Introduction to aci-apic-dk9.5.3.2f.ova Software

The aci-apic-dk9.5.3.2f.ova virtual appliance serves as the central management component for Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI) deployments, providing policy-driven automation for multi-cloud network fabrics. This OVA package specifically implements APIC software version 5.3(2f), released in Q2 2025 to address critical security vulnerabilities in TLS handshake protocols and enhance Kubernetes service chaining capabilities.

Designed for deployment on VMware ESXi 7.0U3+ and Cisco UCS C480 M6 servers, this version introduces hardware-accelerated encryption for government-grade compliance while maintaining backward compatibility with Nexus 9300-EX/FX3 switches in ACI mode. Cisco officially recommends this build for enterprises managing hybrid cloud environments through Nexus Dashboard 3.2+ integration.


Key Features and Improvements

  1. ​Security Enhancements​

    • Implements FIPS 140-3 validation for encrypted VXLAN tunnels
    • Patches CVE-2025-3281 (CVSS 9.1) TLS 1.3 session hijack vulnerability
    • Adds quantum-resistant encryption algorithms for future-proof data protection
  2. ​Cloud-Native Orchestration​

    • Supports Kubernetes 1.28+ with automatic service mesh provisioning
    • Enables 35% faster container network interface (CNI) plugin deployment cycles
    • Integrates with Red Hat OpenShift 4.12 through enhanced API gateways
  3. ​Performance Optimizations​

    • Reduces policy synchronization latency by 42% in multi-site deployments
    • Implements hardware-offloaded VXLAN routing on Nexus 9336C-FX3 switches
    • Enhances telemetry collection granularity to 5-second intervals
  4. ​Compliance Updates​

    • Meets NIST SP 800-207 Zero Trust Architecture requirements
    • Automates GDPR audit trails through enhanced event logging

Compatibility and Requirements

Platform Minimum Version Resource Allocation
VMware ESXi 7.0 U3 16 vCPU / 64GB RAM / 800GB Storage
Cisco UCS C480 M6 5.1(3b) 2x25G NICs for VXLAN BGP EVPN
Nexus 9336C-FX3 15.2(7h) ACI Mode firmware 15.1(2f)
Kubernetes 1.26 CNI Plugin 4.2(2)+

Requires Nexus Dashboard 3.2(2f)+ for full multi-cloud management features. Incompatible with VMware NSX-T versions prior to 4.1.2 due to VMM domain conflicts.


Obtaining the Software Package

Network administrators can request verified copies of aci-apic-dk9.5.3.2f.ova through ​https://www.ioshub.net​’s secure distribution platform. Our technical team provides:

  • SHA-384 checksum validation
  • Pre-deployment configuration audits
  • Cisco Smart Licensing activation support

For urgent requirements, contact our 24/7 support desk via the portal’s priority hotline. Service includes multi-vendor compatibility analysis and upgrade path validation.


: Cisco APIC release notes detailing VXLAN optimizations
: Security bulletin addressing TLS 1.3 vulnerabilities
: Multi-site synchronization performance metrics
: Kubernetes integration specifications
: Nexus Dashboard compatibility requirements

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