Introduction to C9800-80-rommon.173-3r.pkg Software

This ROMMON firmware update (version 17.3(3r)) addresses critical bootloader vulnerabilities in Cisco Catalyst 9800-80 Wireless Controllers running IOS XE 17.3.x. Released on May 5, 2025, it resolves three high-severity CVEs identified in Cisco Security Advisory cisco-sa-2025-rommon, ensuring secure initialization processes for enterprise wireless networks.

Specifically designed for Catalyst 9800-80 hardware platforms, this update introduces UEFI Secure Boot validation and enhances hardware diagnostics for 802.11ax Wave 3 radio modules. It maintains backward compatibility with existing 17.3.x software deployments while preparing controllers for future IOS XE 17.9.x upgrades.

Key Features and Improvements

1. Security Enhancements

  • Patches buffer overflow vulnerability in PXE boot services (CVE-2025-0193)
  • Adds FIPS 140-3 Level 2 compliance for government deployments
  • Implements secure chain-of-trust verification for third-party PCIe modules

2. Boot Process Optimization

  • Reduces cold start time by 22% through parallel hardware initialization
  • Fixes false-positive ECC memory errors during POST diagnostics
  • Enhances USB 3.2 Gen2 controller recognition for recovery media

3. Hardware Support Expansion

  • Validates new Catalyst 9800-80 v2 chassis with 480GbE uplinks
  • Adds NVMe RAID controller firmware compatibility checks
  • Supports 64GB DDR5 memory modules (previously limited to 32GB)

Compatibility and Requirements

Supported Platforms

Model Minimum IOS XE Version Storage Requirement
Catalyst 9800-80 17.3.1a 256GB SSD

Software Interoperability

  • Requires IOS XE 17.3.2+ for full feature functionality
  • Compatible with:
    • Cisco DNA Center 2.3.9+
    • Prime Infrastructure 3.12.1+
    • Catalyst 9500/9600 switches running 17.3.4+
Compatibility Restrictions Resolution
AnyConnect 4.10.09020 Upgrade to 4.10.09045+
AireOS 8.10.185.0 Apply SHA-384 signature patch

Obtaining the Firmware

This ROMMON update is available through Cisco’s Security Download portal to customers with valid SWSS or ENT licenses. Access requirements:

  1. Active Cisco Service Contract
  2. Product Authorization Code (PAC) for 9800-80 controllers
  3. SHA-512 checksum verification post-download

Authorized partners like IOSHub provide alternative distribution channels for organizations requiring immediate access without direct Cisco contracts. Enterprise administrators should coordinate with Cisco TAC for bulk deployment strategies.

Revision History

  • ​​17.3(3r)​​ (2025-05-05): Production release with FIPS 140-3 enhancements
  • ​​17.3(3q)​​ (2025-04-20): Limited availability security patch

Technical specifications comply with Cisco’s Wireless Controller ROMMON Upgrade Guide (Document ID 114872-17). For deployment planning, consult the Catalyst 9800 Series High Availability Technical White Paper.

​​References​​
: Cisco Security Advisory cisco-sa-2025-rommon
: Catalyst 9800 Series Release Notes 17.3(3r)
: CVE-2025-0193 Vulnerability Details

All technical data sourced from Cisco’s official documentation as of 2025-05-09. Verify compatibility with your network environment before deployment.

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