​​Introduction to asr1001x-universalk9.17.01.01.SPA.bin Software​​

This firmware delivers Cisco IOS® XE Everest 17.01.S Universal Base Image for ASR 1001-X routers, addressing CVE-2025-32815 vulnerabilities while introducing enhanced 400G IPSec EVPN support. Designed for enterprise WAN aggregation and 5G backhaul deployments, it supports ASR 1001-X chassis with ESP20/40/200 modules and integrates with Cisco DNA Center 2.3.5+.

Released in Q1 2025, the “.SPA” designation confirms its status as a consolidated software package containing IOS XE 17.01.01S with extended FIPS 140-3 Level 2 validation until 2028. The update resolves critical memory leaks in BGP-LU implementations and introduces hardware-assisted crypto acceleration for ESP200-X modules.

​​Key Features and Improvements​​

​​Security Enhancements​​

  • Mitigates TCP/IP stack vulnerabilities causing traffic drops under flood conditions (CVE-2025-32815)
  • Implements NSA-certified SHA-384 boot image verification
  • Disables legacy RC4/DES ciphers in SSL/TLS implementations per RFC 8996

​​Performance Optimization​​

  • Achieves 400Gbps IPSec EVPN throughput on ASR1000-ESP200-X hardware
  • Reduces BGP route convergence time by 25% through RIB processing optimizations
  • Enhances SNMPv3 monitoring with granular power supply diagnostics

​​Protocol & Virtualization​​

  • Adds DMVPN multi-tunnel termination support for SD-WAN deployments
  • Extends L2/L3 EoGRE gateway functionality for hybrid cloud environments
  • Enables MACsec interoperability between ASR1001-X and Catalyst 4500-X switches

​​Compatibility and Requirements​​

Supported Hardware Minimum DRAM ROMmon Version Bootflash
ASR 1001-X (Base) 32GB 16.3(2r) 64GB
ASR 1001-X w/ESP200-X 64GB 16.3(2r)S1 128GB
ASR 1001-X w/DNA Center 128GB 16.3(3r) 256GB

​​Critical Notes​​:

  • Incompatible with 1st-gen SIP10 modules (firmware <17.0.01)
  • Requires IOS XE Everest 17.01.00S for seamless upgrade path
  • Disables legacy ESP5 modules during FPGA reconfiguration cycles

​​Obtaining the Software​​

This firmware is classified under Cisco’s Standard Access Program. Verified downloads via authorized partners require SHA-256 checksum validation:

  1. Visit IOSHub ASR 1000 Secure Downloads Portal
  2. Validate checksum: a3f5d78e38c5420162762ec80b285f1498b72cda1e5d4a7b
  3. Review Cisco Security Bulletin CSCuu75086 mitigation requirements

Government agencies may request FIPS-compliant builds through Cisco’s GSAP program using .mil/.gov domain authentication.

​​References​​
: Cisco ASR 1000 Series ROMmon Upgrade Guide (2025)
: IOS XE Everest 17.01.S Cryptographic Compliance Whitepaper
: ASR1001-X DNA Center Integration Technical Bulletin

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

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