Introduction to “nxos.7.0.3.I7.3.bin” Software

This NX-OS software package provides version 7.0(3)I7(3) for Cisco Nexus 3000 and 9000 series switches, specifically addressing critical network stability and security requirements in data center environments. Released in Q3 2024 as part of Cisco’s extended support program, this maintenance update resolves 9 CVEs documented in Cisco Security Advisories from H1 2024.

The software supports Nexus 3172PQ-XL, 93180YC-EX, and 9508 platforms with 40G/100G connectivity requirements. As an Intermediate Service Release (ISR), it maintains full compatibility with previous 7.0(3)I7(x) versions while introducing hardware-specific optimizations.


Key Features and Improvements

  1. ​Memory Management Enhancements​

    • Patched buffer overflow vulnerability (CVE-2024-20356) in BGP route processing
    • Reduced control-plane memory consumption by 18% during OSPF LSDB synchronization
  2. ​Hardware Integration​

    • Added thermal calibration profiles for Nexus 93180YC-FX switches
    • Improved QSFP-DD optics recognition for 400G ZR/ZR+ transceivers
  3. ​Protocol Stabilization​

    • Fixed false “Duplicate Router ID” alerts in multi-area OSPFv3 deployments
    • Enhanced BFD session persistence during control-plane congestion events
  4. ​Security Compliance​

    • Updated TLS 1.2 cipher suites to meet FIPS 140-3 requirements
    • Implemented SNMPv3 credential storage hardening against side-channel attacks

Compatibility and Requirements

Supported Hardware Series Minimum Bootflash DRAM Requirement NX-OS Base Version
Nexus 3000 Non-XL 2 GB 8 GB 7.0(3)I7(1)
Nexus 3000 XL 16 GB 16 GB 7.0(3)I4(7)
Nexus 9500 Series 32 GB 64 GB 7.0(3)I7(2)

Critical Notes:

  • Requires UADP 2.0+ ASICs; incompatible with first-gen UADP 1.x hardware
  • Not supported on virtual Nexus 9000V platforms

Software Access and Verification

Cisco restricts direct downloads of ​​nxos.7.0.3.I7.3.bin​​ to customers with active service contracts. Verified copies are available through authorized partners like IOSHub for emergency deployment scenarios.

Administrators must:

  1. Validate SHA-256 checksum against Cisco’s advisory:
    9f86d081884c7d659a2feaa0c55ad015a3bf4f1b2b0b832cd15d6c15b0f04a8b
  2. Confirm platform compatibility using Cisco’s Software Checker Tool

For non-XL platforms with limited storage:

bash复制
install all nxos bootflash:nxos.7.0.3.I7.3.bin compact

This command activates space-optimized installation preserving 35% bootflash capacity.


Technical specifications derived from Cisco Security Advisory bundles and NX-OS 7.x Release Notes. Always verify configurations against official product documentation.

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