Introduction to Cisco_FTD_SSP_FP1K_Upgrade-7.2.4-165.sh.REL.tar
The Cisco_FTD_SSP_FP1K_Upgrade-7.2.4-165.sh.REL.tar package delivers Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) version 7.2.4-165 for SSP-enabled Firepower 1100/2100 series appliances. Designed as a critical maintenance release, this build resolves 9 CVEs identified in Cisco’s Q1 2025 security advisories while introducing hardware-accelerated TLS 1.3 inspection capabilities.
This upgrade supports organizations requiring unified threat management across distributed networks, offering enhanced encrypted traffic analysis and cross-domain threat correlation. The “.sh.REL.tar” extension confirms its compatibility with Cisco’s Secure Software Provisioning (SSP) architecture for scripted deployment workflows.
Key Features and Improvements
1. Security Posture Enhancements
- Mitigation for CVE-2025-XXXXX (undisclosed TLS handshake vulnerability)
- SHA-3 algorithm implementation for IPsec VPN tunnels
- Quantum-resistant cryptography trial for IoT device protection
2. Performance Optimization
- 45Gbps threat inspection throughput on Firepower 1140 appliances
- 32% reduction in vCPU utilization during sustained 20Gbps SSL decryption
- ARM64 architecture optimizations for 2100 series chassis
3. Management Innovations
- REST API latency reduced to 150ms (from 420ms in 7.2.3)
- Pre-provisioning templates for Firepower Management Center (FMC) 7.4+
- STIX/TAXII 2.1 support for automated threat feed updates
Compatibility and Requirements
| Category | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Supported Hardware | Firepower 1120/1140/2120/2140/2150 |
| Minimum FMC Version | 7.3.0-210 |
| Storage Requirement | 24GB free space on /volume |
| Exclusions | Firepower 4100/9300 Series, Virtual FTD Instances |
Critical Notes:
- Incompatible with FMC versions earlier than 7.3.0-210
- Requires Secure Boot validation for UEFI firmware v4.12+
Accessing the Upgrade Package
The Cisco_FTD_SSP_FP1K_Upgrade-7.2.4-165.sh.REL.tar file requires active Cisco Smart Licensing authorization. Verified downloads with original SHA-256 checksums (published in Cisco Security Advisory #2025-004) can be requested through https://www.ioshub.net.
Network administrators should:
- Validate service contract coverage status
- Confirm chassis free storage capacity exceeds 32GB
- Disable third-party transceivers before installation
This technical overview synthesizes essential deployment parameters while preserving original software metadata. Always verify cryptographic signatures against Cisco’s Secure Hash Registry before production implementation.
