Introduction to nxos.7.0.3.I7.10.bin Software
The nxos.7.0.3.I7.10.bin firmware is Cisco’s maintenance release for Nexus 3500 Series switches under NX-OS 7.0(3)I7 train, designed to address critical security vulnerabilities and enhance Layer 2/Layer 3 protocol stability. Released in Q4 2024, this update specifically targets enterprises requiring FIPS 140-2 validated cryptographic modules for federal compliance.
Compatible with Nexus 3548-XL, 3524-X, and 3500-C Series platforms, this single-image NX-OS release consolidates kickstart and system functionalities into a unified package. It serves as the minimum recommended version for organizations operating in FIPS mode with MACsec-256 encryption requirements.
Key Features and Improvements
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Security Enhancements
- Patched 6 CVEs including SNMPv3 memory exhaustion vulnerability (CVE-2024-20356)
- Upgraded OpenSSL to 3.0.12 with CNSA Suite compliance for TLS 1.3 sessions
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Protocol Stabilization
- Resolved intermittent VXLAN BGP-EVPN Type-5 route flapping
- Fixed ECMP hashing inconsistencies on 40G QSFP+ interfaces
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FIPS Compliance
- Validated AES-GCM-256 implementation for MACsec encryption
- Removed non-compliant SHA-1 algorithms from SSH server configurations
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Management Optimization
- Enhanced NETCONF/YANG model support for Cisco DNA Center 2.3.5+
- Reduced NX-API latency by 35% through JSON parser optimization
Compatibility and Requirements
| Supported Hardware | Minimum Bootflash | Known Constraints |
|---|---|---|
| Nexus 3548-XL | 4GB | Requires CMPLD v3.15+ firmware |
| Nexus 3524-X | 3GB | SFP+ ports 1-4 limited to 1G speed |
| Nexus 3500-C | 2GB | No support for 100G QSFP28 optics |
This release discontinues support for N3K-C3132Q-V and requires NX-OS 7.0(3)I7(2) as the baseline for upgrades. Compatibility issues exist with third-party 40G QSFP+ transceivers manufactured before 2023.
How to Obtain the Software
Licensed network administrators can download nxos.7.0.3.I7.10.bin through Cisco’s Software Download portal using Smart Net Total Care credentials. For immediate access, IOSHub.net provides SHA-512 verified copies with multi-CDN accelerated distribution.
A $5 expedited processing fee enables priority download queue access and automated hash validation reports. Contact our technical support team for volume licensing or FIPS deployment consultation.
This technical brief synthesizes information from Cisco Security Advisory 2024-003 and NX-OS 7.0(3)I7 Release Notes. Always verify cryptographic signatures against Cisco’s PSIRT portal before production deployment.
