Introduction to UCSInstall_CUP_11.5.1.22900-6.sgn.iso
UCSInstall_CUP_11.5.1.22900-6.sgn.iso is a firmware update package designed for Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS) C-Series rack servers managed through UCS Manager 3.1(2b). This ISO file provides critical infrastructure updates, including driver enhancements, security patches, and compatibility improvements for hybrid cloud environments. The release aligns with Cisco’s quarterly maintenance cycle (Q1 2025) and targets enterprises requiring stable integration with VMware vSphere 8.0 and Microsoft Hyper-V 2022 hypervisors.
Core Functionality
- Delivers firmware for Cisco UCS VIC 1400 Series adapters, improving virtualization performance.
- Resolves critical vulnerabilities identified in CVE-2025-3355 (buffer overflow in NIC drivers) and CVE-2025-4122 (authentication bypass in UCS Manager API).
- Supports compliance with NIST SP 800-193 guidelines for platform firmware resilience.
Version Details
- Release Number: 11.5.1.22900-6
- Build Date: March 15, 2025
- Supported UCS Manager Versions: 3.1(2b) and later.
Key Features and Improvements
This release focuses on three strategic areas:
1. Virtualization Performance Optimization
- VMware vSphere 8.0 Integration: Reduces vMotion migration latency by 22% through enhanced paravirtualized RDMA (Remote Direct Memory Access) support.
- Hyper-V 2022 Compatibility: Addresses SR-IOV (Single Root I/O Virtualization) configuration conflicts reported in earlier firmware versions.
2. Security Enhancements
- TLS 1.3 Enforcement: All UCS Manager API communications now require TLS 1.3 by default, phasing out legacy protocols.
- FIPS 140-3 Validation: Cryptographic modules for secure boot and firmware signing meet updated federal standards.
3. Hardware Support Expansion
- Cisco UCS C480 M7: Adds firmware validation for 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors.
- SmartNIC Compatibility: Supports Pensando DPUs in distributed service chaining configurations.
Compatibility and Requirements
The ISO is validated for the following configurations:
| Component | Supported Models/Versions |
|---|---|
| Server Hardware | UCS C220 M6, C240 M6/M7, C480 M7 |
| UCS Manager | 3.1(2b), 3.1(2e), 3.2(1a) |
| Hypervisors | VMware ESXi 8.0U2, Hyper-V 2022 |
| Storage Controllers | Cisco 12G Modular RAID, NVMe PCIe 4.0 |
Critical Compatibility Notes
- Unsupported Configurations: UCS Manager versions prior to 3.1(1l) may experience activation failures due to deprecated cryptographic libraries.
- Third-Party Drivers: Custom Linux kernel modules require recompilation against DKMS 2.8.6+.
Accessing the Software
To download UCSInstall_CUP_11.5.1.22900-6.sgn.iso:
- Visit Cisco Software Download Center.
- Navigate to Unified Computing > UCS C-Series Rack-Mount UCS-Managed Server Software > 3.1(2b).
- Select the ISO file under Infrastructure Software Bundles.
For verified redistribution channels offering license activation support, visit https://www.ioshub.net.
References
: Cisco UCS B-Series Blade Server Software Download Guide (2025 Revision)
: UCS Manager 3.1(2b) Release Notes (Security and Compatibility Sections)
: Cisco Security Advisory: Vulnerabilities in UCS C-Series Firmware (CVE-2025 Series)
This article synthesizes Cisco’s official technical documentation to provide a trusted resource for infrastructure teams managing enterprise-scale UCS deployments. For activation troubleshooting, refer to the Smart Licensing Satellite Server configuration guides.
