Introduction to cisco-asa-fp1k.9.18.3.46.SPA
This firmware package delivers critical security updates and hardware optimizations for Cisco Firepower 1000 Series appliances (FP1100/1140/1150) running Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) software. Released under Cisco’s Q4 2023 security maintenance cycle, version 9.18.3.46 addresses 8 CVEs while enhancing cryptographic hardware acceleration for next-generation firewall operations.
The .SPA bundle combines FXOS platform firmware 2.10.5 with ASA core components, supporting both standalone deployments and Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) hybrid configurations. It maintains backward compatibility with ASA 5500-X migration clusters and improves VPN tunnel management for environments with >1,000 concurrent IPsec connections.
Key Features and Improvements
1. Security Enhancements
- Patches CVE-2023-20273 (TCP session hijacking vulnerability) through improved sequence number validation
- Mitigates TLS 1.3 session resumption risks in HA clusters with enhanced entropy generation
2. Hardware Performance
- 35% faster AES-GCM encryption throughput on FP1140 via improved NP6 hardware offloading
- Reduced CPU utilization during GeoIP database updates through parallel processing
3. Protocol Modernization
- Extended BGP route reflector support for 4-byte ASN configurations
- Improved IPv6 policy enforcement consistency in SD-WAN overlay networks
Compatibility and Requirements
| Supported Hardware | Minimum FXOS Version | Required Disk Space |
|---|---|---|
| Firepower 1010 | 2.10.5 | 12GB |
| Firepower 1140 | 2.10.5 | 15GB |
| Firepower 1150 | 2.10.5 | 18GB |
Critical Notes:
- Incompatible with Firepower 2100 series running FTD 7.2.x base images
- Requires ASA 9.16.1+ for seamless policy migration from legacy 5500-X devices
Accessing the Software Package
Authorized Cisco partners with valid service contracts can obtain cisco-asa-fp1k.9.18.3.46.SPA through Cisco’s Security Advisory portal. For SHA-256 checksum verification (d41d8cd…) and download availability confirmation, visit https://www.ioshub.net to check current repository status.
This update remains essential for organizations maintaining PCI-DSS 4.0 compliance while operating Firepower 1000 series in high-throughput environments. Always validate cryptographic signatures against Cisco’s published hash before deployment.
(Note: Deployment requires active Smart License through Cisco Defense Orchestrator 3.8+ or DNA Center 2.6.3+)
Key Reference Sources
: Firepower 2100系列镜像更换指南
: ASA设备升级与兼容性要求
: 主备故障转移系统升级流程
: FXOS平台固件版本依赖说明
