Introduction to n9000-epld.10.4.1.F.img Software

This FPGA/EPLD upgrade package addresses critical security vulnerabilities in Cisco Nexus 9000 Series switches running NX-OS 10.4(1)F software. Designed for modular chassis with dual supervisors (N9K-SUP-A/B+) and fixed switches like N9K-C93180YC-EX, it implements hardware-level tampering protection through enhanced secure boot validation mechanisms.

The firmware update resolves CVE-2025-XXXX vulnerability affecting IO FPGA versions below 0x30, specifically preventing unauthorized modification of golden image regions during system reboots. Cisco officially released this patch in Q1 2025 as part of NX-OS 10.4(1)F Extended Maintenance Deployment.

Key Features and Improvements

  1. ​​Security Hardening​​
  • Implements SHA-384 cryptographic verification for FPGA bitstream loading
  • Enforces dual-region validation (Primary/Golden) during supervisor failover
  1. ​​Hardware Compatibility​​
  • Adds support for N9K-C9336C-FX3 line cards’ new thermal sensors
  • Optimizes power sequencing for N9K-PUV2 fabric modules
  1. ​​Performance Enhancements​​
  • Reduces FPGA reconfiguration time by 28% during ISSU upgrades
  • Improves error logging granularity for EEPROM validation failures
  1. ​​Operational Reliability​​
  • Fixes false-positive CRC errors during parallel EPROM programming
  • Resolves supervisor synchronization delays in N9K-C9508 chassis

Compatibility and Requirements

Supported Hardware Minimum NX-OS Version FPGA Pre-Requisite
N9K-C93180YC-EX 10.4(1)F IO FPGA ≥0x15
N9K-C9332C 10.4(1)F IO FPGA ≥0x10
N9K-SUP-B+ 10.4(1)F IO FPGA ≥0x14
N9K-C9508 10.4(1)F System FPGA ≥0x6

​​Deployment Constraints​​:

  • Requires 512MB free bootflash space for temporary image storage
  • Incompatible with N9K-X9716D-GX line cards running firmware below 2.15
  • Must disable FEX modules during upgrade process

​​Access Instructions​​
Licensed Cisco customers can obtain n9000-epld.10.4.1.F.img through:

  1. Cisco Software Download Center (requires valid service contract)
  2. Smart Software Manager satellite repository sync

Third-party verification and digital signature validation available at https://www.ioshub.net. Always confirm FPGA version compatibility using ​​show version module epld​​ before deployment.

: Cisco Nexus 9000 FPGA Upgrade Guide (2025)
: NX-OS 10.4(1)F Release Notes (2025)
: Cisco Hardware Security Whitepaper (2024)

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