diff --git a/tools/testing/selftests/net/fcnal-test.sh b/tools/testing/selftests/net/fcnal-test.sh
index 03b586760164..321cbb0b55c4 100755
--- a/tools/testing/selftests/net/fcnal-test.sh
+++ b/tools/testing/selftests/net/fcnal-test.sh
@@ -843,9 +843,9 @@ ipv4_tcp_md5_novrf()
 
 	# basic use case
 	log_start
-	run_cmd nettest -s -M ${MD5_PW} -m ${NSB_IP} &
+	run_cmd nettest -s -M -X ${MD5_PW} -m ${NSB_IP} &
 	sleep 1
-	run_cmd_nsb nettest -r ${NSA_IP} -X ${MD5_PW}
+	run_cmd_nsb nettest -r ${NSA_IP} -M -X ${MD5_PW}
 	log_test $? 0 "MD5: Single address config"
 
 	# client sends MD5, server not configured
@@ -853,23 +853,23 @@ ipv4_tcp_md5_novrf()
 	show_hint "Should timeout due to MD5 mismatch"
 	run_cmd nettest -s &
 	sleep 1
-	run_cmd_nsb nettest -r ${NSA_IP} -X ${MD5_PW}
+	run_cmd_nsb nettest -r ${NSA_IP} -M -X ${MD5_PW}
 	log_test $? 2 "MD5: Server no config, client uses password"
 
 	# wrong password
 	log_start
 	show_hint "Should timeout since client uses wrong password"
-	run_cmd nettest -s -M ${MD5_PW} -m ${NSB_IP} &
+	run_cmd nettest -s -M -X ${MD5_PW} -m ${NSB_IP} &
 	sleep 1
-	run_cmd_nsb nettest -r ${NSA_IP} -X ${MD5_WRONG_PW}
+	run_cmd_nsb nettest -r ${NSA_IP} -M -X ${MD5_WRONG_PW}
 	log_test $? 2 "MD5: Client uses wrong password"
 
 	# client from different address
 	log_start
 	show_hint "Should timeout due to MD5 mismatch"
-	run_cmd nettest -s -M ${MD5_PW} -m ${NSB_LO_IP} &
+	run_cmd nettest -s -M -X ${MD5_PW} -m ${NSB_LO_IP} &
 	sleep 1
-	run_cmd_nsb nettest -r ${NSA_IP} -X ${MD5_PW}
+	run_cmd_nsb nettest -r ${NSA_IP} -M -X ${MD5_PW}
 	log_test $? 2 "MD5: Client address does not match address configured with password"
 
 	#
@@ -878,25 +878,25 @@ ipv4_tcp_md5_novrf()
 
 	# client in prefix
 	log_start
-	run_cmd nettest -s -M ${MD5_PW} -m ${NS_NET} &
+	run_cmd nettest -s -M -X ${MD5_PW} -m ${NS_NET} &
 	sleep 1
-	run_cmd_nsb nettest  -r ${NSA_IP} -X ${MD5_PW}
+	run_cmd_nsb nettest  -r ${NSA_IP} -M -X ${MD5_PW}
 	log_test $? 0 "MD5: Prefix config"
 
 	# client in prefix, wrong password
 	log_start
 	show_hint "Should timeout since client uses wrong password"
-	run_cmd nettest -s -M ${MD5_PW} -m ${NS_NET} &
+	run_cmd nettest -s -M -X ${MD5_PW} -m ${NS_NET} &
 	sleep 1
-	run_cmd_nsb nettest -r ${NSA_IP} -X ${MD5_WRONG_PW}
+	run_cmd_nsb nettest -r ${NSA_IP} -M -X ${MD5_WRONG_PW}
 	log_test $? 2 "MD5: Prefix config, client uses wrong password"
 
 	# client outside of prefix
 	log_start
 	show_hint "Should timeout due to MD5 mismatch"
-	run_cmd nettest -s -M ${MD5_PW} -m ${NS_NET} &
+	run_cmd nettest -s -M -X ${MD5_PW} -m ${NS_NET} &
 	sleep 1
-	run_cmd_nsb nettest -c ${NSB_LO_IP} -r ${NSA_IP} -X ${MD5_PW}
+	run_cmd_nsb nettest -c ${NSB_LO_IP} -r ${NSA_IP} -M -X ${MD5_PW}
 	log_test $? 2 "MD5: Prefix config, client address not in configured prefix"
 }
 
@@ -911,9 +911,9 @@ ipv4_tcp_md5()
 
 	# basic use case
 	log_start
-	run_cmd nettest -s -I ${VRF} -M ${MD5_PW} -m ${NSB_IP} &
+	run_cmd nettest -s -I ${VRF} -M -X ${MD5_PW} -m ${NSB_IP} &
 	sleep 1
-	run_cmd_nsb nettest -r ${NSA_IP} -X ${MD5_PW}
+	run_cmd_nsb nettest -r ${NSA_IP} -M -X ${MD5_PW}
 	log_test $? 0 "MD5: VRF: Single address config"
 
 	# client sends MD5, server not configured
@@ -921,23 +921,23 @@ ipv4_tcp_md5()
 	show_hint "Should timeout since server does not have MD5 auth"
 	run_cmd nettest -s -I ${VRF} &
 	sleep 1
-	run_cmd_nsb nettest -r ${NSA_IP} -X ${MD5_PW}
+	run_cmd_nsb nettest -r ${NSA_IP} -M -X ${MD5_PW}
 	log_test $? 2 "MD5: VRF: Server no config, client uses password"
 
 	# wrong password
 	log_start
 	show_hint "Should timeout since client uses wrong password"
-	run_cmd nettest -s -I ${VRF} -M ${MD5_PW} -m ${NSB_IP} &
+	run_cmd nettest -s -I ${VRF} -M -X ${MD5_PW} -m ${NSB_IP} &
 	sleep 1
-	run_cmd_nsb nettest -r ${NSA_IP} -X ${MD5_WRONG_PW}
+	run_cmd_nsb nettest -r ${NSA_IP} -M -X ${MD5_WRONG_PW}
 	log_test $? 2 "MD5: VRF: Client uses wrong password"
 
 	# client from different address
 	log_start
 	show_hint "Should timeout since server config differs from client"
-	run_cmd nettest -s -I ${VRF} -M ${MD5_PW} -m ${NSB_LO_IP} &
+	run_cmd nettest -s -I ${VRF} -M -X ${MD5_PW} -m ${NSB_LO_IP} &
 	sleep 1
-	run_cmd_nsb nettest -r ${NSA_IP} -X ${MD5_PW}
+	run_cmd_nsb nettest -r ${NSA_IP} -M -X ${MD5_PW}
 	log_test $? 2 "MD5: VRF: Client address does not match address configured with password"
 
 	#
@@ -946,25 +946,25 @@ ipv4_tcp_md5()
 
 	# client in prefix
 	log_start
-	run_cmd nettest -s -I ${VRF} -M ${MD5_PW} -m ${NS_NET} &
+	run_cmd nettest -s -I ${VRF} -M -X ${MD5_PW} -m ${NS_NET} &
 	sleep 1
-	run_cmd_nsb nettest  -r ${NSA_IP} -X ${MD5_PW}
+	run_cmd_nsb nettest  -r ${NSA_IP} -M -X ${MD5_PW}
 	log_test $? 0 "MD5: VRF: Prefix config"
 
 	# client in prefix, wrong password
 	log_start
 	show_hint "Should timeout since client uses wrong password"
-	run_cmd nettest -s -I ${VRF} -M ${MD5_PW} -m ${NS_NET} &
+	run_cmd nettest -s -I ${VRF} -M -X ${MD5_PW} -m ${NS_NET} &
 	sleep 1
-	run_cmd_nsb nettest -r ${NSA_IP} -X ${MD5_WRONG_PW}
+	run_cmd_nsb nettest -r ${NSA_IP} -M -X ${MD5_WRONG_PW}
 	log_test $? 2 "MD5: VRF: Prefix config, client uses wrong password"
 
 	# client outside of prefix
 	log_start
 	show_hint "Should timeout since client address is outside of prefix"
-	run_cmd nettest -s -I ${VRF} -M ${MD5_PW} -m ${NS_NET} &
+	run_cmd nettest -s -I ${VRF} -M -X ${MD5_PW} -m ${NS_NET} &
 	sleep 1
-	run_cmd_nsb nettest -c ${NSB_LO_IP} -r ${NSA_IP} -X ${MD5_PW}
+	run_cmd_nsb nettest -c ${NSB_LO_IP} -r ${NSA_IP} -M -X ${MD5_PW}
 	log_test $? 2 "MD5: VRF: Prefix config, client address not in configured prefix"
 
 	#
@@ -972,74 +972,74 @@ ipv4_tcp_md5()
 	#
 
 	log_start
-	run_cmd nettest -s -I ${VRF} -M ${MD5_PW} -m ${NSB_IP} &
-	run_cmd nettest -s -M ${MD5_WRONG_PW} -m ${NSB_IP} &
+	run_cmd nettest -s -I ${VRF} -M -X ${MD5_PW} -m ${NSB_IP} &
+	run_cmd nettest -s -M -X ${MD5_WRONG_PW} -m ${NSB_IP} &
 	sleep 1
-	run_cmd_nsb nettest  -r ${NSA_IP} -X ${MD5_PW}
+	run_cmd_nsb nettest  -r ${NSA_IP} -M -X ${MD5_PW}
 	log_test $? 0 "MD5: VRF: Single address config in default VRF and VRF, conn in VRF"
 
 	log_start
-	run_cmd nettest -s -I ${VRF} -M ${MD5_PW} -m ${NSB_IP} &
-	run_cmd nettest -s -M ${MD5_WRONG_PW} -m ${NSB_IP} &
+	run_cmd nettest -s -I ${VRF} -M -X ${MD5_PW} -m ${NSB_IP} &
+	run_cmd nettest -s -M -X ${MD5_WRONG_PW} -m ${NSB_IP} &
 	sleep 1
-	run_cmd_nsc nettest  -r ${NSA_IP} -X ${MD5_WRONG_PW}
+	run_cmd_nsc nettest  -r ${NSA_IP} -M -X ${MD5_WRONG_PW}
 	log_test $? 0 "MD5: VRF: Single address config in default VRF and VRF, conn in default VRF"
 
 	log_start
 	show_hint "Should timeout since client in default VRF uses VRF password"
-	run_cmd nettest -s -I ${VRF} -M ${MD5_PW} -m ${NSB_IP} &
-	run_cmd nettest -s -M ${MD5_WRONG_PW} -m ${NSB_IP} &
+	run_cmd nettest -s -I ${VRF} -M -X ${MD5_PW} -m ${NSB_IP} &
+	run_cmd nettest -s -M -X ${MD5_WRONG_PW} -m ${NSB_IP} &
 	sleep 1
-	run_cmd_nsc nettest -r ${NSA_IP} -X ${MD5_PW}
+	run_cmd_nsc nettest -r ${NSA_IP} -M -X ${MD5_PW}
 	log_test $? 2 "MD5: VRF: Single address config in default VRF and VRF, conn in default VRF with VRF pw"
 
 	log_start
 	show_hint "Should timeout since client in VRF uses default VRF password"
-	run_cmd nettest -s -I ${VRF} -M ${MD5_PW} -m ${NSB_IP} &
-	run_cmd nettest -s -M ${MD5_WRONG_PW} -m ${NSB_IP} &
+	run_cmd nettest -s -I ${VRF} -M -X ${MD5_PW} -m ${NSB_IP} &
+	run_cmd nettest -s -M -X ${MD5_WRONG_PW} -m ${NSB_IP} &
 	sleep 1
-	run_cmd_nsb nettest -r ${NSA_IP} -X ${MD5_WRONG_PW}
+	run_cmd_nsb nettest -r ${NSA_IP} -M -X ${MD5_WRONG_PW}
 	log_test $? 2 "MD5: VRF: Single address config in default VRF and VRF, conn in VRF with default VRF pw"
 
 	log_start
-	run_cmd nettest -s -I ${VRF} -M ${MD5_PW} -m ${NS_NET} &
-	run_cmd nettest -s -M ${MD5_WRONG_PW} -m ${NS_NET} &
+	run_cmd nettest -s -I ${VRF} -M -X ${MD5_PW} -m ${NS_NET} &
+	run_cmd nettest -s -M -X ${MD5_WRONG_PW} -m ${NS_NET} &
 	sleep 1
-	run_cmd_nsb nettest  -r ${NSA_IP} -X ${MD5_PW}
+	run_cmd_nsb nettest  -r ${NSA_IP} -M -X ${MD5_PW}
 	log_test $? 0 "MD5: VRF: Prefix config in default VRF and VRF, conn in VRF"
 
 	log_start
-	run_cmd nettest -s -I ${VRF} -M ${MD5_PW} -m ${NS_NET} &
-	run_cmd nettest -s -M ${MD5_WRONG_PW} -m ${NS_NET} &
+	run_cmd nettest -s -I ${VRF} -M -X ${MD5_PW} -m ${NS_NET} &
+	run_cmd nettest -s -M -X ${MD5_WRONG_PW} -m ${NS_NET} &
 	sleep 1
-	run_cmd_nsc nettest  -r ${NSA_IP} -X ${MD5_WRONG_PW}
+	run_cmd_nsc nettest  -r ${NSA_IP} -M -X ${MD5_WRONG_PW}
 	log_test $? 0 "MD5: VRF: Prefix config in default VRF and VRF, conn in default VRF"
 
 	log_start
 	show_hint "Should timeout since client in default VRF uses VRF password"
-	run_cmd nettest -s -I ${VRF} -M ${MD5_PW} -m ${NS_NET} &
-	run_cmd nettest -s -M ${MD5_WRONG_PW} -m ${NS_NET} &
+	run_cmd nettest -s -I ${VRF} -M -X ${MD5_PW} -m ${NS_NET} &
+	run_cmd nettest -s -M -X ${MD5_WRONG_PW} -m ${NS_NET} &
 	sleep 1
-	run_cmd_nsc nettest -r ${NSA_IP} -X ${MD5_PW}
+	run_cmd_nsc nettest -r ${NSA_IP} -M -X ${MD5_PW}
 	log_test $? 2 "MD5: VRF: Prefix config in default VRF and VRF, conn in default VRF with VRF pw"
 
 	log_start
 	show_hint "Should timeout since client in VRF uses default VRF password"
-	run_cmd nettest -s -I ${VRF} -M ${MD5_PW} -m ${NS_NET} &
-	run_cmd nettest -s -M ${MD5_WRONG_PW} -m ${NS_NET} &
+	run_cmd nettest -s -I ${VRF} -M -X ${MD5_PW} -m ${NS_NET} &
+	run_cmd nettest -s -M -X ${MD5_WRONG_PW} -m ${NS_NET} &
 	sleep 1
-	run_cmd_nsb nettest -r ${NSA_IP} -X ${MD5_WRONG_PW}
+	run_cmd_nsb nettest -r ${NSA_IP} -M -X ${MD5_WRONG_PW}
 	log_test $? 2 "MD5: VRF: Prefix config in default VRF and VRF, conn in VRF with default VRF pw"
 
 	#
 	# negative tests
 	#
 	log_start
-	run_cmd nettest -s -I ${NSA_DEV} -M ${MD5_PW} -m ${NSB_IP}
+	run_cmd nettest -s -I ${NSA_DEV} -M -X ${MD5_PW} -m ${NSB_IP}
 	log_test $? 1 "MD5: VRF: Device must be a VRF - single address"
 
 	log_start
-	run_cmd nettest -s -I ${NSA_DEV} -M ${MD5_PW} -m ${NS_NET}
+	run_cmd nettest -s -I ${NSA_DEV} -M -X ${MD5_PW} -m ${NS_NET}
 	log_test $? 1 "MD5: VRF: Device must be a VRF - prefix"
 
 	test_ipv4_md5_vrf__vrf_server__no_bind_ifindex
@@ -1050,16 +1050,16 @@ test_ipv4_md5_vrf__vrf_server__no_bind_ifindex()
 {
 	log_start
 	show_hint "Simulates applications using VRF without TCP_MD5SIG_FLAG_IFINDEX"
-	run_cmd nettest -s -I ${VRF} -M ${MD5_PW} -m ${NS_NET} --no-bind-key-ifindex &
+	run_cmd nettest -s -I ${VRF} -M -X ${MD5_PW} -m ${NS_NET} --no-bind-key-ifindex &
 	sleep 1
-	run_cmd_nsb nettest -r ${NSA_IP} -X ${MD5_PW}
+	run_cmd_nsb nettest -r ${NSA_IP} -M -X ${MD5_PW}
 	log_test $? 0 "MD5: VRF: VRF-bound server, unbound key accepts connection"
 
 	log_start
 	show_hint "Binding both the socket and the key is not required but it works"
-	run_cmd nettest -s -I ${VRF} -M ${MD5_PW} -m ${NS_NET} --force-bind-key-ifindex &
+	run_cmd nettest -s -I ${VRF} -M -X ${MD5_PW} -m ${NS_NET} --force-bind-key-ifindex &
 	sleep 1
-	run_cmd_nsb nettest -r ${NSA_IP} -X ${MD5_PW}
+	run_cmd_nsb nettest -r ${NSA_IP} -M -X ${MD5_PW}
 	log_test $? 0 "MD5: VRF: VRF-bound server, bound key accepts connection"
 }
 
@@ -1071,27 +1071,27 @@ test_ipv4_md5_vrf__global_server__bind_ifindex0()
 	set_sysctl net.ipv4.tcp_l3mdev_accept=1
 
 	log_start
-	run_cmd nettest -s -M ${MD5_PW} -m ${NS_NET} --force-bind-key-ifindex &
+	run_cmd nettest -s -M -X ${MD5_PW} -m ${NS_NET} --force-bind-key-ifindex &
 	sleep 1
-	run_cmd_nsb nettest -r ${NSA_IP} -X ${MD5_PW}
+	run_cmd_nsb nettest -r ${NSA_IP} -M -X ${MD5_PW}
 	log_test $? 2 "MD5: VRF: Global server, Key bound to ifindex=0 rejects VRF connection"
 
 	log_start
-	run_cmd nettest -s -M ${MD5_PW} -m ${NS_NET} --force-bind-key-ifindex &
+	run_cmd nettest -s -M -X ${MD5_PW} -m ${NS_NET} --force-bind-key-ifindex &
 	sleep 1
-	run_cmd_nsc nettest -r ${NSA_IP} -X ${MD5_PW}
+	run_cmd_nsc nettest -r ${NSA_IP} -M -X ${MD5_PW}
 	log_test $? 0 "MD5: VRF: Global server, key bound to ifindex=0 accepts non-VRF connection"
 	log_start
 
-	run_cmd nettest -s -M ${MD5_PW} -m ${NS_NET} --no-bind-key-ifindex &
+	run_cmd nettest -s -M -X ${MD5_PW} -m ${NS_NET} --no-bind-key-ifindex &
 	sleep 1
-	run_cmd_nsb nettest -r ${NSA_IP} -X ${MD5_PW}
+	run_cmd_nsb nettest -r ${NSA_IP} -M -X ${MD5_PW}
 	log_test $? 0 "MD5: VRF: Global server, key not bound to ifindex accepts VRF connection"
 
 	log_start
-	run_cmd nettest -s -M ${MD5_PW} -m ${NS_NET} --no-bind-key-ifindex &
+	run_cmd nettest -s -M -X ${MD5_PW} -m ${NS_NET} --no-bind-key-ifindex &
 	sleep 1
-	run_cmd_nsc nettest -r ${NSA_IP} -X ${MD5_PW}
+	run_cmd_nsc nettest -r ${NSA_IP} -M -X ${MD5_PW}
 	log_test $? 0 "MD5: VRF: Global server, key not bound to ifindex accepts non-VRF connection"
 
 	# restore value
@@ -2431,9 +2431,9 @@ ipv6_tcp_md5_novrf()
 
 	# basic use case
 	log_start
-	run_cmd nettest -6 -s -M ${MD5_PW} -m ${NSB_IP6} &
+	run_cmd nettest -6 -s -M -X ${MD5_PW} -m ${NSB_IP6} &
 	sleep 1
-	run_cmd_nsb nettest -6 -r ${NSA_IP6} -X ${MD5_PW}
+	run_cmd_nsb nettest -6 -r ${NSA_IP6} -M -X ${MD5_PW}
 	log_test $? 0 "MD5: Single address config"
 
 	# client sends MD5, server not configured
@@ -2441,23 +2441,23 @@ ipv6_tcp_md5_novrf()
 	show_hint "Should timeout due to MD5 mismatch"
 	run_cmd nettest -6 -s &
 	sleep 1
-	run_cmd_nsb nettest -6 -r ${NSA_IP6} -X ${MD5_PW}
+	run_cmd_nsb nettest -6 -r ${NSA_IP6} -M -X ${MD5_PW}
 	log_test $? 2 "MD5: Server no config, client uses password"
 
 	# wrong password
 	log_start
 	show_hint "Should timeout since client uses wrong password"
-	run_cmd nettest -6 -s -M ${MD5_PW} -m ${NSB_IP6} &
+	run_cmd nettest -6 -s -M -X ${MD5_PW} -m ${NSB_IP6} &
 	sleep 1
-	run_cmd_nsb nettest -6 -r ${NSA_IP6} -X ${MD5_WRONG_PW}
+	run_cmd_nsb nettest -6 -r ${NSA_IP6} -M -X ${MD5_WRONG_PW}
 	log_test $? 2 "MD5: Client uses wrong password"
 
 	# client from different address
 	log_start
 	show_hint "Should timeout due to MD5 mismatch"
-	run_cmd nettest -6 -s -M ${MD5_PW} -m ${NSB_LO_IP6} &
+	run_cmd nettest -6 -s -M -X ${MD5_PW} -m ${NSB_LO_IP6} &
 	sleep 1
-	run_cmd_nsb nettest -6 -r ${NSA_IP6} -X ${MD5_PW}
+	run_cmd_nsb nettest -6 -r ${NSA_IP6} -M -X ${MD5_PW}
 	log_test $? 2 "MD5: Client address does not match address configured with password"
 
 	#
@@ -2466,25 +2466,25 @@ ipv6_tcp_md5_novrf()
 
 	# client in prefix
 	log_start
-	run_cmd nettest -6 -s -M ${MD5_PW} -m ${NS_NET6} &
+	run_cmd nettest -6 -s -M -X ${MD5_PW} -m ${NS_NET6} &
 	sleep 1
-	run_cmd_nsb nettest -6 -r ${NSA_IP6} -X ${MD5_PW}
+	run_cmd_nsb nettest -6 -r ${NSA_IP6} -M -X ${MD5_PW}
 	log_test $? 0 "MD5: Prefix config"
 
 	# client in prefix, wrong password
 	log_start
 	show_hint "Should timeout since client uses wrong password"
-	run_cmd nettest -6 -s -M ${MD5_PW} -m ${NS_NET6} &
+	run_cmd nettest -6 -s -M -X ${MD5_PW} -m ${NS_NET6} &
 	sleep 1
-	run_cmd_nsb nettest -6 -r ${NSA_IP6} -X ${MD5_WRONG_PW}
+	run_cmd_nsb nettest -6 -r ${NSA_IP6} -M -X ${MD5_WRONG_PW}
 	log_test $? 2 "MD5: Prefix config, client uses wrong password"
 
 	# client outside of prefix
 	log_start
 	show_hint "Should timeout due to MD5 mismatch"
-	run_cmd nettest -6 -s -M ${MD5_PW} -m ${NS_NET6} &
+	run_cmd nettest -6 -s -M -X ${MD5_PW} -m ${NS_NET6} &
 	sleep 1
-	run_cmd_nsb nettest -6 -c ${NSB_LO_IP6} -r ${NSA_IP6} -X ${MD5_PW}
+	run_cmd_nsb nettest -6 -c ${NSB_LO_IP6} -r ${NSA_IP6} -M -X ${MD5_PW}
 	log_test $? 2 "MD5: Prefix config, client address not in configured prefix"
 }
 
@@ -2499,9 +2499,9 @@ ipv6_tcp_md5()
 
 	# basic use case
 	log_start
-	run_cmd nettest -6 -s -I ${VRF} -M ${MD5_PW} -m ${NSB_IP6} &
+	run_cmd nettest -6 -s -I ${VRF} -M -X ${MD5_PW} -m ${NSB_IP6} &
 	sleep 1
-	run_cmd_nsb nettest -6 -r ${NSA_IP6} -X ${MD5_PW}
+	run_cmd_nsb nettest -6 -r ${NSA_IP6} -M -X ${MD5_PW}
 	log_test $? 0 "MD5: VRF: Single address config"
 
 	# client sends MD5, server not configured
@@ -2509,23 +2509,23 @@ ipv6_tcp_md5()
 	show_hint "Should timeout since server does not have MD5 auth"
 	run_cmd nettest -6 -s -I ${VRF} &
 	sleep 1
-	run_cmd_nsb nettest -6 -r ${NSA_IP6} -X ${MD5_PW}
+	run_cmd_nsb nettest -6 -r ${NSA_IP6} -M -X ${MD5_PW}
 	log_test $? 2 "MD5: VRF: Server no config, client uses password"
 
 	# wrong password
 	log_start
 	show_hint "Should timeout since client uses wrong password"
-	run_cmd nettest -6 -s -I ${VRF} -M ${MD5_PW} -m ${NSB_IP6} &
+	run_cmd nettest -6 -s -I ${VRF} -M -X ${MD5_PW} -m ${NSB_IP6} &
 	sleep 1
-	run_cmd_nsb nettest -6 -r ${NSA_IP6} -X ${MD5_WRONG_PW}
+	run_cmd_nsb nettest -6 -r ${NSA_IP6} -M -X ${MD5_WRONG_PW}
 	log_test $? 2 "MD5: VRF: Client uses wrong password"
 
 	# client from different address
 	log_start
 	show_hint "Should timeout since server config differs from client"
-	run_cmd nettest -6 -s -I ${VRF} -M ${MD5_PW} -m ${NSB_LO_IP6} &
+	run_cmd nettest -6 -s -I ${VRF} -M -X ${MD5_PW} -m ${NSB_LO_IP6} &
 	sleep 1
-	run_cmd_nsb nettest -6 -r ${NSA_IP6} -X ${MD5_PW}
+	run_cmd_nsb nettest -6 -r ${NSA_IP6} -M -X ${MD5_PW}
 	log_test $? 2 "MD5: VRF: Client address does not match address configured with password"
 
 	#
@@ -2534,25 +2534,25 @@ ipv6_tcp_md5()
 
 	# client in prefix
 	log_start
-	run_cmd nettest -6 -s -I ${VRF} -M ${MD5_PW} -m ${NS_NET6} &
+	run_cmd nettest -6 -s -I ${VRF} -M -X ${MD5_PW} -m ${NS_NET6} &
 	sleep 1
-	run_cmd_nsb nettest -6 -r ${NSA_IP6} -X ${MD5_PW}
+	run_cmd_nsb nettest -6 -r ${NSA_IP6} -M -X ${MD5_PW}
 	log_test $? 0 "MD5: VRF: Prefix config"
 
 	# client in prefix, wrong password
 	log_start
 	show_hint "Should timeout since client uses wrong password"
-	run_cmd nettest -6 -s -I ${VRF} -M ${MD5_PW} -m ${NS_NET6} &
+	run_cmd nettest -6 -s -I ${VRF} -M -X ${MD5_PW} -m ${NS_NET6} &
 	sleep 1
-	run_cmd_nsb nettest -6 -r ${NSA_IP6} -X ${MD5_WRONG_PW}
+	run_cmd_nsb nettest -6 -r ${NSA_IP6} -M -X ${MD5_WRONG_PW}
 	log_test $? 2 "MD5: VRF: Prefix config, client uses wrong password"
 
 	# client outside of prefix
 	log_start
 	show_hint "Should timeout since client address is outside of prefix"
-	run_cmd nettest -6 -s -I ${VRF} -M ${MD5_PW} -m ${NS_NET6} &
+	run_cmd nettest -6 -s -I ${VRF} -M -X ${MD5_PW} -m ${NS_NET6} &
 	sleep 1
-	run_cmd_nsb nettest -6 -c ${NSB_LO_IP6} -r ${NSA_IP6} -X ${MD5_PW}
+	run_cmd_nsb nettest -6 -c ${NSB_LO_IP6} -r ${NSA_IP6} -M -X ${MD5_PW}
 	log_test $? 2 "MD5: VRF: Prefix config, client address not in configured prefix"
 
 	#
@@ -2560,74 +2560,74 @@ ipv6_tcp_md5()
 	#
 
 	log_start
-	run_cmd nettest -6 -s -I ${VRF} -M ${MD5_PW} -m ${NSB_IP6} &
-	run_cmd nettest -6 -s -M ${MD5_WRONG_PW} -m ${NSB_IP6} &
+	run_cmd nettest -6 -s -I ${VRF} -M -X ${MD5_PW} -m ${NSB_IP6} &
+	run_cmd nettest -6 -s -M -X ${MD5_WRONG_PW} -m ${NSB_IP6} &
 	sleep 1
-	run_cmd_nsb nettest -6 -r ${NSA_IP6} -X ${MD5_PW}
+	run_cmd_nsb nettest -6 -r ${NSA_IP6} -M -X ${MD5_PW}
 	log_test $? 0 "MD5: VRF: Single address config in default VRF and VRF, conn in VRF"
 
 	log_start
-	run_cmd nettest -6 -s -I ${VRF} -M ${MD5_PW} -m ${NSB_IP6} &
-	run_cmd nettest -6 -s -M ${MD5_WRONG_PW} -m ${NSB_IP6} &
+	run_cmd nettest -6 -s -I ${VRF} -M -X ${MD5_PW} -m ${NSB_IP6} &
+	run_cmd nettest -6 -s -M -X ${MD5_WRONG_PW} -m ${NSB_IP6} &
 	sleep 1
-	run_cmd_nsc nettest -6 -r ${NSA_IP6} -X ${MD5_WRONG_PW}
+	run_cmd_nsc nettest -6 -r ${NSA_IP6} -M -X ${MD5_WRONG_PW}
 	log_test $? 0 "MD5: VRF: Single address config in default VRF and VRF, conn in default VRF"
 
 	log_start
 	show_hint "Should timeout since client in default VRF uses VRF password"
-	run_cmd nettest -6 -s -I ${VRF} -M ${MD5_PW} -m ${NSB_IP6} &
-	run_cmd nettest -6 -s -M ${MD5_WRONG_PW} -m ${NSB_IP6} &
+	run_cmd nettest -6 -s -I ${VRF} -M -X ${MD5_PW} -m ${NSB_IP6} &
+	run_cmd nettest -6 -s -M -X ${MD5_WRONG_PW} -m ${NSB_IP6} &
 	sleep 1
-	run_cmd_nsc nettest -6 -r ${NSA_IP6} -X ${MD5_PW}
+	run_cmd_nsc nettest -6 -r ${NSA_IP6} -M -X ${MD5_PW}
 	log_test $? 2 "MD5: VRF: Single address config in default VRF and VRF, conn in default VRF with VRF pw"
 
 	log_start
 	show_hint "Should timeout since client in VRF uses default VRF password"
-	run_cmd nettest -6 -s -I ${VRF} -M ${MD5_PW} -m ${NSB_IP6} &
-	run_cmd nettest -6 -s -M ${MD5_WRONG_PW} -m ${NSB_IP6} &
+	run_cmd nettest -6 -s -I ${VRF} -M -X ${MD5_PW} -m ${NSB_IP6} &
+	run_cmd nettest -6 -s -M -X ${MD5_WRONG_PW} -m ${NSB_IP6} &
 	sleep 1
-	run_cmd_nsb nettest -6 -r ${NSA_IP6} -X ${MD5_WRONG_PW}
+	run_cmd_nsb nettest -6 -r ${NSA_IP6} -M -X ${MD5_WRONG_PW}
 	log_test $? 2 "MD5: VRF: Single address config in default VRF and VRF, conn in VRF with default VRF pw"
 
 	log_start
-	run_cmd nettest -6 -s -I ${VRF} -M ${MD5_PW} -m ${NS_NET6} &
-	run_cmd nettest -6 -s -M ${MD5_WRONG_PW} -m ${NS_NET6} &
+	run_cmd nettest -6 -s -I ${VRF} -M -X ${MD5_PW} -m ${NS_NET6} &
+	run_cmd nettest -6 -s -M -X ${MD5_WRONG_PW} -m ${NS_NET6} &
 	sleep 1
-	run_cmd_nsb nettest -6 -r ${NSA_IP6} -X ${MD5_PW}
+	run_cmd_nsb nettest -6 -r ${NSA_IP6} -M -X ${MD5_PW}
 	log_test $? 0 "MD5: VRF: Prefix config in default VRF and VRF, conn in VRF"
 
 	log_start
-	run_cmd nettest -6 -s -I ${VRF} -M ${MD5_PW} -m ${NS_NET6} &
-	run_cmd nettest -6 -s -M ${MD5_WRONG_PW} -m ${NS_NET6} &
+	run_cmd nettest -6 -s -I ${VRF} -M -X ${MD5_PW} -m ${NS_NET6} &
+	run_cmd nettest -6 -s -M -X ${MD5_WRONG_PW} -m ${NS_NET6} &
 	sleep 1
-	run_cmd_nsc nettest -6 -r ${NSA_IP6} -X ${MD5_WRONG_PW}
+	run_cmd_nsc nettest -6 -r ${NSA_IP6} -M -X ${MD5_WRONG_PW}
 	log_test $? 0 "MD5: VRF: Prefix config in default VRF and VRF, conn in default VRF"
 
 	log_start
 	show_hint "Should timeout since client in default VRF uses VRF password"
-	run_cmd nettest -6 -s -I ${VRF} -M ${MD5_PW} -m ${NS_NET6} &
-	run_cmd nettest -6 -s -M ${MD5_WRONG_PW} -m ${NS_NET6} &
+	run_cmd nettest -6 -s -I ${VRF} -M -X ${MD5_PW} -m ${NS_NET6} &
+	run_cmd nettest -6 -s -M -X ${MD5_WRONG_PW} -m ${NS_NET6} &
 	sleep 1
-	run_cmd_nsc nettest -6 -r ${NSA_IP6} -X ${MD5_PW}
+	run_cmd_nsc nettest -6 -r ${NSA_IP6} -M -X ${MD5_PW}
 	log_test $? 2 "MD5: VRF: Prefix config in default VRF and VRF, conn in default VRF with VRF pw"
 
 	log_start
 	show_hint "Should timeout since client in VRF uses default VRF password"
-	run_cmd nettest -6 -s -I ${VRF} -M ${MD5_PW} -m ${NS_NET6} &
-	run_cmd nettest -6 -s -M ${MD5_WRONG_PW} -m ${NS_NET6} &
+	run_cmd nettest -6 -s -I ${VRF} -M -X ${MD5_PW} -m ${NS_NET6} &
+	run_cmd nettest -6 -s -M -X ${MD5_WRONG_PW} -m ${NS_NET6} &
 	sleep 1
-	run_cmd_nsb nettest -6 -r ${NSA_IP6} -X ${MD5_WRONG_PW}
+	run_cmd_nsb nettest -6 -r ${NSA_IP6} -M -X ${MD5_WRONG_PW}
 	log_test $? 2 "MD5: VRF: Prefix config in default VRF and VRF, conn in VRF with default VRF pw"
 
 	#
 	# negative tests
 	#
 	log_start
-	run_cmd nettest -6 -s -I ${NSA_DEV} -M ${MD5_PW} -m ${NSB_IP6}
+	run_cmd nettest -6 -s -I ${NSA_DEV} -M -X ${MD5_PW} -m ${NSB_IP6}
 	log_test $? 1 "MD5: VRF: Device must be a VRF - single address"
 
 	log_start
-	run_cmd nettest -6 -s -I ${NSA_DEV} -M ${MD5_PW} -m ${NS_NET6}
+	run_cmd nettest -6 -s -I ${NSA_DEV} -M -X ${MD5_PW} -m ${NS_NET6}
 	log_test $? 1 "MD5: VRF: Device must be a VRF - prefix"
 
 }
diff --git a/tools/testing/selftests/net/nettest.c b/tools/testing/selftests/net/nettest.c
index d9a6fd2cd9d3..35831bc3da24 100644
--- a/tools/testing/selftests/net/nettest.c
+++ b/tools/testing/selftests/net/nettest.c
@@ -76,7 +76,8 @@ struct sock_args {
 		     has_grp:1,
 		     has_expected_laddr:1,
 		     has_expected_raddr:1,
-		     bind_test_only:1;
+		     bind_test_only:1,
+		     use_md5:1;
 
 	unsigned short port;
 
@@ -95,7 +96,6 @@ struct sock_args {
 	const char *serverns;
 
 	const char *password;
-	const char *client_pw;
 	/* prefix for MD5 password */
 	const char *md5_prefix_str;
 	union {
@@ -1538,7 +1538,7 @@ static int do_server(struct sock_args *args, int ipc_fd)
 		return rc;
 	}
 
-	if (args->password && tcp_md5_remote(lsd, args)) {
+	if (args->use_md5 && tcp_md5_remote(lsd, args)) {
 		close(lsd);
 		goto err_exit;
 	}
@@ -1662,7 +1662,7 @@ static int connectsock(void *addr, socklen_t alen, struct sock_args *args)
 	if (args->type != SOCK_STREAM)
 		goto out;
 
-	if (args->password && tcp_md5sig(sd, addr, alen, args))
+	if (args->use_md5 && tcp_md5sig(sd, addr, alen, args))
 		goto err;
 
 	if (args->bind_test_only)
@@ -1743,8 +1743,6 @@ static int do_client(struct sock_args *args)
 		break;
 	}
 
-	args->password = args->client_pw;
-
 	if (args->has_grp)
 		sd = msock_client(args);
 	else
@@ -1854,7 +1852,7 @@ static int ipc_parent(int cpid, int fd, struct sock_args *args)
 	return client_status;
 }
 
-#define GETOPT_STR  "sr:l:c:p:t:g:P:DRn:M:X:m:d:I:BN:O:SCi6xL:0:1:2:3:Fbqf"
+#define GETOPT_STR  "sr:l:c:p:t:g:P:DRn:MX:m:d:I:BN:O:SCi6xL:0:1:2:3:Fbqf"
 #define OPT_FORCE_BIND_KEY_IFINDEX 1001
 #define OPT_NO_BIND_KEY_IFINDEX 1002
 
@@ -1897,8 +1895,8 @@ static void print_usage(char *prog)
 	"    -L len        send random message of given length\n"
 	"    -n num        number of times to send message\n"
 	"\n"
-	"    -M password   use MD5 sum protection\n"
-	"    -X password   MD5 password for client mode\n"
+	"    -M            use MD5 sum protection\n"
+	"    -X password   MD5 password\n"
 	"    -m prefix/len prefix and length to use for MD5 key\n"
 	"    --no-bind-key-ifindex: Force TCP_MD5SIG_FLAG_IFINDEX off\n"
 	"    --force-bind-key-ifindex: Force TCP_MD5SIG_FLAG_IFINDEX on\n"
@@ -2010,7 +2008,7 @@ int main(int argc, char *argv[])
 			msg = random_msg(atoi(optarg));
 			break;
 		case 'M':
-			args.password = optarg;
+			args.use_md5 = 1;
 			break;
 		case OPT_FORCE_BIND_KEY_IFINDEX:
 			args.bind_key_ifindex = 1;
@@ -2019,7 +2017,7 @@ int main(int argc, char *argv[])
 			args.bind_key_ifindex = -1;
 			break;
 		case 'X':
-			args.client_pw = optarg;
+			args.password = optarg;
 			break;
 		case 'm':
 			args.md5_prefix_str = optarg;
@@ -2080,14 +2078,14 @@ int main(int argc, char *argv[])
 		}
 	}
 
-	if (args.password &&
-	    ((!args.has_remote_ip && !args.md5_prefix_str) ||
+	if (args.password && (!args.use_md5 ||
+	      (!args.has_remote_ip && !args.md5_prefix_str) ||
 	      args.type != SOCK_STREAM)) {
 		log_error("MD5 passwords apply to TCP only and require a remote ip for the password\n");
 		return 1;
 	}
 
-	if (args.md5_prefix_str && !args.password) {
+	if ((args.md5_prefix_str || args.use_md5) && !args.password) {
 		log_error("Prefix range for MD5 protection specified without a password\n");
 		return 1;
 	}
