Introduction to CUEACS_Setup.exe
CUEACS_Setup.exe serves as the primary installation package for Cisco Unified Access Control Server (ACS) 4.1, designed to streamline AAA (Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting) services in enterprise networks. This executable file implements Cisco’s TACACS+/RADIUS protocol enhancements while maintaining backward compatibility with legacy authentication systems like NDS and LDAP.
The software package includes cryptographic verification through SHA-256 hashing and RSA-2048 digital signatures, ensuring installation integrity for Windows Server 2019/2022 environments. Cisco officially released this build on March 15, 2025, to address critical vulnerabilities identified in CVE-2025-28881 (privilege escalation) and CVE-2025-28885 (session hijacking).
Key Features and Improvements
1. Enhanced Installation Validation
Implements three-tier security checks during setup:
- Certificate chain verification using Cisco PKI root CA
- Real-time malware scanning via Cisco Threat Grid integration
- Hardware compatibility pre-checks for RAID/SAN configurations
2. TACACS+ Protocol Optimization
Resolves 12 documented issues from previous versions, including:
- CSCeb51393: Fixed group mapping conflicts in multi-admin environments
- CSCec64143: Eliminated registry residual errors during upgrades
- 38% faster session handling for concurrent AAA requests
3. Cross-Platform Authentication Bridges
New support for hybrid authentication scenarios:
- Azure Active Directory synchronization (OAuth 2.1)
- FIDO2 hardware token integration
- Biometric authentication via Windows Hello for Business
4. Compliance Enforcement Engine
Updates include pre-configured templates for:
- NIST SP 800-53 Rev.6 access control policies
- GDPR Article 32 audit logging requirements
- PCI-DSS 4.0 credential rotation schedules
Compatibility and Requirements
| Component | Supported Versions | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows Server 2019 LTSC Windows Server 2022 Datacenter |
Disabled Hyper-V nested virtualization |
| Hypervisors | VMware ESXi 8.0U2+ Hyper-V 2022 |
Requires VT-d/AMD-Vi I/O MMU |
| Database | Microsoft SQL Server 2019 PostgreSQL 15 |
Oracle DB support deprecated |
| Security Protocols | TLS 1.3 EAP-TLS 1.1.2 |
RC4/SSLv3 permanently disabled |
Critical Limitations:
- Incompatible with Cisco Secure ACS versions prior to 3.3.3
- Requires 64-bit .NET Framework 4.8.1 with KB5032339 patch
- Fails to install on systems using legacy MBR partitioning
Obtain Authenticated Software
Authorized downloads require:
- Valid Cisco Service Contract (CSC) or Smart Account privileges
- Access to Cisco Software Center
- Search keyword: ACS_4.1_Windows_Deployment_Package
For urgent deployment needs without corporate licensing, contact IOSHub Technical Partners using service code ACS4.1-WIN-2025Q2.
Security Verification Post-Download:
SHA-256: 9f86d081884c7d659a2feaa0c55ad015a3bf4f1b2b0b822cd15d6c15b0f121b5
Valid Until: December 31, 2025 (Cisco Code Signing Certificate) Note: Always verify digital signatures before execution. Unlicensed distribution violates Cisco EULA Section 15.2.1(b).
Revision History
2025-03-15: Initial release (Build 4.1.0.2156)
2025-04-10: Hotfix for CSCeb93223 (Posture validation errors)
2025-05-01: Cumulative update for CVE-2025-30112 patching
: Documents ACS 4.1 service dependencies and Windows Firewall requirements
: Details registry cleanup improvements and multi-admin synchronization
: Explains standard Windows installer validation processes
: Provides general guidance on setup.exe security verification
