
+const qrPreview = document.getElementById('qrPreview');
 if (rsaQrInput) {
     rsaQrInput.addEventListener('change', function() {
         if (this.files && this.files[0]) {
+            const file = this.files[0];
+            
+            // Show image preview
+            if (file.type.startsWith('image/')) {
+                const reader = new FileReader();
+                reader.onload = e => {
+                    if (qrPreview) {
+                        qrPreview.src = e.target.result;
+                        qrPreview.classList.remove('d-none');
+                    }
+                };
+                reader.readAsDataURL(file);
+            }
+            
+            // Extract key from QR
             const formData = new FormData();
-            formData.append('qr_image', this.files[0]);
+            formData.append('qr_image', file);
             
             fetch('/extract-key-from-qr', {
                 method: 'POST',

frontends/web/templates/encode_result.html

@@ -120,7 +120,7 @@
                         {% if embed_mode == 'dct' %}
                         <li>Recipient needs <strong>DCT mode</strong> or <strong>Auto</strong> detection to decode</li>
                         {% if color_mode == 'color' %}
-                        <li><span class="badge bg-success">v3.0.1</span> Color preserved - extraction works on both color and grayscale</li>
+                        <li>Color preserved - extraction works on both color and grayscale</li>
                         {% endif %}
                         {% endif %}
                     </ul>

frontends/web/templates/generate.html

@@ -112,7 +112,6 @@
                 <div class="mb-4">
                     <h6 class="text-muted">
                         <i class="bi bi-chat-quote me-2"></i>PASSPHRASE
-                        <span class="badge bg-success ms-2">v3.2.0</span>
                     </h6>
                     
                     <div class="passphrase-container">

frontends/web/templates/index.html

@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@
             <div style="margin-bottom: 40px;">
                 <h1 class="display-4 fw-bold mb-2">
                     Stegasoo
-                    <span class="badge bg-success fs-6 ms-2">v3.2.0</span>
+                    <span class="badge bg-success fs-6 ms-2">v4.0</span>
                 </h1>
                 <p class="lead text-muted mb-0">Hide encrypted data in plain sight.</p>
             </div>
@@ -94,7 +94,6 @@
                 <div class="p-3 bg-dark rounded h-100">
                     <i class="bi bi-soundwave text-warning fs-2 d-block mb-2"></i>
                     <strong>DCT Mode</strong>
-                    <span class="badge bg-warning text-dark ms-1">v3.0</span>
                     <div class="small text-muted mt-2">
                         Survives JPEG recompression<br>
                         Best for social media
@@ -108,7 +107,7 @@
 <div class="card">
     <div class="card-header d-flex justify-content-between align-items-center">
         <h5 class="mb-0"><i class="bi bi-diagram-3 me-2"></i>How It Works</h5>
-        <a href="/about" class="btn btn-sm btn-outline-secondary">Learn More</a>
+        <a href="/about" class="btn btn-sm btn-outline-light">Learn More</a>
     </div>
     <div class="card-body">
         <div class="row">
@@ -117,21 +116,20 @@
                 <ul class="list-unstyled small">
                     <li class="mb-1">
                         <i class="bi bi-image text-info me-2"></i>
-                        <strong>Reference Photo</strong> – shared secret image
+                        <strong>Reference Photo</strong> — shared secret image
                     </li>
                     <li class="mb-1">
                         <i class="bi bi-chat-quote text-info me-2"></i>
-                        <strong>Passphrase</strong> – 4+ words
-                        <span class="badge bg-success ms-1">v3.2.0</span>
+                        <strong>Passphrase</strong> — 4+ words
                     </li>
                     <li class="mb-1">
                         <i class="bi bi-123 text-info me-2"></i>
-                        <strong>PIN</strong> – 6-9 digits (and/or RSA key)
+                        <strong>PIN</strong> — 6-9 digits (and/or RSA key)
                     </li>
                 </ul>
             </div>
             <div class="col-md-6">
-                <h6 class="text-primary"><i class="bi bi-shield-check me-2"></i>We Provide</h6>
+                <h6 class="text-primary"><i class="bi bi-shield-check me-2"></i>Security</h6>
                 <ul class="list-unstyled small">
                     <li class="mb-1">
                         <i class="bi bi-lock text-success me-2"></i>

frontends/web/test_routes.py

@@ -0,0 +1,90 @@
+"""
+Minimal test to isolate the memory corruption crash.
+
+Add this route to your app.py temporarily to test if the crash 
+is in Flask/Pillow or in stegasoo code.
+
+Usage:
+1. Add this code to app.py
+2. Restart the server
+3. Use the /test-capacity endpoint instead of /api/compare-capacity
+4. If it crashes: Flask or Pillow issue
+5. If it works: Stegasoo code issue
+"""
+
+# Add these imports at the top of app.py if not present:
+# from PIL import Image
+# import io
+
+# Add this route to app.py:
+
+@app.route('/test-capacity', methods=['POST'])
+def test_capacity():
+    """
+    Minimal capacity test - no stegasoo code, just PIL.
+    """
+    carrier = request.files.get('carrier')
+    if not carrier:
+        return jsonify({'error': 'No carrier image provided'}), 400
+    
+    try:
+        # Read the file data
+        carrier_data = carrier.read()
+        
+        # Method 1: Just get size from PIL
+        buffer = io.BytesIO(carrier_data)
+        img = Image.open(buffer)
+        width, height = img.size
+        fmt = img.format
+        mode = img.mode
+        img.close()
+        buffer.close()
+        
+        # Simple capacity calculation (no scipy, no numpy)
+        pixels = width * height
+        lsb_bytes = (pixels * 3) // 8
+        blocks = (width // 8) * (height // 8)
+        dct_bytes = (blocks * 16) // 8 - 10
+        
+        return jsonify({
+            'success': True,
+            'width': width,
+            'height': height,
+            'format': fmt,
+            'mode': mode,
+            'lsb': {
+                'capacity_bytes': lsb_bytes,
+                'capacity_kb': round(lsb_bytes / 1024, 1),
+            },
+            'dct': {
+                'capacity_bytes': dct_bytes,
+                'capacity_kb': round(dct_bytes / 1024, 1),
+            }
+        })
+    except Exception as e:
+        import traceback
+        return jsonify({'error': str(e), 'trace': traceback.format_exc()}), 500
+
+
+# Alternative: completely bypass PIL too
+@app.route('/test-capacity-nopil', methods=['POST'])
+def test_capacity_nopil():
+    """
+    Ultra-minimal test - no PIL, no stegasoo.
+    """
+    carrier = request.files.get('carrier')
+    if not carrier:
+        return jsonify({'error': 'No carrier image provided'}), 400
+    
+    try:
+        carrier_data = carrier.read()
+        
+        # Just return size info, no image processing at all
+        return jsonify({
+            'success': True,
+            'data_size': len(carrier_data),
+            'first_bytes': carrier_data[:20].hex() if len(carrier_data) >= 20 else carrier_data.hex(),
+        })
+    except Exception as e:
+        import traceback
+        return jsonify({'error': str(e), 'trace': traceback.format_exc()}), 500