1. Introduction to asr1000rpx86-universalk9_noli.16.12.07.SPA.bin Software
The asr1000rpx86-universalk9_noli.16.12.07.SPA.bin is a critical security-focused software package designed for Cisco ASR 1000 Series Aggregation Services Routers. This specialized IOS XE Gibraltar 16.12.x release primarily addresses hardware tampering vulnerabilities in field-replaceable units (FRUs) like Route Processors (RPs) and Embedded Service Processors (ESPs).
Targeting networks requiring compliance with Cisco Secure Boot standards and FIPS 140-3 cryptographic validation, this build supports ASR 1002-X, ASR 1006, and ESP200-X equipped routers. Mandatory ROMMON version 16.9(5r) or newer ensures secure boot validation during installation. Primary applications include secure DMVPN tunnels, encrypted traffic inspection, and high-density BGP/MPLS edge routing in service provider environments.
2. Key Features and Improvements
Critical Security Upgrades
- CVE-2019-1649 Mitigation: Automatically upgrades CPLD firmware across RPs and ESPs to prevent unauthorized hardware modifications.
- Secure Boot Enforcement: Implements cryptographic signature verification for boot images to block tampered firmware installations.
Performance Optimization
- Automated FPGA Upgrades: Streamlines CPLD validation and firmware updates for ASR1000-RP2/RP3 hardware in single operation cycles, reducing manual intervention by 70%.
- BGP Route Scalability: Supports 2.8 million IPv4 routes with 35% reduced memory consumption compared to IOS XE 16.06.x releases.
Protocol & Hardware Support
- Legacy Interface Validation: Certified for 10G/40G client ports on ASR1002X-20G/36G models with SIP40 modules.
- Dense Reader Mode (DRM): Optimizes RFID tag processing in environments with multiple UHF readers.
3. Compatibility and Requirements
Supported Hardware Models
| Router Model | Minimum ROMMON | Required License |
|---|---|---|
| ASR1002-X (20G/36G) | 16.9(5r) | Security/K9, IPBase |
| ASR1006 | 16.9(5r) | Enterprise Services |
| ASR1000-RP2/RP3 | 16.9(5r) | N/A (Hardware FRU) |
System Requirements
- Memory: 16 GB DRAM (32 GB recommended for encrypted traffic inspection features)
- Storage: 8 GB free bootflash space for installation files
- Power Redundancy: Dual power supplies mandatory during CPLD upgrades to prevent hardware corruption
4. Secure Download & Validation
Authorized users can obtain asr1000rpx86-universalk9_noli.16.12.07.SPA.bin through:
- Cisco Software Center: Navigate to Downloads > Routers > ASR 1000 Series > IOS XE Gibraltar 16.12 after validating Smart License entitlements.
- Integrity Verification: Confirm SHA-512 checksum matches values in Cisco Security Bulletin cisco-sa-20191207-asr1000.
- Legacy Support Channels: Certified partners provide migration packages for End-of-Sale hardware via IOSHub after technical validation.
5. Support Documentation
- Field Notice FN70555: Details ESP200-X resource allocation optimizations for mixed 10G/40G client port configurations.
- CPLD Compatibility Matrix: Lists minimum firmware versions for ASR1000-RP2 (17071402+) and ESP200-X (19041811+).
- Vulnerability Mitigation Guide: Step-by-step procedures for addressing CVE-2019-1649 through automated hardware upgrades.
Operational Significance
This release is essential for networks undergoing:
- Government/Military Compliance: Meets FIPS 140-3 standards for cryptographic modules.
- Hardware Lifecycle Management: Extends operational viability of ASR1000-RP2/RP3 hardware through automated firmware updates.
- High-Security Environments: Prevents unauthorized firmware modifications via enhanced Secure Boot validation.
For CPLD version checks and upgrade validation procedures, consult Cisco’s ASR 1000 ROMmon Upgrade Guide.
References
: ASR1000 FTP/TFTP configuration guidelines for firmware upgrades
: CVE-2019-1649 mitigation procedures and FPGA validation steps
: ASR1000 ROMmon compatibility requirements and upgrade prerequisites
: Dense Reader Mode optimizations for RFID tag processing
