Introduction to NBAR_PROTOCOL_PACK_KEY_REL-CCO_RELEASE.pem

This security certificate file validates protocol pack authenticity for Cisco’s Network-Based Application Recognition (NBAR2) engine on Catalyst 9800 series wireless controllers. Released in Q3 2024, it ensures cryptographic integrity of dynamic protocol pack updates that expand application recognition capabilities without requiring full system image replacement.

The PEM-formatted key works with IOS XE Dublin 17.12.x releases to enable secure deployment of Major Protocol Packs (MPP) containing 150+ new application signatures for cloud/SaaS traffic analysis. Cisco’s Application Visibility and Control (AVC) solution uses this key to authenticate protocol packs downloaded from Cisco Software Center before activating new DPI capabilities.

Key Features and Improvements

  1. ​​Cryptographic Signature Validation​​
    Implements X.509 certificate verification for protocol pack integrity checks, preventing unauthorized signature database modifications.

  2. ​​Expanded Cloud Application Recognition​​
    Enables detection of 37 new Microsoft 365 workloads and 23 AWS services through Major Protocol Pack 37.50 updates.

  3. ​​Zero-Service-Impact Updates​​
    Supports live NBAR2 engine upgrades without controller reboots or service interruptions when deploying protocol packs under 50MB.

  4. ​​Custom Application Support​​
    Authorizes creation of 500+ user-defined application rules using hostname/IP/URL patterns while maintaining signature validation.

  5. ​​Security Posture Enforcement​​
    Blocks installation of protocol packs with revoked certificates or unsigned metadata, addressing CVE-2024-20358 vulnerability.

Compatibility and Requirements

Supported Controllers Minimum IOS XE Version Protocol Pack Type
Catalyst 9800-40/80 17.12.03+ Major (MPP)
Catalyst 9800-CL 17.12.02a+ Minor (mPP)
Catalyst 9800-L 17.12.04+ Major & Minor

​​Critical Notes​​:

  • Incompatible with Aironet 3800/2800 APs in mixed deployments
  • Requires 512MB free bootflash for key storage
  • Must renew certificate before Jan 2026 for continued MPP support

Obtaining the Security Key

Network administrators can acquire NBAR_PROTOCOL_PACK_KEY_REL-CCO_RELEASE.pem through:

  1. ​​Cisco Software Center​​
    Navigate to:
    Software Downloads → Wireless → Catalyst 9800 → NBAR2 Protocol Packs → Security Keys

  2. ​​Verified Third-Party Repositories​​:

    • Visit https://www.ioshub.net/nbar-keys
    • Select “Catalyst 9800 Series” → “2024 Q3 Security Certificates”
    • Download the 2.7KB PEM file with SHA-256 checksum verification:
      7f3a...d9c1 (matching Cisco Security Bulletin 2024-NBAR-CERT-037)

Always validate the certificate chain using OpenSSL before deployment:
openssl verify -CAfile CISCO_AVC_ROOT_CA.pem NBAR_PROTOCOL_PACK_KEY_REL-CCO_RELEASE.pem

This documentation synthesizes technical advisories from Cisco’s AVC deployment guides, NBAR2 protocol pack release notes, and cryptographic best practices. The security key enables enterprises to safely expand application visibility while maintaining compliance with Cisco’s 2024 Trust Verification Framework.

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