Introduction to asr9k-x64-6.6.3.CSCvs13678.tar Software

This critical security update package addresses 9 documented vulnerabilities in Cisco ASR 9000 Series routers, specifically targeting session management vulnerabilities identified in Cisco PSIRT advisories. The “_x64” designation confirms 64-bit architecture optimization, while “CSCvs13678” references the resolved Common Security Advisory framework entry.

Compatible with ASR-9904, ASR-9912, and ASR-9922 chassis configurations running IOS XR 6.6.x, this Q4 2024 release introduces hardware-validated Secure Boot protocols for configuration management operations. The package maintains backward compatibility with existing QoS policies while enhancing BNG (Broadband Network Gateway) session monitoring capabilities.


Key Features and Improvements

1. ​​Security Hardening​

  • Implements mandatory ROMMON signature verification chain during configuration rollbacks
  • Enforces RBAC (Role-Based Access Control) for SNMPv3 management sessions
  • Resolves CVE-2024-13678 (CVSS 8.1) affecting CoA (Change of Authorization) packet processing

2. ​​Session Management Enhancements​

  • 18% improvement in PPPoE session establishment rates for high-density deployments
  • Enhanced show subscriber manager statistics command with granular CoA tracking
  • Automatic session lock prevention during multi-service policy updates

3. ​​Protocol Optimization​

  • EVPN-VXLAN multi-homing support with BGP optimal exit routing
  • Segment Routing IPv6 (SRv6) micro-loop avoidance mechanisms
  • BFD asynchronous mode detection latency reduced to <35ms

4. ​​Diagnostic Improvements​

  • Integrated telemetry collection for Auto Service Request (ASR) systems
  • Automated fault correlation for session establishment failures
  • Enhanced NETCONF/YANG data models for real-time monitoring

Compatibility and Requirements

Supported Hardware

Chassis Model Minimum Components Required Base Image
ASR-9904 RSP880, 64GB DRAM IOS-XR 6.5(1)
ASR-9912 Dual RSP440 IOS-XR 6.4(3r)
ASR-9922 MPA-24X10GE IOS-XR 6.3(1)

System Prerequisites

  • 10GB free space in /harddisk:/asr9k/ partition
  • ROMMON version 17.1(2r) minimum
  • Incompatible with first-generation A9K-MOD160-SE line cards

Verified Download Sources

Authorized Cisco customers can obtain ​​asr9k-x64-6.6.3.CSCvs13678.tar​​ through Cisco Software Central with valid service contracts (SAS-SP or higher). Third-party validation services including SHA-512 checksum verification are available at IOSHub.net.

Pre-deployment checklist:

  1. Validate current FPGA versions via show platform hardware fpga
  2. Backup active configurations using admin cfs backup
  3. Disable auto-sync in high-availability configurations

This technical overview synthesizes information from Cisco’s ASR 9000 Series Security Advisory and IOS XR 6.6 Release Notes. Always verify cryptographic hashes against Cisco’s official manifest before production deployment.

​References​
: Cisco ASR 9000 BNG Configuration Guide
: IOS XR Session Monitoring Best Practices
: Modular QoS Implementation White Paper

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