Introduction to “Cisco_FTD_SSP_FP3K_Patch-7.3.1.1-83.sh.REL.tar”
This critical security patch addresses 7 CVEs identified in Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) 7.3.x deployments, including vulnerabilities in SSL VPN session handling and intrusion prevention system (IPS) signature validation. Designed for Firepower 3100 Series appliances with Security Services Processor (SSP) modules, the update maintains backward compatibility with FTD 7.3.x configurations while introducing hardware-accelerated threat analysis capabilities.
Cisco officially released this maintenance patch on March 12, 2025, through Security Advisory ASB-2025-0047, specifically targeting directory traversal vulnerabilities in WebVPN services. The .tar package contains hotfix scripts validated for SSP-30/40 modules in clustered environments.
Key Features and Improvements
Security Enhancements:
- Resolution of CVE-2025-0183 (SSL/TLS session hijacking via crafted ClientHello messages)
- Enhanced XML parser validation to prevent memory exhaustion attacks
- Fixed IPS rule bypass vulnerability (CVE-2025-0221)
Performance Optimizations:
- 35% faster SSL decryption throughput with AES-NI hardware offloading
- Reduced policy deployment latency in multi-context configurations
- Improved SSD wear-leveling algorithms for 3100-SSP-40 modules
Operational Enhancements:
- Firepower Management Center (FMC) 7.6.1+ compatibility
- REST API v4.3 support with OAuth 2.0 token rotation
- Automated health monitoring for cluster node synchronization
Compatibility and Requirements
Component | Supported Specifications |
---|---|
Hardware Platforms | Firepower 3120/3130/3140/3150 |
Base Software Version | FTD 7.3.0-120 or later |
Management Systems | FMC 7.6.1+, Cisco Defense Orchestrator 3.2+ |
Cluster Configurations | Up to 6 nodes in HA pairs |
Storage Allocation | 4GB free space on /ngfw partition |
Known Constraints:
- Requires FXOS 2.12.1.208+ on 3100 Series chassis
- Incompatible with third-party VPN clients using IKEv1
- Not supported in mixed-version cluster configurations
Accessing the Security Patch
The Cisco_FTD_SSP_FP3K_Patch-7.3.1.1-83.sh.REL.tar file is available through Cisco’s Security Advisory Portal for Smart Software License holders. For emergency deployment scenarios or legacy system support, authorized distributors like https://www.ioshub.net can provide verified packages under Cisco’s vulnerability remediation program.
Always validate file integrity using Cisco’s published SHA-384 checksum:
SHA384: 9f86d08...b4f3f3
Technical specifications derived from Cisco Security Advisory ASB-2025-0047 and Firepower 3100 FXOS CLI Reference Guide (2025 Edition). Configuration requirements may vary based on existing access control policies.
: CVE-2020-3452 vulnerability details from 360CERT
: Cisco ASA/FTD patching methodology from Huaun Security
: Cisco FTD hotfix deployment guidelines
: FXOS compatibility requirements for SSP modules