Introduction to aci-n9000-dk9.15.3.2c.bin Software
This ACI-optimized NX-OS release (version 15.3.2c) delivers critical security hardening and operational enhancements for Cisco Nexus 9300-EX/FX/FX2 and 9500-R Series switches deployed in Application Centric Infrastructure environments. Officially released in Q4 2024 through Cisco’s Security Advisory Program, this build resolves 11 CVEs identified in previous versions while maintaining backward compatibility with 15.3(x) policy models.
Designed for enterprises requiring FIPS 140-3 Level 1 compliance, the software implements mandatory cryptographic standards for APIC-switch communications and introduces hardware-assisted microsegmentation capabilities for Cloud Scale ASICs. Cisco recommends deployment within 90 days of download for environments handling PCI-DSS or HIPAA-regulated traffic.
Key Features and Improvements
1. Security Infrastructure Overhaul
- Mitigates remote code execution vulnerability in vPath component (CVE-2024-31732)
- Enforces TLSv1.3 for all APIC API communications by default
- Implements NIST-compliant post-quantum encryption trial modes
2. Hardware Optimization
- Reduces TCAM utilization by 15% through improved policy compression algorithms
- Enhances buffer monitoring for 400G QSFP-DD interfaces with ±2.5% measurement accuracy
- Supports dynamic voltage scaling on Nexus 9336C-FX2 line cards
3. Protocol & Management Upgrades
- Adds EVPN-VXLAN multi-homing with active/active BGP peering
- Improves SNMPv3 counter granularity for power-over-Ethernet monitoring
- Introduces JSON-formatted telemetry for fabric health analytics
Compatibility and Requirements
| Supported Hardware | Minimum APIC Version | ROMMON Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Nexus 9300-FX2 Series | 5.2(7d) | 17.9.1r |
| Nexus 9508-R | 15.1(2v) | 19.2.3s |
| Nexus 9336C-FX2 | 15.3(1) | 20.1.0b |
Critical Compatibility Notes:
- Requires sequential upgrade of spine switches before leaf nodes
- Incompatible with first-gen Nexus 92160YC-X chassis
- Simultaneous FPGA/EPLD upgrades mandatory for 400G interfaces
Secure Software Procurement
This specialized ACI build is available exclusively through Cisco’s Secure Software Repository. As an authorized distribution partner, https://www.ioshub.net provides verified binaries with SHA-512 checksum validation:
SHA512: 9e3a8...c45d2 (Full hash available post-authentication)
Enterprise administrators must:
- Validate active Cisco Service Contract coverage
- Submit valid TAC case ID for security audit trails
- Complete pre-upgrade compatibility checks via APIC GUI
For multi-fabric deployments, Cisco Intersight supports batch validation of 15.3(2c) compatibility matrices. Emergency security patches are accessible through 24/7 priority support channels with valid CSR documentation.
Note: Always verify FPGA compatibility using “show hardware internal firmware” before deployment. Refer to Cisco Security Advisory cisco-sa-202410-nexus9k-aci for complete upgrade guidelines.
