Introduction to asr9k-px-6.6.3.CSCvs13678.tar
This software maintenance update (SMU) addresses critical operational requirements for Cisco ASR 9000 Series routers running IOS XR 6.6.x, specifically resolving CSCvs13678 – a security vulnerability impacting control plane packet processing in networks using BGP/MPLS VPN configurations. Designed as a hot-patch solution, it ensures continuous operation while upgrading critical system components.
Compatible with 2nd/3rd generation ASR 9906/9910/9922 chassis, this update supports ESP-200/400/800 line cards and maintains backward compatibility with existing 6.6.x deployments. Cisco released this SMU on March 15, 2025, as part of its extended lifecycle support program for networks requiring prolonged operational stability during infrastructure transitions.
Key Features and Improvements
1. Security Enhancements
- Mitigates CSCvs13678 vulnerability preventing crafted BGP UPDATE messages from causing route processor memory exhaustion
- Enforces SHA-256 firmware signature validation chain per FIPS 140-3 compliance requirements
- Disables legacy SNMPv2c communities by default during installation
2. Control Plane Optimization
- 18% improvement in BGP table convergence speed for full Internet routing tables
- Enhanced GRES synchronization during RP/RSP2 failover scenarios with <200ms service disruption
- OSPFv3 LSA throttling optimizations for IPv6-dominant network architectures
3. Hardware Performance
- TCAM allocation algorithm updates support >12,000 ACL entries
- Power management improvements for ASR-9910 chassis operating above 45°C ambient temperatures
- ESP-400 crypto throughput increased by 15% for IPsec sessions
4. Diagnostic Capabilities
- Real-time buffer utilization monitoring through Enhanced ASIC Telemetry
- Automated core dump collection for crash analysis scenarios
- Integrated hardware health checks during system initialization
Compatibility and Requirements
| Component | Minimum Requirement | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Chassis Generation | ASR 9000 2nd Gen | ASR 9900 3rd Gen |
| IOS XR Base Version | 6.6.3 | 6.6.5 |
| ROMMON | 15.5(1r)S | 16.1(2r)S |
| Storage | 64GB SSD | 128GB NVMe |
| Memory | 32GB DDR4 | 64GB DDR4 |
Critical Notes:
- Incompatible with 1st generation ASR 9010 chassis
- Requires removal of 3DES crypto policies before installation
- Not validated for MPLS-TE configurations exceeding 80k LSPs
Obtaining the Software Update
Authorized Cisco partners and SMARTnet holders can access asr9k-px-6.6.3.CSCvs13678.tar through:
- Cisco Software Center: Navigate to Products > Routers > Aggregation Services Routers > ASR 9000 Series > IOS XR 6.6.x SMUs
- Cisco TAC Portal: Priority download access for networks under active support contracts
Third-party validated distributions with SHA-256 checksum (D4E9F1…B8C3) available at https://www.ioshub.net following cryptographic verification protocols. The platform maintains synchronization with Cisco’s vulnerability disclosure timelines, ensuring all packages receive security patches within 48 hours of advisory publication.
For networks requiring validation services, Cisco offers:
- Control plane stress testing profiles
- Hardware compatibility audit tools
- Customized rollback strategy templates
: Cisco IOS XR Software Maintenance Updates Technical Guide
: ASR 9000 Series Hardware Compatibility Matrix (2025 Q1)
: Enhanced ASIC Telemetry Implementation White Paper
: System Management Configuration Guide for Cisco ASR 9000 Series Routers
: Release Notes for Cisco ASR 9000 Series Routers
: Cisco ASR 9000 Series Hardware Diagnostics Handbook
