1. Introduction to asr1000rpx86-universalk9_noli.16.06.07.SPA.bin Software
The asr1000rpx86-universalk9_noli.16.06.07.SPA.bin is a critical security-focused software release for Cisco ASR 1000 Series Aggregation Services Routers, designed to address hardware tampering vulnerabilities in field-replaceable units (FRUs) such as Route Processors (RPs) and Embedded Service Processors (ESPs). Part of the IOS XE Gibraltar 16.06.x software train, this build serves as a specialized tool to automate CPLD/FPGA upgrades across modular chassis components while maintaining backward compatibility with legacy hardware configurations.
This release targets networks requiring compliance with Cisco Secure Boot standards and FIPS 140-3 cryptographic validation. It supports ASR 1002-X, ASR 1006, and ESP200-X equipped routers, with mandatory ROMMON version 16.9(5r) or newer for secure boot validation. Primary use cases 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: Resolves hardware tampering vulnerabilities in FRUs by upgrading CPLD firmware across RPs, ESPs, and line cards automatically during installation.
- Secure Boot Validation: Enforces cryptographic signature checks for boot images to prevent unauthorized firmware modifications.
Performance Enhancements
- Automated FPGA Upgrades: Streamlines CPLD version validation and firmware updates for ASR1000-RP2/RP3 and ESP200-X hardware in a single operation, reducing manual intervention by 70%.
- BGP Route Scalability: Supports 2.5 million IPv4 routes with 30% reduced memory consumption compared to 16.03.x releases.
Hardware & Protocol Support
- Legacy Interface Compatibility: Validates configurations for 10G/40G client ports on ASR1002X-20G/36G models.
- 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.16.06.07.SPA.bin through:
- Cisco Software Center: Navigate to Downloads > Routers > ASR 1000 Series > IOS XE Gibraltar 16.06 after validating Smart License entitlements.
- Integrity Verification: Confirm SHA-512 checksum matches values in Cisco Security Bulletin cisco-sa-20190607-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