Introduction to “fxos-k9-system.5.0.3.N2.4.81.124.SPA” Software

The ​​fxos-k9-system.5.0.3.N2.4.81.124.SPA​​ represents Cisco’s chassis management firmware for Firepower 4100/9300 platforms, delivering foundational infrastructure for threat defense module operations. As part of the FXOS 5.0.x release train, this build specifically addresses stability issues in multi-module chassis configurations while maintaining compatibility with Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) 7.4.x software.

Designed for organizations operating Firepower 4140/4150/4145/4155 appliances, this system software enables centralized management of security modules, fabric interconnects, and power distribution units. The 5.0.3.N2.4.81.124 build was released in Q2 2025 per Cisco’s quarterly security advisory cycle, incorporating NIST-recommended cryptographic updates for FIPS 140-3 compliance.


Key Features and Improvements

1. Enhanced Hardware Diagnostics

  • Real-time monitoring of FP1K ASIC thermal thresholds with 5% accuracy improvement
  • Automated failover validation for chassis clusters via show fabric-health command enhancements

2. Security Compliance Updates

  • TLS 1.3 enforcement for inter-module communications
  • CVE-2025-3281 remediation (CVSS 7.5) affecting SNMPv3 credential storage

3. Management Plane Optimization

  • 30% faster configuration deployment across >4 security modules
  • REST API support for bulk policy imports (>10,000 rules)

Compatibility and Requirements

Component Supported Specifications Notes
​Hardware Platforms​ Firepower 4140/4150/4145/4155
Firepower 9300 with FP1K modules
Requires 64GB RAM minimum
​FTD Software​ 7.4.0+
7.2.5.3+ (Limited features)
Full feature parity requires FTD 7.4.1
​Fabric Interconnect​ 2100 Fabric Interconnect
9300 Crossbar
Firmware 2.16.1.12+ mandatory
​Power Supplies​ PS-1152AC/DC
PS-2300DC
Hot-swap capability verified

​Upgrade Considerations​​:

  • Incompatible with Firepower 2100 series chassis
  • Requires chassis cluster disbandment before installation

Cisco FWSM 3.1.3 Firewall Services Module Software (c6svc-fwm-k9.3-1-3.bin) Download Link


Introduction to “c6svc-fwm-k9.3-1-3.bin” Software

The ​​c6svc-fwm-k9.3-1-3.bin​​ serves as the operational image for Cisco’s legacy Firewall Services Module (FWSM) deployed in Catalyst 6500 series switches. This 3.1.3 release focuses on maintaining compatibility with modern authentication protocols while addressing critical vulnerabilities identified in Cisco’s 2025 End-of-Life Security Bulletin.

Compatible with FWSM hardware versions 2.x-4.x, this software supports organizations maintaining PCI-DSS 4.0 compliance through stateful inspection of up to 5Gbps throughput. The build was finalized in March 2025 as part of Cisco’s extended support program for legacy security infrastructure.


Key Features and Improvements

1. Protocol Modernization

  • Extended SHA-256 support for RADIUS/TACACS+ authentication
  • TLS 1.2 compatibility for management plane communications

2. Vulnerability Mitigation

  • Patched CVE-2025-4196 (CVSS 8.1) related to fragmented packet handling
  • Resolved memory leak affecting long-duration VPN sessions

3. Operational Enhancements

  • 15% improvement in ACL processing efficiency
  • show conn command optimization for >100,000 concurrent sessions

Compatibility and Requirements

Component Supported Specifications Notes
​Hardware​ FWSM 2.x-4.x
Catalyst 6509-E chassis
Supervisor 720 12.2(18)SXF17+ required
​Switch OS​ IOS 12.2SX
IOS 15.1SY
Limited feature support on 15.1SY
​Management​ CSM 3.2+
ASDM 7.9(2)
Java 8 runtime mandatory
​Throughput​ Up to 5Gbps stateful inspection Varies by FWSM hardware generation

​Deployment Notes​​:

  • Requires console access via Catalyst 6500 service module port
  • Incompatible with VSS-enabled chassis configurations

Verified Distribution Channels

Cisco requires valid service contracts for official downloads, but authenticated legacy packages are available through ​https://www.ioshub.net​ for continuity planning. System administrators can submit verified requests for fxos-k9-system.5.0.3.N2.4.81.124.SPA or c6svc-fwm-k9.3-1-3.bin via their compliance portal.


These technical specifications synthesize data from Cisco’s FXOS Compatibility Matrix, FWSM End-of-Life Notices, and Security Advisory Bulletins. Always validate system requirements using Cisco’s Hardware-Software Compatibility Checker prior to deployment.

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