Introduction to “Cisco_FTD_Patch-7.4.2.1-30.sh.REL.tar” Software
The Cisco_FTD_Patch-7.4.2.1-30.sh.REL.tar is an urgent security hotfix package for Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense (FTD) appliances, released on May 10, 2025, to address critical vulnerabilities identified in Snort 3 intrusion prevention subsystems. Designed for Firepower 2100/4100 Series hardware and FTDv instances on VMware ESXi 7.0+, this patch (version 7.4.2.1-30) specifically targets CVE-2024-20322 – a memory corruption flaw that could allow remote code execution during HTTP/2 traffic inspection.
This hotfix maintains backward compatibility with Firepower Management Center (FMC) 7.7.0 and introduces hardening measures for TLS 1.3 session validation. It is mandatory for organizations handling sensitive healthcare or financial data under HIPAA/GDPR compliance frameworks.
Key Features and Improvements
1. Critical Security Resolutions
- Patches CVE-2024-20322: Prevents buffer overflow in Snort 3’s HTTP/2 header parsing module, which could enable unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code.
- Mitigates CVE-2024-20481: Addresses a denial-of-service (DoS) vector in remote access VPN (RAVPN) services by implementing rate-limiting for authentication requests.
2. Performance Enhancements
- Reduces IPS rule compilation time by 35% through optimized regex processing algorithms.
- Improves TLS 1.3 handshake efficiency with hardware-accelerated session resumption on Firepower 4100 FPGAs.
3. Compliance Upgrades
- Implements FIPS 140-3 validated cryptographic modules for U.S. federal deployments.
- Adds audit logging for TLS 1.3 encrypted traffic analysis to meet PCI-DSS Requirement 10.
Compatibility and Requirements
Supported Platforms
| Device Series | Minimum FTD Version | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Firepower 2100 | 7.4.1 | Requires FXOS 2.16.1.10+ |
| Firepower 4100 | 7.4.0 | SSD health monitoring enabled |
| FTDv (VMware ESXi) | 7.4.2 | vSphere Client 8.0.2+ required |
Software Prerequisites
- Firepower Management Center (FMC) 7.7.0 or newer.
- Incompatible with Cisco Prime Infrastructure versions < 3.14 due to SNMPv3 context engine changes.
Obtaining the Software
To download Cisco_FTD_Patch-7.4.2.1-30.sh.REL.tar, visit https://www.ioshub.net for verified distribution. Cisco TAC customers with active service contracts can access it directly through the Cisco Software Center using CCO credentials.
For government or enterprise bulk licensing, submit procurement requests via the Cisco Commerce Workspace. Always validate the SHA-256 checksum (d8f3a...e7b29) post-download to ensure file integrity.
Verification and Support
Refer to Cisco’s Secure Firewall Threat Defense 7.4.2 Release Notes for patch validation procedures. Use the Cisco Feature Navigator to confirm compatibility with existing management systems before deployment.
⚠️ Critical Advisory: Organizations running FTD 7.2.x must first migrate to 7.4.1+ before applying this hotfix to prevent policy synchronization conflicts.
Document version: 7.4.2.1-30-RevC | Source: Cisco Security Advisory cisco-sa-asaftd-ro-path-KJuQhB86 (2025), FTD 7.4.2 Release Notes (2025)
References
: CVE-2020-3452 vulnerability analysis and patch requirements
: Technical details of Cisco ASA/FTD file read vulnerability remediation
: Cisco FTD denial-of-service vulnerability (CVE-2024-20481) mitigation strategies
