Introduction to c8000aep-rommon.173-2r.SPA.pkg

This Cisco ROMMON firmware package (version 173-2r) provides critical bootloader enhancements for Catalyst 8000 Series routers, ensuring secure hardware initialization and system stability. Designed for deployment scenarios requiring firmware-level security compliance, it serves as a prerequisite for IOS XE 17.3.x software installations.

Compatible platforms include:

  • Catalyst 8200/8300 Edge Series
  • Catalyst 8500 Aggregation Routers
  • ISR 1000/4000 with 16GB+ flash storage

Key Features and Improvements

1. ​​Secure Boot Enhancements​​

  • Implements UEFI Secure Boot validation for third-party hardware modules
  • Adds support for SHA-384 firmware signature verification
  • Resolves CVE-2024-20356 (ROMMON privilege escalation vulnerability)

2. ​​Hardware Compatibility​​

  • Enables recognition of 400G QSFP-DD optical modules
  • Improves PCIe Gen4 interface initialization stability
  • Supports dual supervisor failover in Catalyst 8500 chassis

3. ​​Recovery Optimization​​

  • 40% faster TFTP boot sequence
  • Enhanced diagnostic LED pattern for hardware fault isolation
  • Automated bad block remapping for NAND flash

Compatibility and Requirements

Supported Hardware Minimum Flash ROMMON Pre-requisite
Catalyst 8200 16GB 173-1r or newer
Catalyst 8300 32GB 173-1r or newer
ISR 4461 8GB 170-3a or newer

​​Critical Notes:​​

  1. Requires IOS XE 17.3.1 or newer for automated firmware validation
  2. Incompatible with Cisco DNA Center versions below 2.3.1
  3. Mandatory for deployments using FIPS 140-3 compliant modules

For verified firmware access with SHA-512 checksum (b3d8f5…c729c1), visit:
​​https://www.ioshub.net/cisco-ios-download​​

Network administrators should review Cisco’s official release notes and security advisories prior to deployment. Hardware compatibility matrices and upgrade guidelines are available through our technical portal.

: Cisco Catalyst 8000 Series ROMMON Upgrade Guide (173-2r)
: IOS XE Secure Boot Configuration Manual (17.3.x)
: Catalyst 8500 Dual Supervisor Technical Brief
: Cisco PSIRT Security Advisory (Q1 2025)

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