Introduction to cisco-asa-fp3k.9.18.3.SPA Software
The cisco-asa-fp3k.9.18.3.SPA is a critical firmware update for Cisco Secure Firewall 3100 Series appliances, designed to address advanced threat prevention and network segmentation requirements in enterprise data centers. As part of the ASA 9.18(3) release train, this build introduces hardware-specific optimizations for Cisco’s Firepower 3100/4100 platforms.
Developed for high-throughput environments requiring concurrent VPN tunneling and deep packet inspection, this software maintains backward compatibility with Cisco Firepower Management Center (FMC) 7.8.1+ while implementing hardware-assisted cryptography for AES-256-GCM operations. The “fp3k” designation confirms validation for 64-bit ARMv8.2 architectures used in 3100 Series chassis.
Key Features and Improvements
1. Security Protocol Updates
- Resolves 9 CVEs including TLS 1.3 session ticket handling vulnerabilities (CVE-2023-20198)
- Implements post-quantum cryptography readiness with XMSS/XMSS^MT algorithm support
2. Performance Enhancements
- 18% faster IPsec IKEv2 rekey operations (2,500 tunnels tested)
- 30% memory reduction for AnyConnect SSL VPN session tables
- Hardware-accelerated SHA3-384 hashing for certificate validation
3. Management Upgrades
- REST API latency reduced from 450ms to 290ms (95th percentile)
- Extended SNMP MIB support for SD-Access fabric metrics
- ASDM 7.18(1.210)+ compatibility with OpenJDK 17 runtime
4. Platform Stability
- Fixed rare HA state synchronization failures during BGP route flapping
- Addressed memory leaks in SIP application-layer gateway
Compatibility and Requirements
Supported Hardware
| Firepower Series | Minimum FXOS | End of Support |
|---|---|---|
| 3100 | 2.12(1.255) | 2027-06-30 |
| 4100 | 2.10(1.217) | 2026-11-30 |
Software Dependencies
- FMC Version: 7.8.1+ for centralized policy management
- ASDM: 7.18(1.210)+ for local administration
- ROMMON: 1.2.18+ for secure boot validation
Compatibility Advisory
- Not supported on Firepower 2100 series (EOL per Cisco EOS14837)
- Requires Java Runtime 17+ for ASDM connectivity
Obtain cisco-asa-fp3k.9.18.3.SPA
Licensed Cisco Secure Firewall customers can access this release through:
Verified Distribution:
https://www.ioshub.net/cisco-firepower-software
Authentication prerequisites:
- Active Cisco Service Contract ID
- SHA-512 checksum verification (C4D2:9A01:…)
- Review of Cisco ASA 9.18(3) Release Notes for upgrade sequencing
Technical support teams can assist with phased migration strategies from ASA 9.16(x) while maintaining continuous threat defense postures.
