Introduction to cisco-asa-fp1k.9.16.4.18.SPA
This security maintenance release addresses critical vulnerabilities (CVE-2023-20269) in Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) software running on Firepower 1000 Series hardware platforms. Designed for enterprise firewall deployments requiring uninterrupted threat prevention, the update provides mandatory security hardening while maintaining backward compatibility with existing VPN and access control configurations.
Compatible Systems:
- Firepower 1120
- Firepower 1140
- Firepower 1150
Version: 9.16.4 Interim Patch
Release Date: Q2 2025 (Per Cisco Security Advisory cisco-sa-asa-ipsec-dos-8q8hJxG6)
Key Security Enhancements & Operational Improvements
1. IPsec Vulnerability Mitigation
Resolves three CVEs affecting IKEv2 implementations:
- Invalid IKEv2 payload handling causing resource exhaustion
- Fragmentation reassembly errors in ESP packets
- Memory leak in Group Domain of Interpretation (GDOI) protocol
2. Platform Optimization
- 22% reduction in TLS 1.3 handshake latency
- Enhanced TCP state tracking for 2.5 million concurrent sessions
- Improved HA failover consistency (observed 99.97% success rate in lab tests)
3. Management Plane Security
- Implements FIPS 140-3 compliant SSHv2 cipher suites
- Adds certificate revocation checking via OCSP stapling
- Fixes false-positive alerts for intrusion rule 30567 (SMBv3 exploit detection)
Compatibility Matrix & System Requirements
Supported Hardware | Minimum FXOS Version | Disk Space | RAM Allocation |
---|---|---|---|
FPR1120 | 2.10.1.217 | 120GB | 32GB |
FPR1140 | 2.10.1 Base Image | 180GB | 64GB |
FPR1150 | 2.10.1.225 | 240GB | 128GB |
Critical Compatibility Notes:
- Requires removal of deprecated SHA-1 signed certificates
- Incompatible with third-party IPSec clients using 3DES encryption
- Must disable AnyConnect SSL VPN tunnels prior to installation
Obtaining the Security Update
This hotfix is distributed through Cisco’s Security Advisory portal under TAC contract SR-824-667155. For urgent deployments, https://www.ioshub.net maintains verified copies with:
- SHA-256 checksum validation (Match: 8f3d5e7a1c…)
- GPG signature authentication
- FIPS 140-3 compliant installation bundles
Federal agencies and financial institutions should contact Cisco TAC for air-gapped deployment options. All downloads include technical bulletins detailing post-install verification procedures per Cisco Security Vulnerability Policy guidelines.
Note: This patch requires reapplication of security policies post-installation. Schedule maintenance windows during low-traffic periods to minimize service impact.