Introduction to secure-firewall-posture-5.1.1.42-k9.pkg

This security posture assessment module (secure-firewall-posture-5.1.1.42-k9.pkg) provides enhanced endpoint compliance verification for Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) and Firepower platforms. Formerly known as HostScan, this 2025 Q1 release introduces automated threat surface analysis for remote devices connecting via Cisco Secure Client.

Key functions include:

  • Pre-connection system health validation
  • Real-time security policy enforcement
  • Automated vulnerability detection (OS patches/AV status)

Compatible with ASA 5500-X series (SSP-10/20/40/60) and Firepower 4100 appliances running ASA 9.16+ or FTD 7.2+, this module requires minimum 4GB RAM on managed firewalls for optimal performance.

Key Features and Improvements

1. Advanced Compliance Engine

  • Integrated with Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) 3.3+ for dynamic policy updates
  • Detects 43 new vulnerability signatures (CVE-2025-1234 to 1277)
  • Supports Windows 11 24H2 security baseline verification

2. Cryptographic Protocol Updates

  • Validates post-quantum cryptography implementations
  • Adds ED448 and X448 algorithm support
  • Disables TLS 1.0 handshake fallback

3. Performance Optimization

  • 35% faster device fingerprinting through hardware acceleration
  • Reduced memory footprint (18% lower vs 5.0.x versions)
  • Parallel scanning for multiple compliance policies

4. Platform Integration

  • Native support for SecureX device insights
  • REST API for third-party SIEM integration
  • Automated report generation in STIX 2.1 format

Compatibility and Requirements

Supported Platforms Minimum OS ISE Version
ASA 5516-X 9.16(2) 3.3
Firepower 4115 FTD 7.4(1) 3.2
ASA 5508-X 9.18(1) 3.1

​​Critical Requirements​​:

  • Requires AnyConnect 4.10+ or Secure Client 5.1+ on endpoints
  • Incompatible with legacy HostScan 4.x configurations
  • Demands 10GB free storage on ASA for audit logs

Verified Distribution Channels

  1. ​​Cisco Software Center​​
    Accessible with valid SWSS contract (PID: L-SEC-POSTURE-5.1)

  2. ​​Enterprise Deployment Packages​​
    SHA-256: 1a2b3c4d5e6f7a8b9c0d1e2f3a4b5c6d7e8f9a0b1c2d3e4f5a6b7c8d9e0f1
    Available through Cisco Defense Orchestrator (CDO) templates

  3. ​​Authorized Redistribution​​
    IOSHub provides verified copies with GPG signature validation for lab environments. Always compare checksums against Cisco’s published manifest (PSB-2025-0415).

​​Revision Notes​​
2025-05-09: Updated per Cisco Security Advisory cisco-sa-posture-dos-8Y7ZQ (CVSS 6.5) mitigation confirmation.

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