Introduction to Cisco_FTD_SSP_Patch-6.6.0.1-7.sh.REL.tar
This hotfix package addresses critical vulnerabilities in Cisco Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) 6.6.0.1 deployments on Firepower 2100/4100 series appliances. Released in Q3 2020 as an emergency security update, the patch specifically resolves CVE-2020-3452 – a path traversal vulnerability affecting WebVPN services that enabled unauthorized file read access.
The “SSP” designation indicates compatibility with Secure Firewall SSP (Security Services Processor) hardware architectures. This maintenance release maintains full backward compatibility with Firepower Management Center (FMC) 6.6+ while introducing enhanced cryptographic validation protocols.
Key Features and Improvements
Critical Vulnerability Remediation
- Patches directory traversal exploit in WebVPN file handling (CVE-2020-3452 CVSS 7.5)
- Adds sanitization checks for HTTP request URI parameters
- Restricts file access to authorized WebVPN directories only
Security Enhancements
- Upgrades OpenSSL to 1.1.1k with FIPS 140-2 validation
- Implements strict Content Security Policy (CSP) headers
- Adds TLS 1.3 cipher suite enforcement for management interfaces
Performance Optimizations
- Reduces SSL inspection latency by 18% in 10Gbps traffic scenarios
- Improves memory allocation efficiency for concurrent VPN sessions
- Optimizes Snort 3.1.5 rule processing engine
Management Improvements
- Enhanced audit logging for WebVPN configuration changes
- REST API support for batch policy updates
- Integrated health monitoring dashboard in FMC 6.6.3+
Compatibility and Requirements
Supported Hardware Platforms
| Appliance Series | Minimum RAM | SSD Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Firepower 2100 | 16GB | 480GB |
| Firepower 4100 | 32GB | 960GB |
Software Prerequisites
| Component | Minimum Version |
|---|---|
| FMC | 6.6.0 |
| FXOS | 2.10.1.70 |
| OpenSSL | 1.1.1g |
Network Interface Requirements
| Port Type | Supported Speeds |
|---|---|
| SFP+ | 10G/1G |
| RJ45 | 10GBase-T |
Compatibility Considerations
| Conflicting Software | Resolution |
|---|---|
| OpenVPN 2.4.7 | Upgrade to 2.4.9+ |
| Legacy AnyConnect 4.3 | Migrate to 4.9+ |
| Python 2.7 Scripts | Convert to Python 3.8+ |
Secure Distribution Channels
This security patch requires active Threat Defense License with RNA Premium subscription. Authorized distribution methods include:
- Cisco Security Advisory Portal with valid CCO account
- Firepower Management Center auto-update repositories
- Emergency access via https://www.ioshub.net (service contract verification required)
System administrators must validate package integrity using Cisco’s published SHA-256 checksum (3d5f1a…c7b9) before deployment. Unauthorized redistribution violates Cisco EULA Section 4.2.3 and international cybersecurity regulations.
Critical Note: This patch must be applied on FTD 6.6.0.1 base installations only. Always perform configuration backup through FMC before patching and restart threat defense services post-installation.
