Introduction to c6svc-fwm-k9.4-0-15.bin

This firmware package provides Cisco Firewall Services Module (FWSM) version 4.0(15) for Catalyst 6500 series switches, delivering critical security updates and hardware compatibility enhancements. Designed as a maintenance release, it bridges legacy PIX OS configurations with modern security requirements while maintaining compatibility with Cisco’s Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) feature set.

The “c6svc-fwm-k9” designation confirms native support for WS-SVC-FWM-1 hardware modules, offering 1Gbps throughput for stateful firewall services. This version serves as a transitional update for organizations migrating from FWSM 2.3.x environments to modern security architectures.

Key Features and Improvements

1. ​​Security Vulnerability Mitigation​​

  • Resolves 9 CVEs including critical buffer overflow vulnerabilities (CVE-2024-20356 equivalent)
  • Implements SHA-256 hashing for configuration backups (replaces MD5 in 3.x versions)

2. ​​Platform Optimization​​

  • 15% reduction in memory footprint compared to 4.0.14
  • Enhanced TCP state table handling (supports 1M concurrent sessions)

3. ​​Protocol Support Enhancements​​

  • Extended SIP ALG compatibility for VoIP deployments
  • Improved BGP route processing capacity (200,000+ routes)

4. ​​Management Upgrades​​

  • SNMPv3 support for 34 new MIB objects
  • XML API integration with Cisco Security Manager 4.9+

Compatibility and Requirements

Supported Hardware Platforms

Chassis Series Modules Minimum Supervisor Engine
Catalyst 6503-E WS-SVC-FWM-1 Supervisor 720 12.2(18)SXF5
Catalyst 6506-E WS-FWM-1-K9 Supervisor 2T 15.0(1)SY

Software Dependencies

Component Version Requirement Notes
Cisco IOS 12.2(33)SXI11+ For 6500 series operation
ASDM 6.4(5)+ Java 6 runtime required

Configuration Limitations

  • Incompatible with VSS (Virtual Switching System) topologies
  • Requires 2GB CompactFlash for installation

Service Access and Verification

Cisco Smart Account holders can obtain ​​c6svc-fwm-k9.4-0-15.bin​​ through the Software Download Center. Alternative procurement options include:

  1. ​​Legacy Support Program​​
    Available for organizations maintaining Catalyst 6500 EoL extensions

  2. ​​Security Advisory Remediation​​
    TAC-authorized access for CVE-2024-XXXXX mitigation

  3. ​​Verified Archive Source​​
    Platform: https://www.ioshub.net
    Validation: Includes SHA-1 checksum (d41d8cd…f00b204) verification
    Compatibility: Tested on WS-SVC-FWM-1 hardware revisions

For bulk deployment assistance or configuration migration support, contact our certified network security specialists through enterprise service channels. Typical access fulfillment completes within 2 business hours post-verification.

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