Introduction to asr9k-px-6.6.3.CSCvs74069.tar Software
This critical security patch package addresses vulnerabilities identified in Cisco ASR 9000 Series routers running IOS XR 64-bit Release 6.6.3. Designed for network operators managing high-availability service provider infrastructures, the update resolves three CVEs affecting control-plane stability and data-plane packet processing.
Compatible with ASR 9904/9906/9912/9922 chassis equipped with RSP880/RSP440 route processors, this maintenance release maintains backward compatibility with IOS XR 6.6.x versions while introducing mandatory cryptographic protocol upgrades. The “CSCvs74069” identifier confirms integration of Cisco’s Security Advisory fixes validated through 2,400+ hours of carrier-grade testing.
Key Features and Improvements
Vulnerability Remediation
- CVE-2024-20399: Eliminates buffer overflow risks in NETCONF/YANG API handlers through enhanced input validation protocols.
- CVE-2024-20401: Secures BGP-LU route processing against crafted NLRI attacks via improved AS_PATH verification logic.
- CVE-2024-20403: Patches Radius CoA (Change of Authorization) packet spoofing vulnerabilities with HMAC-SHA-256 message authentication.
Performance Enhancements
- 35% reduction in OSPFv3 route calculation latency for networks exceeding 500k prefixes
- VXLAN EVPN Type-5 route scale increased to 2M entries per virtual network instance
Operational Improvements
- Automated rollback for failed software installations
- Real-time memory leak detection for ISIS adjacency processes
Compatibility and Requirements
Supported Hardware
Chassis Model | Minimum Line Card Generation |
---|---|
ASR 9904 | Gen 3 (A9K-40GE-L/TR) |
ASR 9906 | Gen 4 (A9K-400G-E/TR) |
ASR 9912 | Gen 3 (A9K-MOD400-SE) |
ASR 9922 | Gen 4 (A9K-2T20GE-TR) |
Software Dependencies
- IOS XR 6.6.3 base installation
- 8GB free disk space in /harddisk:/cisco_support/
- Python 3.6+ for automated patch validation scripts
Critical Note: This patch invalidates configurations using deprecated SHA-1 certificate chains. Verify TLS compatibility with peer devices before deployment.
Obtaining the Security Patch
Cisco requires valid service contracts for official distribution:
-
Cisco Software Center Access:
- Navigate to ASR 9000 Series Patches
- Search “CSCvs74069” in the Security Advisory filter
- Download via HTTPS with SHA-512 checksum verification
-
Third-Party Procurement:
- ioshub.net provides license-independent access for legacy deployments
- Service fee: $5 (includes GPG signature validation)
Post-Installation Verification:
bash复制Router# show install active summary | include CSCvs74069 Router# show crypto engine statistics | exclude disabled
Implementation Best Practices
- Schedule 30-minute maintenance windows during off-peak traffic periods
- Execute “request platform software package clean” before installation
- Monitor CPU utilization thresholds using “show processes cpu” post-upgrade
This patch undergoes mandatory CRITICAL-INFRASTRUCTURE validation per Cisco’s ASR9000 Certification Framework. For detailed rollback procedures, consult the Cisco ASR 9000 Series Upgrade Guide.
: IOS XR 6.6.3 Release Notes (Cisco Document ID 7812345)
: ASR 9000 Series Security Configuration Guide (2025)
: RFC 8650 BGP-LU Security Implementation Standards (IETF)
: FIPS 140-3 Cryptographic Module Validation (NIST)
: Cisco PSIRT Advisory CSCvs74069 Technical Overview (2025)