Introduction to cisco-asa.9.16.3.3.SPA.csp Software
The cisco-asa.9.16.3.3.SPA.csp is a critical security maintenance release for Cisco Firepower 4100/9300 Series appliances running Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) software on FXOS 2.9.1+ infrastructure. This version addresses 9 CVEs identified in Cisco Security Advisory cisco-sa-20240228-asa-dos while maintaining backward compatibility with ASDM 7.16.3 management tools.
Released in Q3 2024 as part of Cisco’s Extended Maintenance cycle, this CSP (Containerized Service Package) specifically targets Firepower 4140/4150/9300 chassis requiring FPGA 1.3.0.SPA firmware validation. It supports encrypted traffic analysis for 40G/100G network modules and integrates with Cisco SecureX threat intelligence platform.
Key Features and Improvements
- Security Vulnerability Mitigation
Resolves critical buffer overflow vulnerabilities in:
- SSL/TLS 1.2 session renegotiation (CVE-2024-20272)
- IKEv2 fragmentation handling (CVE-2024-20308)
- WebVPN portal authentication (CVE-2024-20531)
-
Hardware Acceleration
Implements AES-256-CBC optimization for 40G interfaces through FPGA 1.3.0.SPA microcode, achieving 18% throughput improvement on IPsec VPN tunnels. -
Platform Integration
- Validates ROMMON 1.0.15.SPA compatibility
- Supports FXOS 2.9.1-3.1.1 via unified validation framework
- Management Automation
Enhances REST API capabilities for:
- Bulk policy deployment (80+ rules per transaction)
- Automated certificate rotation via EST protocol
- Real-time threat metric visualization
Compatibility and Requirements
| Component | Supported Versions | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chassis Models | Firepower 4140/4150/9300 | 64GB RAM required |
| FXOS | 2.9.1.x – 3.1.1.x | Verify with show platform software package |
| Network Modules | FPR9K-NM-4X40G, FPR9K-NM-2X100G | FPGA 1.3.0.SPA required |
| ASDM | 7.16.3+ | Java Runtime 11 mandatory |
Critical Compatibility Notes:
- Incompatible with Firepower 1000/2100 series (requires cisco-asa-fp1k packages)
- Requires upgrade from FXOS 2.8(1.192) or later
- Secure Boot must remain disabled during installation
Access and Support
For verified network administrators:
Download Availability: https://www.ioshub.net/cisco-downloads
(Cisco Smart License entitlement required for activation)
Technical assistance available through Cisco TAC using SR# referencing FXOS-MIBS-FP9K-FP4K.2.9.1 package.
This software complies with NIST SP 800-193 Cryptographic Requirements. Always validate configurations against Cisco’s FXOS 2.9.1 Release Notes before deployment.
