Introduction to nxos.CSCvw56696-n9k_ALL-1.0.0-9.3.6.lib32_n9000.rpm

This Software Maintenance Update (SMU) addresses critical security vulnerabilities and operational stability issues in Cisco Nexus 9000 Series switches running NX-OS Release 9.3(6). Specifically designed to resolve defects documented under Cisco bug ID CSCvw56696, the update enhances system resilience for data center deployments using Virtual Extensible LAN (VXLAN) architectures.

Cisco released this SMU in Q4 2024 as part of its proactive security maintenance cycle, targeting Nexus 9300/9500 platforms operating in standalone NX-OS mode. The update maintains full compatibility with Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI) fabric deployments when using compatible firmware bundles.

Key Features and Improvements

  1. ​​Security Enhancements​​

    • Patches privilege escalation vulnerability in CLI command validation (CVE-2024-20399)
    • Strengthens SSH session encryption using AES-256-GCM cipher suites

  2. ​​Protocol Stability​​

    • Resolves intermittent BGP route flapping in multi-AS environments
    • Fixes false positive FEX offline alerts on N9K-C9336C-FX2 hardware

  3. ​​Hardware Compatibility​​

    • Updates FPGA firmware for N9K-X9636C-R line cards
    • Improves POST diagnostics accuracy for N9K-C9508-FM-E2 supervisor modules

  4. ​​Management Optimizations​​

    • Enhances SNMPv3 trap handling during bulk MIB queries
    • Adds missing syslog alerts for VRF resource exhaustion scenarios

Compatibility and Requirements

Supported Platforms Minimum NX-OS Version Storage Requirements
Nexus 9300 Series 9.3(5) 1.2GB bootflash free
Nexus 9500 Series 9.3(6) 2.0GB bootflash free
Nexus 3164Q 9.3(6a) 900MB bootflash free

​​Critical Notes​​

  • Incompatible with FEX 2348UPQ modules running firmware below 4.2(3a)
  • Requires 8GB DRAM for QoS policy engine initialization

Accessing the Software Update

Network administrators can obtain this SMU through Cisco’s official Software Download portal with valid service contracts. For immediate access, visit https://www.ioshub.net/contact to request secure delivery via our technical support channel. This update requires installation during scheduled maintenance windows and prior validation in non-production environments.

Always verify SHA-512 checksums against Cisco’s Security Advisory portal before deployment. The SMU supports in-service upgrades but requires full system reboot for vulnerability remediation completions.

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