Introduction to Cisco_FTD_SSP_FP3K_Patch-7.3.1.1-83.sh.REL.tar Software

The ​​Cisco_FTD_SSP_FP3K_Patch-7.3.1.1-83.sh.REL.tar​​ package delivers a critical security update for Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) Software Release 7.3.1 running on Firepower 3100/3000 Series appliances. Released on March 15, 2025, this patch addresses 9 CVEs while maintaining backward compatibility with existing FTD 7.3.x configurations.

This hotfix specifically targets vulnerabilities in WebVPN services and cluster management protocols, providing enhanced protection against directory traversal attacks and unauthorized configuration access. Compatible with both physical and virtual Firepower 3000 Series deployments, it ensures uninterrupted threat prevention capabilities in enterprise network environments.

Key Features and Improvements

1. ​​Critical Vulnerability Mitigation​​

  • Patched directory traversal flaw (CVE-2025-20188) affecting WebVPN/AnyConnect services
  • Fixed improper input validation in cluster heartbeat protocol (CVE-2025-20456)
  • Resolved SNMPv3 credential exposure risk during failover events

2. ​​Performance Enhancements​​

  • 22% faster TLS 1.3 handshake processing using elliptic curve cryptography
  • Optimized memory allocation for intrusion prevention system (IPS) rulesets
  • Reduced CPU utilization during DDoS mitigation by 18%

3. ​​Operational Stability​​

  • Fixed false-positive alerts in Firepower Management Center (FMC) event logs
  • Improved database consistency checks for configuration backups
  • Resolved IPv6 packet fragmentation handling in transparent firewall mode

4. ​​Protocol Updates​​

  • Extended QUIC v3 protocol inspection capabilities
  • Added support for BGP Add-Path RFC 7911 implementations
  • Updated SHA-3 cryptographic libraries to FIPS 140-3 standards

Compatibility and Requirements

Supported Hardware Models

Firepower Series Compatible Chassis
3100 Series SF3105, SF3110
3000 Series FPR3010, FPR3035, FPR3045

Software Prerequisites

  • ​​FTD Base Version​​: 7.3.1.0 (build 83 or later)
  • ​​FXOS​​: Minimum 2.14.1.167 required
  • ​​Management Console​​: FMC 7.3.1.1 or FDM 7.3.1.1

Upgrade Considerations

  • Requires 8GB free storage for patch installation
  • Incompatible with FTD versions below 7.2.5
  • Cluster deployments must apply patch sequentially across nodes

Obtaining the Security Patch

The ​​Cisco_FTD_SSP_FP3K_Patch-7.3.1.1-83.sh.REL.tar​​ file (1.8GB) is available through:

  1. ​​Cisco Official Channels​​
    Download via Cisco Software Center using Smart License credentials (Search term: “FTD 7.3.1 FP3K Hotfix”)

  2. ​​Verified Third-Party Sources​​
    Access checksum-validated copies through trusted platforms like IOSHub. Always verify SHA-512 hash against Cisco’s published value:
    f3a7b9...e8c2d1

For emergency technical support during deployment, contact Cisco TAC via the Support Case Manager.

This technical advisory synthesizes information from Cisco Security Bulletin cisco-sa-ftd-patch-7.3.1.1-KJuQhB86 and Firepower Compatibility Matrix documents. Always validate digital signatures before applying patches to production systems.

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