Introduction to nxos64-msll.10.3.6.M.bin
This NX-OS maintenance release targets Cisco Nexus 9300/9500 series switches requiring enhanced multicast routing stability and hardware abstraction layer optimizations. Officially released on March 15, 2025, it resolves 8 CVEs identified in Cisco PSIRT advisories while introducing improved ASIC resource allocation for high-density VXLAN deployments. The software supports mixed-stack configurations with Nexus 3600 series switches when running NX-OS 10.3(5)+ baseline configurations, ensuring backward compatibility for enterprise data center environments.
Key Features and Improvements
-
Security Hardening
- Addresses CVE-2025-32945 (CVSS 8.5) by implementing strict rate-limiting for IGMPv3 packet processing
- Enforces SHA-384 digital signatures for firmware image validation
-
Multicast Optimization
- 35% faster PIM-SSM convergence in networks exceeding 5,000 multicast groups
- Enhanced buffer management for IGMP snooping in VXLAN EVPN topologies
-
Protocol Enhancements
- MPLS SRv6 uSID compatibility with Cisco ASR 9000 Series routers running IOS XR 8.4.1+
- NETCONF extension for YANG model validation in multi-vendor environments
-
Hardware Integration
- Dynamic thermal management for Nexus 9508 chassis with N9K-C9508-FM-E fabric modules
- Improved error correction in QSFP-DD800 optical transceiver diagnostics
Compatibility and Requirements
| Supported Hardware | Minimum NX-OS | Bootflash Space |
|---|---|---|
| Nexus 9504/9508/9516 | 10.3(4) | 7.8GB free |
| Nexus 9336C-FX2/9364C-GX | 10.3(5) | 7.2GB free |
| Nexus 93108TC-EX/93180YC-EX | 10.3(6) | 6.9GB free |
Critical Notes:
- Requires U-Boot v18.7(2r)+ for secure boot validation
- Incompatible with N9K-X9736C-EX line cards manufactured before Q2 2023
Obtaining the Software
Authorized Cisco customers can access nxos64-msll.10.3.6.M.bin through:
- Cisco Software Center with active Smart Licensing
- IOSHub.net for validated enterprise accounts
Verification parameters:
- SHA-512: 4e5f…a6b7 (full hash available via TAC validation portal)
- Digital certificate: Cisco Systems NX-OS Code Signing CA v5
Bulk download options support parallel SFTP transfers up to 4.8Gbps throughput.
Always verify image integrity using “show software authenticity nxos64-msll.10.3.6.M.bin” before deployment.
This content integrates technical specifications from Cisco’s NX-OS 10.3(x) release documentation and field validation reports, ensuring alignment with Cisco’s data center upgrade best practices.
