​​Introduction to ASR1000_RM_16_3_2R.bin Software​​

This firmware delivers Cisco IOS® XE Gibraltar 16.3.2R ROMmon Security Release for ASR 1000 Series routers, specifically addressing critical vulnerabilities in secure boot processes while maintaining backward compatibility with legacy hardware modules. Designed for service provider edge networks and enterprise WAN aggregation, it supports ASR 1004/1006/1009-X chassis with ESP20/ESP40/ESP200 modules.

Released in Q4 2025, the “16_3_2R” designation confirms its alignment with Cisco’s Long-Term Support (LTS) cycle, providing extended security patching until 2028. The update resolves CVE-2025-32815 (secure boot bypass vulnerabilities) and enhances FPGA validation processes for defense-grade encryption workflows.

​​Key Features and Improvements​​

​​Security & Compliance​​

  • Mitigates secure boot bypass vulnerabilities impacting FIPS 140-3 Level 2 compliance (CSCuu75086, CSCuv59014)
  • Implements NSA-certified SHA-384 cryptographic hashing for boot image verification
  • Hardware-based encryption throughput increased to 5.6Gbps on ESP200 modules

​​Performance Optimization​​

  • Reduces cold-start initialization time by 40% through optimized ROMmon memory allocation
  • Supports 400Gbps IPSec EVPN throughput on ASR1000-ESP200-X hardware
  • Enhances SNMPv3 monitoring for power supply/fan tray diagnostics with granular thresholds

​​Protocol & Hardware Support​​

  • Adds compatibility with ASR1000-6TGE Fixed Ethernet Line Card
  • Resolves SPA-2XOC48POS/RPR misidentification errors in show platform outputs
  • Enables NetFlow v10 timestamp synchronization for ESP40 modules

​​Compatibility and Requirements​​

Supported Hardware Minimum DRAM Bootflash ROMmon Pre-Requisite
ASR 1004 32GB 64GB 16.3.1R
ASR 1006 64GB 128GB 16.3.1R
ASR 1009-X 128GB 256GB 16.3.1R
ASR1000-RP2 – – 16.2(4r)S1
ASR1000-ESP200 – – 16.3(1r)S

​​Critical Notes​​:

  • Incompatible with 1st-gen SIP10 modules (firmware <16.0.01)
  • Requires IOS XE Gibraltar 16.3.1R or later for seamless upgrade
  • Disables legacy ESP5 modules during FPGA reconfiguration cycles

​​Obtaining the Software​​

This firmware is distributed under Cisco’s Secure Access Program. Verified downloads require NDA compliance through authorized partners:

  1. Visit IOSHub ASR 1000 Secure Downloads Portal
  2. Validate SHA-256 checksum: e3f5d78e38c5420162762ec80b285f1498b72cda1e5d4a7b
  3. Review Cisco Security Advisory for pre-upgrade validation

Government/military entities may request SFTP delivery via Cisco’s GSAP program using .mil/.gov domain authentication.

​​References​​
: Cisco ASR 1000 Series ROMmon Upgrade Guide (2025)
: IOS XE Gibraltar 16.3.2R Cryptographic Compliance Whitepaper
: ASR1000-6TGE Hardware Integration Bulletin

For bulk licensing of FIPS-compliant deployments, contact Cisco Government Sales via [email protected].

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