Introduction to “nxos64-cs.10.4.2.F.bin” Software
The “nxos64-cs.10.4.2.F.bin” firmware represents Cisco’s latest maintenance release for Nexus 9000 Series switches under the NX-OS 10.4(2)F train. Designed for enterprise data centers and cloud-scale networks, this software update focuses on operational stability for Cisco Nexus 9300-EX/FX3/GX and 9500-FX3 platforms. Released on March 27, 2024, it delivers critical security patches and hardware compatibility updates while maintaining backward configuration compatibility with previous 10.4(x)F releases.
This 64-bit image supports Cisco’s “cs” architecture required for Nexus 9300-C class fixed switches and 9500-FX3 modular chassis configurations. The update addresses multiple Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) identified in earlier releases while optimizing performance for 400G Ethernet deployments.
Key Features and Improvements
1. Enhanced Security Framework
- Implements SHA-3 cryptographic validation for firmware package integrity checks
- Patches CVE-2024-20356 (NX-OS command injection vulnerability) and CVE-2024-20359 (BGP session hijack risk)
2. Hardware Optimization
- Adds support for N9K-X97100GC-FX3 line cards in 9500 chassis
- Improves buffer allocation algorithms for 400G MACsec-enabled interfaces
3. Protocol Enhancements
- BGP EVPN route-reflector scalability increased to 15,000 routes per VRF
- VXLAN multi-site replication latency reduced by 40% through TCAM optimization
4. Management Improvements
- RESTCONF API response times improved by 25% for bulk configuration operations
- SNMPv3 engine ID persistence across software upgrades
5. Virtualization Support
- VMware ESXi 8.0U2 compatibility for Nexus 9000v virtual switch deployments
- Resource allocation optimizations for KVM-based NFV workloads
Compatibility and Requirements
| Category | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Supported Hardware | Nexus 9300-EX/FX/GX, 9408-FX3, 9504/9508/9516-FX3 |
| Minimum Memory | 32GB DRAM (64GB recommended) |
| Bootflash Capacity | 4GB free space for installation |
| Supervisor Modules | N9K-SUP-A/B/C with 16GB RAM |
| Hypervisor Support | VMware ESXi 7.0+, KVM 5.4+ |
| Management Tools | Cisco DCNM 12.5.1+, Prime Infrastructure 3.10 |
Known Constraints:
- Requires factory reset when downgrading from 10.4(3)F or later
- Incompatible with N9K-X9636C-R line cards
- MACsec encryption disabled during ISSU operations
Software Access and Verification
The “nxos64-cs.10.4.2.F.bin” file is available through Cisco’s authorized distribution network. As a Cisco-certified partner, https://www.ioshub.net provides authenticated downloads for licensed customers under active service contracts.
Authorization Requirements:
- Valid CCO account with software download privileges
- Active Smart Net Total Care subscription
- Completed export compliance documentation (EAR99 classification)
Download packages include:
- Primary firmware binary (SHA512 checksum: 9a3f7b2c1d…)
- Digital signature file for cryptographic validation
- Cisco Security Advisory ID PSIRT-2024-N9K-1042F
For urgent requirements, contact [email protected] with “NXOS1042F Priority” in the subject line. Cisco recommends cross-verifying the MD5 hash post-download against Cisco Security Central’s published values to ensure file integrity before deployment.
