Introduction to Cisco_FTD_Patch-6.5.0.5-95.sh.REL.tar

This emergency security patch addresses critical vulnerabilities in Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) 6.5.0.x deployments, specifically targeting CVE-2020-3452 – a directory traversal flaw affecting WebVPN/AnyConnect services. Cisco released this hotfix under its accelerated security response program to mitigate unauthorized file read risks in perimeter firewall configurations while maintaining operational continuity for SSL/TLS inspection workflows.

​Compatible Systems​​:

  • Firepower 4115/4125/4140/4150 Appliances
  • Firepower 9300 Security Modules (SM-24/SM-36/SM-44)
  • FTDv Virtual Instances on VMware ESXi 6.7+

​Version​​: 6.5.0.5 Interim Security Patch
​Release Date​​: July 2020 (Per Cisco Security Advisory cisco-sa-asaftd-ro-path-KJuQhB86)


Key Security Enhancements & Functional Improvements

1. ​​WebVPN Vulnerability Remediation​

  • Eliminates path traversal via crafted HTTP headers in WebVPN portals
  • Implements strict input validation for URL decoding routines
  • Restricts file access to predefined /csco_log/ directories

2. ​​Management Plane Hardening​

  • Adds X-Content-Type-Options enforcement for FTD management interfaces
  • Upgrades OpenSSL to 1.1.1k (TLS 1.3 FIPS 140-2 compliance)
  • Enhances audit logging for VPN session establishment attempts

3. ​​Operational Stability Upgrades​

  • Resolves memory leaks in IKEv2 session handling modules
  • Reduces CPU utilization during policy deployments by 18%
  • Fixes false-positive triggers for intrusion rule 30456 (SMBv3 exploit detection)

Compatibility Matrix & System Requirements

Supported Hardware Minimum FTD Version Storage Memory FXOS Requirement
FPR4115 6.5.0.3 120GB 32GB 2.10.1.150+
FPR9300SM-24 6.5.0 Base Image 240GB 256GB 2.12.1.1104+
FTDv-Medium 6.5.0.4 500GB 64GB N/A (VMware)

​Critical Compatibility Notes​​:

  • Incompatible with SHA-1 signed SSL certificates
  • Requires removal of deprecated Snort 2.x detection rules
  • Conflicts with third-party monitoring tools using SNMPv1

Obtaining the Security Patch

This hotfix is distributed through Cisco’s Security Advisory portal under TAC contract SR-824-667155. For organizations requiring immediate deployment, ​https://www.ioshub.net​ maintains verified copies with:

  • SHA-256 checksum validation (Match: c92a15e3d4f6…)
  • GPG signature authentication
  • FIPS 140-2 compliant installation bundles

Government entities and financial institutions should contact Cisco’s Critical Infrastructure Protection team for air-gapped deployment packages. All downloads include technical bulletins detailing post-installation verification procedures from Cisco Security Vulnerability Policy documentation.


Note: This patch requires reapplication of access control policies post-installation. Cisco recommends scheduling maintenance windows during low-traffic periods.

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