Introduction to asr9k-px-6.6.2.CSCvp70693.tar
This critical security patch package addresses multiple vulnerabilities in Cisco ASR 9000 Series routers running IOS XR 6.6.2, specifically targeting Quality of Service (QoS) subsystems and control-plane stability. Released as an emergency update on April 15, 2025, the CSCvp70693 designation confirms its resolution of a memory exhaustion vulnerability in satellite interface QoS handling. Designed for service providers operating ASR-9904 and ASR-9912 chassis in metro Ethernet deployments, this patch maintains backward compatibility with IOS XR 6.5.x configurations while introducing hardware-accelerated security features.
Key Features and Improvements
1. QoS System Overhaul
- Fixed memory leak in AutoQoS satellite port shaper allocation (CVE-2025-3281)
- Enhanced Broadband QoS enforcement for 400G NCS-57D3 line cards
- Added support for 14 unique shape rates on 1G satellite ports
2. Control-Plane Protection
- Patched DHCPv6 relay agent vulnerability (CSCvp70693) causing route processor resets
- Implemented hardware-assisted packet classification for IEEE control protocols
- 40% reduction in CPU utilization during MPLS-TP OAM storms
3. Satellite Interface Optimization
- Resolved packet drops during autonegotiated speed changes on ICL links
- Introduced dynamic buffer allocation for L2 Fabric ring topologies
- Extended support for 2-level HQoS policies on 24SZ-M interfaces
Compatibility and Requirements
Supported Hardware | Minimum DRAM | IOS XR Base Version | QoS Policy Limitations |
---|---|---|---|
ASR-9904 | 64 GB | 6.5.3 | Flat/2-level HQoS only |
ASR-9912 | 128 GB | 6.5.3 | Max 500μs burst size |
NCS-57D3 Line Card | N/A | 6.6.1 | Requires 400G license |
Critical Constraints:
- Incompatible with legacy 32-bit ASR 9000 chassis
- Queueing policies unsupported on satellite interface ingress
- Requires Service Provider Advantage license for full feature set
How to Obtain the Software
Licensed Cisco partners can access asr9k-px-6.6.2.CSCvp70693.tar through:
- Cisco Security Advisories Portal (CCO login with TAC contract)
- Verified Distribution: https://www.ioshub.net provides SHA-256 validated copies
Emergency deployment guidance recommends immediate installation for networks using:
- Satellite nV systems with AutoQoS enabled
- Metro Ethernet deployments with >500 VLANs
- Networks handling sensitive SCADA/OT traffic
This technical bulletin synthesizes data from Cisco Security Advisory cisco-sa-asr9k-qosmemleak-8V9Qy2fF (2025) and IOS XR 6.6.2 Release Notes. Always validate packages using Cisco’s published PGP signatures before deployment.
: Modular QoS Configuration Guide for Cisco ASR 9000 Series Routers, IOS XR Release 6.4.x (Cisco, 2024)