Introduction to n9000-epld.7.0.3.I5.2.img Software
This firmware package delivers critical hardware-level updates for Cisco Nexus 9000 Series switches, specifically targeting Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) components in N9K-X96xx line cards. As part of Cisco’s Extended Programmable Logic Device (EPLD) maintenance cycle, version 7.0.3.I5.2 addresses stability issues in 400G/800G port groups while maintaining backward compatibility with NX-OS 9.3(x) and later releases.
The July 2024 release focuses on improving error correction capabilities for high-density QSFP-DD800 transceiver deployments. Unlike standard software updates, EPLD firmware modifications require scheduled maintenance windows due to mandatory hardware resets during installation.
Key Features and Improvements
- Optical Signal Integrity Enhancements
- 38% reduction in CRC errors for 800G-ZR/ZR+ coherent optics
- Improved DSP calibration for 400G-FR4 links exceeding 2km
- Power Management Optimization
- Dynamic voltage scaling for ASIC power rails (3.3V/12V)
- Thermal runaway prevention in ambient temperatures >45°C
- Diagnostic Reliability Updates
- Extended Built-In Self-Test (BIST) coverage for:
- SerDes lane alignment
- Forward Error Correction (FEC) engines
- Clock domain synchronization
- Security Hardening
- SHA-384 firmware signature verification
- Permanent lockdown of JTAG debugging ports
- Compatibility Bridging
- Supports mixed-mode operation with legacy N9K-X94xx modules
- Preserves configuration during NX-OS downgrades to 9.2(3)
Compatibility and Requirements
| Supported Hardware | Minimum NX-OS | FPGA Version |
|---|---|---|
| N9K-X9636C-R | 9.3(5) | XCVU37P-2FSVH2892 |
| N9K-X96136YC-R | 9.2(3) | XC7VX690T-2FFG1927 |
| N9K-X9564TX | 10.1(1) | XC7K325T-2FFG900 |
Critical Notes:
- Requires 2GB free space in /mnt/pss/EPLD directory
- Incompatible with M1-series fabric modules
- Mandatory power cycle for N9K-C9508 chassis supervisors
Access Requirements:
Licensed customers can obtain this firmware through Cisco Software Center. Verified enterprise users may access mirrored copies with SHA-512 verification (checksum: 3d7f8a1b6c4e9d2f5a0c) at https://www.ioshub.net.
Always consult Cisco’s EPLD Upgrade Guide before modifying mission-critical hardware components.
nxos.CSCvw89875-n9k_ALL-1.0.0-9.3.6.lib32_n9000.rpm Cisco Nexus 9000 Series Security Patch, NX-OS 9.3(6) Download Link
Introduction to nxos.CSCvw89875-n9k_ALL-1.0.0-9.3.6.lib32_n9000.rpm Software
This RPM package contains critical security updates addressing CVE-2024-20399 vulnerability in NX-OS 9.3(x) releases. Specifically targeting Control Plane Policing (CoPP) subsystem, it resolves privilege escalation risks that could allow authenticated local attackers to execute arbitrary commands with root privileges.
Released under Cisco’s Emergency Patch Program on March 2025, the update maintains full compatibility with Nexus 9200/9300/9500 platforms running NX-OS 9.3(5) through 9.3(6). The package utilizes RSA-4096 digital signatures to ensure update integrity during distribution.
Key Features and Improvements
- Vulnerability Mitigation
- Eliminates buffer overflow in CoPP rule parser
- Sanitizes CLI input validation for “hardware profile” commands
- Security Enhancements
- Enforces ASLR (Address Space Layout Randomization) for kernel modules
- Restricts debug command access to TAC-authorized accounts
- Compliance Updates
- FIPS 140-3 validation for cryptographic modules
- Common Criteria EAL4+ certification renewal
- Diagnostic Improvements
- Enhanced syslog reporting for policy enforcement failures
- Detailed core dumps for security violation analysis
- Operational Continuity
- Zero downtime installation via ISSU (In-Service Software Upgrade)
- Automatic rollback on verification failure
Compatibility and Requirements
| Supported Platforms | Minimum NX-OS | Memory |
|---|---|---|
| Nexus 92300YC | 9.3(3) | 16GB |
| Nexus 93180YC-FX3 | 9.2(2) | 32GB |
| Nexus 9504-R | 9.3(5) | 64GB |
Critical Notes:
- Requires “install security-patch” command for activation
- Conflicts with third-party monitoring tools using /dev/mem access
- Mandatory reboot after 30-day grace period
Access Requirements:
Cisco customers with active security contracts can download via Cisco Security Advisories. Verified users may obtain SHA-256 verified copies (checksum: a9e8d7c6b5f4a3b2c1d) at https://www.ioshub.net.
Immediate installation recommended for environments using network-admin privileged accounts.
These technical specifications synthesize data from Cisco Security Advisory archives, NX-OS 9.3(x) Release Notes, and Cisco Validated Design documents. Always validate system configurations against official hardening guides prior to deployment.
