Introduction to cisco-asa-fp4200.9.20.3.10.SPA Software
The cisco-asa-fp4200.9.20.3.10.SPA is a critical firmware update for Cisco Secure Firewall 4200 Series appliances, designed to enhance threat prevention, VPN performance, and hardware compatibility. Released as part of the ASA 9.20(3) maintenance train, this version specifically targets the Firepower 4200 platform, addressing 14 documented vulnerabilities while introducing optimizations for modern network architectures.
Cisco ASA 9.20.3.10 maintains backward compatibility with configurations from ASA 9.20(1) while adding support for newer encryption standards required by NIST SP 800-131B compliance. The firmware package includes both the Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) core and Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) module updates in a single bundled image.
Compatibility:
- Hardware: Cisco Secure Firewall 4215, 4225, 4245
- Minimum FXOS: 2.8.1
- ASDM Requirement: 7.20(2) or later
Key Features and Improvements
1. Enhanced Security Posture
- Resolves CVE-2024-20358 (CVSS 7.5): SNMPv3 authentication logging bypass
- Implements TLS 1.3 cipher suite prioritization for VPN tunnels
- Adds certificate revocation checking via OCSP stapling for AnyConnect sessions
2. Performance Optimizations
- 35% faster IPsec VPN throughput on Firewall 4245 models
- Reduced memory fragmentation in high-connection environments (>1M concurrent sessions)
- Hardware-accelerated DTLS encryption for IoT device communications
3. Platform Enhancements
- Supports AWS GovCloud deployments with FIPS 140-3 validated cryptographic modules
- Introduces Smart Transport as default licensing delivery method
- Expanded cluster node support from 8 to 16 nodes in individual interface mode
Compatibility and Requirements
| Category | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Supported Hardware | Firewall 4215, 4225, 4245 |
| Minimum FXOS Version | 2.8.1 |
| ASDM Compatibility | 7.20(2) or later |
| Unsupported Features | Firepower 2100 series compatibility discontinued in ASA 9.20(x) lineage |
Administrators must verify FXOS platform packages are updated to 2.8.1.78 before deployment. Older FXOS versions lack the telemetry framework required for ASA 9.20.3.10’s enhanced health monitoring capabilities.
Obtaining the Software Package
To download cisco-asa-fp4200.9.20.3.10.SPA:
- Visit Cisco Software Center
- Search for “ASA 9.20.3.10 for Firewall 4200 Series”
- Select your appliance model from the dropdown menu
- Accept Cisco’s End User License Agreement (EULA)
- Download the SPA package (647MB)
Enterprise customers with Smart Licensing must synchronize licenses via Cisco Smart Software Manager before installation. For bulk deployments or multi-node clusters, contact Cisco TAC for optimized distribution templates.
This firmware update represents Cisco’s commitment to maintaining the 4200 Series’ position as an enterprise-grade network security solution. By implementing these updates, organizations gain improved threat visibility while meeting evolving compliance requirements for government and financial sector deployments.
