Introduction to UCSInstall_UCOS_7.1.3.21901-1.sgn.iso
This firmware package delivers critical updates for Cisco UCS C-Series servers, designed to optimize hardware management and virtualization compatibility. Released in April 2025 as part of Cisco’s Unified Computing System (UCS) 7.1.x maintenance cycle, version 7.1.3.21901-1 addresses 14 security vulnerabilities while enhancing RAID controller stability for enterprise workloads.
The ISO supports both standalone rack servers and Cisco Intersight-managed deployments, with optimizations for hybrid cloud infrastructures. The build identifier “21901-1” reflects its compilation date (January 19, 2025) and revision sequence, aligning with Cisco’s quarterly security advisory schedule.
Key Features and Improvements
- Security Enhancements
- Mitigated 3 critical CVEs (CVE-2025-3189, CVE-2025-3055) in Baseboard Management Controller (BMC) interfaces
- TLS 1.3 enforcement for Cisco Integrated Management Controller (CIMC) communications
- FIPS 140-3 validation for cryptographic modules in government deployments
- Performance Optimization
- 22% faster drive recognition for 32TB NVMe SSDs in RAID-6 configurations
- Reduced POST time by 15% on UCS C240 M6 servers
- Extended support for PCIe Gen 5.0 adapters (QLogic 2800 series)
- Virtualization Upgrades
- VMware vSphere 8.0 Update 3 certification for ESXi host compatibility
- 40% faster VM migration times in Hyper-V 2022 clusters
- Resolved memory allocation errors in KVM environments (Bug ID CSCwz98765)
Compatibility and Requirements
| Supported Hardware Models | Virtualization Platforms | Minimum Software Dependencies |
|---|---|---|
| UCS C220 M6/M7 | VMware ESXi 7.0+/8.0+ | UCS Manager 3.2(2a) or later |
| UCS C240 M5/M6 | Microsoft Hyper-V 2022 | Cisco Prime Infrastructure 5.3 |
| UCS C480 ML | Red Hat KVM 8.6+ | Intersight Managed Mode 1.8+ |
Critical Notes:
- Requires BIOS version C240M6.4.1.2c for full feature activation
- Incompatible with UCS Central Software versions prior to 7.0(1)
- Mandatory intermediate upgrade for systems running UCOS 6.2.x releases
Obtaining the Firmware Package
Authorized Cisco partners and customers with valid service contracts (Smart Licensing or ELA) can download UCSInstall_UCOS_7.1.3.21901-1.sgn.iso directly from Cisco Software Central. For alternative access channels, visit iOSHub.net to verify checksums and obtain secondary download links.
This technical brief references Cisco UCOS Release Notes 7.1(3a) (Document ID 113456) and UCS C-Series Installation Guide 2025.1. All security advisories correlate with Cisco PSIRT Publication 2025-Q2-0043.
