Table Of Contents
Release Notes for Cisco Intrusion Prevention System 6.0(4)
IPS Management and Event Viewers
Cisco IPS Active Update Bulletins
Before Upgrading to Cisco IPS 6.0(4)
Copying and Restoring the Configuration File Using a Remote Server
Obtaining Software on Cisco.com
Applying for a Cisco.com Account with Cryptographic Access
IPS Software Image Naming Conventions
Upgrading the Sensor With the 6.0(4) Service Pack
After Upgrading to Cisco IPS 6.0(4)
Service Programs for IPS Products
Obtaining and Installing the License Key
Understanding Password Recovery
Password Recovery for Appliances
Verifying the State of Password Recovery
Troubleshooting Password Recovery
Obtaining Documentation, Obtaining Support, and Security Guidelines
Release Notes for Cisco Intrusion Prevention System 6.0(4)
May 7, 2008
Contents
•
IPS Management and Event Viewers
•
Cisco IPS Active Update Bulletins
•
Before Upgrading to Cisco IPS 6.0(4)
•
Upgrading to Cisco IPS 6.0(4)
•
After Upgrading to Cisco IPS 6.0(4)
•
Obtaining Documentation, Obtaining Support, and Security Guidelines
CautionThe BIOS on Cisco IDS/IPS sensors is specific to Cisco IDS/IPS sensors and must only be upgraded under instructions from Cisco with BIOS files obtained from the Cisco website. Installing a non-Cisco or third-party BIOS on Cisco IDS/IPS sensors voids the warranty. For more information on how to obtain instructions and BIOS files from the Cisco website, see Obtaining Software on Cisco.com.
IPS 6.0(4) File List
The following files are part of Cisco IPS 6.0(4):
•
Service Pack Files
–
IPS-K9-6.0-4-E1.pkg
–
IPS-CS-MGR-K9-6.0-4-E1.zip
•
System Image Files
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IPS-4215-K9-sys-1.1-a-6.0-4-E1.img
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IPS-4240-K9-sys-1.1-a-6.0-4-E1.img
–
IPS-4255-K9-sys-1.1-a-6.0-4-E1.img
–
IPS-4260-K9-sys-1.1-a-6.0-4-E1.img
–
IPS-4270_20-K9-sys-1.1-a-6.0-4-E1.img
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IPS-SSM-K9-sys-1.1-a-6.0-4-E1.img
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IPS-SSM_40-K9-sys-1.1-a-6.0-4-E1.img
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IPS-AIM-K9-sys-1.1-a-6.0-4-E1.img
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IPS-NM_CIDS-K9-sys-1.1-a-6.0-4-E1.img
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WS-IDSM2-K9-sys-1.1-a-6.0-4-E1.bin.gz
•
Recovery Image Files
–
IPS-K9-r-1.1-a-6.0-4-E1.pkg
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IPS-AIM-K9-r-1.1-a-6.0-4-E1.pkg
•
ISO Image File
–
IPS-K9-cd-1.1-a-6.0-4-E1.iso
Note
The ISO Image is for IDS-4235 and IDS-4250 series sensors only. Refer to the ISO_Image_FAQ1.htm for instructions on how to use this file. You can download the ISO image file and ISO_Image_FAQ1.htm from: http://www.cisco.com/pcgi-bin/tablebuild.pl/ips6-system
•
Readme File
–
IPS-6.0-4-E1.readme.txt
For the procedure for obtaining these files on Cisco.com, see Obtaining Software on Cisco.com.
Supported Platforms
Cisco IPS 6.0(4) is supported on the following platforms:
•
IDS-4215 Series Sensor Appliances
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IDS-4235 Series Sensor Appliances
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IPS-4240 Series Sensor Appliances
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IDS-4250 Series Sensor Appliances
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IPS-4255 Series Sensor Appliances
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IPS-4260 Series Sensor Appliances
•
IPS 4270-20 Series Sensor Appliances
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WS-SVC-IDSM2 series Intrusion Detection System Module (IDSM-2)
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Intrusion Detection System Network Module (NM-CIDS)
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ASA-SSM-AIP-10 series Cisco ASA Advanced Inspection and Prevention Security Service Modules (AIP-SSM-10)
•
ASA-SSM-AIP-20 series Cisco ASA Advanced Inspection and Prevention Security Service Modules (AIP-SSM-20)
•
ASA-SSM-AIP-40 series Cisco ASA Advanced Inspection and Prevention Security Service Modules (AIP-SSM-40)
•
Intrusion Prevention System Advanced Integration Module (AIM-IPS)
Supported Servers
The following FTP servers are supported for IPS software updates:
•
WU-FTPD 2.6.2 (Linux)
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Solaris 2.8.
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Sambar 6.0 (Windows 2000)
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Serv-U 5.0 (Windows 2000)
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MS IIS 5.0 (Windows 2000)
The following HTTP/HTTPS servers are supported for IPS software updates:
•
VMS - Apache Server (Tomcat)
•
VMS - Apache Server (JRun)
Note
The sensor cannot download software updates from Cisco.com. You must download the software updates from Cisco.com to your FTP server, and then configure the sensor to download them from your FTP server. For the procedure for downloading IPS software updates from Cisco.com, see Obtaining Software on Cisco.com. For the procedure for configuring automatic updates, refer to Configuring Automatic Upgrades.
ROMMON uses TFTP to download an image and launch it. TFTP does not address network issues such as latency or error recovery. It does implement a limited packet integrity check so that packets arriving in sequence with the correct integrity value have an extremely low probability of error. But TFTP does not offer pipelining so the total transfer time is equal to the number of packets to be transferred times the network average RTT. Because of this limitation, we recommend that the TFTP server be located on the same LAN segment as the sensor. Any network with an RTT less than a 100 milliseconds should provide reliable delivery of the image.
Some TFTP servers limit the maximum file size that can be transferred to ~32 MB. Therefore, we recommend the following TFTP servers:
•
For Windows:
Tftpd32 version 2.0, available at:
•
For UNIX:
Tftp-hpa series, available at:
http://www.kernel.org/pub/software/network/tftp/
IPS Management and Event Viewers
Use the following tools for configuring IPS 6.0(4) sensors:
•
IDM 6.0
•
IPS CLI 6.0
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ASDM 5.2
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CSM 3.1
Use the following tools for monitoring 6.0(4) sensors:
•
MARS 4.2 and 4.3(1)
•
IEV 5.2
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CWSIMS v3.3.1.v3.4 mad v3.4.1
•
CIC Security Monitor 3.6
Note
Viewers that are already configured to monitor the 5.x sensors may need to be configured to accept a new SSL certificate for the 6.0(4) sensors.
Cisco IPS Active Update Bulletins
You can subscribe to Cisco IPS Active Update Bulletins on Cisco.com to receive e-mails when signature updates and service pack updates occur.
To receive bulletins about updates, follow these steps:
Step 1
Log in to Cisco.com.
Step 2
Under Quick Links, choose Security Center.
Step 3
Under Products and Services Updates, choose Cisco IPS Active Update Bulletins.
Step 4
Under Cisco IPS Active Update Bulletins, choose one of the Cisco IPS Active Update Bulletins.
Step 5
Under In this Issue, choose Subscription Information.
Step 6
Under Subscription Information, choose subscribe now.
Step 7
Fill out the required information, as follows:
a.
Would you like to receive IDS Active Update Bulletin? Select Yes or No from the drop-down list.
b.
In the First Name field, enter your first name.
c.
In the Last Name field, enter your last name.
d.
In the Company field, enter the name of your company.
e.
Choose your country from the drop-down menu.
f.
In the E-mail field, enter your e-mail address.
Step 8
Check the check box if you want to receive further information about Cisco products and offerings by e-mail.
Step 9
Fill in the optional information if desired.
a.
Choose your job function from the drop-down list.
b.
Choose your job level from the drop-down list.
c.
Choose your industry or business type from the drop-down list.
d.
Choose how many people your organization employs worldwide from the drop-down list.
e.
Choose your company or organization type from the drop-down list.
Step 10
Click Submit.
You receive e-mail notifications of updates when they occur and instructions on how to obtain them.
New and Changed Information
Cisco IPS 6.0(4) includes the following new features and hardware platforms:
•
S317 signature update
•
ASA-SSM-AIP-40 series Cisco ASA Advanced Inspection and Prevention Security Service Modules (AIP-SSM)
•
Intrusion Prevention System Advanced Integration Module (AIM-IPS)
•
Inline asymmetric traffic
AnalysisEngine now allows asymmetric traffic to be tracked and analyzed using a relaxed normalization process rather than the standard normalization process. For more information on the Normalizer engine, refer to Normalizer Engine.
You can now configure inline interface mode in situations where the Normalizer engine normally blocks or delays traffic because of the strict nature of stream processing, and where normalization is achieved by not doing any protocol checking or packet reordering. You can relax the Normalizer process by adding a flag to the sensorApp.conf file, which requires using the service account. It also requires a sensor reboot.
To enable Asymmetric mode processing, log in to the sensor service account, and edit the /usr/cids/idsRoot/etc/sensorApp.conf file by adding the AsymmetricFlows=true flag to the file:
[NormalizerSettings]QueuedTimeout=4AsymmetricFlows=trueAfter you add the Asymmetric flag, reboot the sensor.
To verify that the Asymmetric mode processing has been enabled, run traffic through the inline sensor and verify that TCP packets pass through the system unaltered and not reordered. You can also verify Asymmetric mode processing in the TCP Normalizer stage statistics. Verify that the number of Current Streams is increasing, but the number of Closed, Closing, Embryonic, and Established streams are all 0:
Current Streams = 1630Current Streams Closed = 0Current Streams Closing = 0Current Streams Embryonic = 0Current Streams Established = 0•
Ability to enable and disable CDP forwarding
Log in to the service account and in the /usr/cids/idsRoot/etc/interface.conf file, change cdp-mode=block to cdp-mode=forward.
Save your changes to the interface.conf file, and reboot the sensor.
Before Upgrading to Cisco IPS 6.0(4)
This section describes the actions you should take before upgrading to Cisco IPS 6.0(4). It contains the following topics:
•
Copying and Restoring the Configuration File Using a Remote Server
Perform These Tasks
Before you upgrade your sensors to Cisco IPS 6.0(4), make sure you perform the following tasks:
•
Upgrade all version 4.x or earlier sensors to IPS 5.0(1) before applying the IPS 6.0(4) service pack.
•
Make sure you have a valid Cisco Service for IPS service contract per sensor so that you can apply software upgrades.
For more information, see Service Programs for IPS Products.
•
Created a backup copy of your configuration.
For the procedure, see Copying and Restoring the Configuration File Using a Remote Server.
•
Saved the output of the show version command.
If you need to downgrade a signature update, you will know what version you had, and you can then apply the configuration you saved when you backed up your configuration. For the procedure, refer to Displaying Version Information. For the procedure for downgrading signature updates on your sensor, refer to Upgrading, Downgrading, and Installing System Images.
•
Upgraded the IDS-4215 BIOS to the most recent version.
For the procedure, see Upgrading the IDS-4215 BIOS.
•
If you are using SNMP set and/or get features, you must configure the read-only-community and read-write-community parameters before upgrading to IPS 6.0(4).
In IPS 5.x, the read-only-community was set to public by default, and the read-write-community was set to private by default. In IPS 6.0(4) these two options do not have default values. If you were not using SNMP gets and sets with IPS 5.x (for example, enable-set-get was set to false), there is no problem upgrading to IPS 6.0(4). If you were using SNMP gets and sets with IPS 5.x (for example, enable-set-get was set to true), you must configure the read-only-community and read-write-community parameters to specific values or the IPS 6.0(4) upgrade fails. You receive the following error message:
Error: execUpgradeSoftware : Notification Application "enable-set-get" value set to true, but "read-only-community" and/or "read-write-community" are set to null. Upgrade may not continue with null values in these fields.For more information on configuring SNMP in the CLI, refer to Configuring SNMP. For more information on configuring SNMP in IDM, refer to Configuring SNMP.
Copying and Restoring the Configuration File Using a Remote Server
Use the copy [/erase] source_url destination_url keyword command to copy the configuration file to a remote server. You can then restore the current configuration from the remote server. You are prompted to back up the current configuration first.
Note
We recommend copying the current configuration file to a remote server before upgrading.
The following options apply:
•
/erase—Erases the destination file before copying.
This keyword only applies to the current-config; the backup-config is always overwritten. If this keyword is specified for destination current-config, the source configuration is applied to the system default configuration. If it is not specified for the destination current-config, the source configuration is merged with the current-config.
•
source_url—The location of the source file to be copied. It can be a URL or keyword.
•
destination_url—The location of the destination file to be copied. It can be a URL or a keyword.
The exact format of the source and destination URLs varies according to the file. Here are the valid types:
•
ftp:—Source or destination URL for an FTP network server. The syntax for this prefix is:
ftp:[//[username@] location]/relativeDirectory]/filename
ftp:[//[username@]location]//absoluteDirectory]/filename
•
scp:—Source or destination URL for the SCP network server. The syntax for this prefix is:
scp:[//[username@] location]/relativeDirectory]/filename
scp:[//[username@] location]//absoluteDirectory]/filename
Note
If you use FTP or SCP protocol, you are prompted for a password. If you use SCP protocol, you must also add the remote host to the SSH known hosts list. For the CLI procedure, refer to Adding Hosts to the SSH Known Hosts List. For the IDM procedure, refer to Defining Known Host Keys.
•
http:—Source URL for the web server. The syntax for this prefix is:
http:[[/[username@]location]/directory]/filename
•
https:—Source URL for the web server. The syntax for this prefix is:
https:[[/[username@]location]/directory]/filename
Note
HTTP and HTTPS prompt for a password if a username is required to access the website. If you use HTTPS protocol, the remote host must be a TLS trusted host. For the CLI procedure, refer to Adding TLS Trusted Hosts. For the IDM procedure, refer to Adding Trusted Hosts.
The following keywords are used to designate the file location on the sensor:
•
current-config—The current running configuration. The configuration becomes persistent as the commands are entered.
•
backup-config—The storage location for the configuration backup.
CautionCopying a configuration file from another sensor may result in errors if the sensing interfaces and virtual sensors are not configured the same.
To back up and restore your current configuration, follow these steps:
Step 1
Log in to the CLI using an account with administrator privileges.
Step 2
To back up the current configuration to the remote server:
sensor# copy current-config ftp://user@10.1.1.1//configs/sensor89.cfgPassword: ********Step 3
To restore the configuration file that you copied to the remote server:
sensor# copy ftp://user@10.1.1.1//configs/sensor89.cfg current-configPassword: ********Warning: Copying over the current configuration may leave the box in an unstable state.Would you like to copy current-config to backup-config before proceeding? [yes]:Step 4
Press Enter to copy the configuration file or enter no to stop.
Upgrading the IDS-4215 BIOS
The BIOS/ROMMON upgrade utility (IDS-4215-bios-5.1.7-rom-1.4.bin) upgrades the BIOS of IDS-4215 to version 5.1.7 and the ROMMON to version 1.4.
Note
For a list of supported TFTP servers, see Supported Servers.
To upgrade the BIOS and ROMMON on IDS-4215, follow these steps:
Step 1
Download the BIOS ROMMON upgrade utility (IDS-4215-bios-5.1.7-rom-1.4.bin) to the TFTP root directory of a TFTP server that is accessible from IDS-4215.
For the procedure for locating software on Cisco.com, see Obtaining Software on Cisco.com.
Note
Make sure you can access the TFTP server location from the network connected to the Ethernet port of IDS-4215.
Step 2
Boot IDS-4215.
While rebooting, IDS-4215 runs the BIOS POST. After the completion of POST, the console displays the message: Evaluating Run Options ...for about 5 seconds.
Step 3
Press Ctrl-R while this message is displayed to display the ROMMON menu.
The console display resembles the following:
CISCO SYSTEMS IDS-4215Embedded BIOS Version 5.1.3 05/12/03 10:18:14.84Compiled by ciscouserEvaluating Run Options ...Cisco ROMMON (1.2) #0: Mon May 12 10:21:46 MDT 2003Platform IDS-42150: i8255X @ PCI(bus:0 dev:13 irq:11)1: i8255X @ PCI(bus:0 dev:14 irq:11)Using 1: i82557 @ PCI(bus:0 dev:14 irq:11), MAC: 0000.c0ff.ee01Use ? for help.rommon>Step 4
If necessary, change the port number used for the TFTP download:
rommon> interface port_numberThe port in use is listed just before the rommon prompt. Port 1 (default port) is being used as indicated by the text, Using 1: i82557 @ PCI(bus:0 dev:14 irq:11), MAC: 0000.c0ff.ee01.
Note
Ports 0 (monitoring port) and 1 (command and control port) are labeled on the back of the chassis.
Step 5
Specify an IP address for the local port on IDS-4215:
rommon> address ip_address
Note
Use the same IP address that is assigned to IDS-4215.
Step 6
Specify the TFTP server IP address:
rommon> server ip_addressStep 7
Specify the gateway IP address:
rommon> gateway ip_addressStep 8
Verify that you have access to the TFTP server by pinging it from the local Ethernet port:
rommon> ping server_ip_addressrommon> ping serverStep 9
Specify the filename on the TFTP file server from which you are downloading the image:
rommon> file filenameExample:
rommon> file IDS-4215-bios-5.1.7-rom-1.4.bin
Note
The syntax of the file location depends on the type of TFTP server used. Contact your system or network administrator for the appropriate syntax if the above format does not work.
Step 10
Download and run the update utility:
rommon> tftpStep 11
Enter y at the upgrade prompt and the update is executed.
IDS-4215 reboots when the update is complete.
CautionDo not remove power to IDS-4215 during the update process, otherwise the upgrade can get corrupted. If this occurs, IDS-4215 will be unusable and require an RMA.
Upgrading to Cisco IPS 6.0(4)
This section provides information on upgrading to IPS 6.0(4), and contains the following topics:
•
Obtaining Software on Cisco.com
•
Applying for a Cisco.com Account with Cryptographic Access
Upgrading from 5.x to 6.0(4)
The following caveats apply to upgrading from 5.x to 6.0(4):
•
If you have 4.x installed on your sensor, you must upgrade to 5.0(1), then upgrade to 6.0(4).
•
You can upgrade all 5.0 or 5.1 sensors directly to 6.0(4).
Note
5.1(3) and earlier sensors may display an error message that the upgrade file is not a recognized type. You can ignore this error and continue with the upgrade.
•
If you try to upgrade an IPS 5.x sensor to 6.0(4), you may receive an error that AnalysisEngine is not running:
sensor# upgrade scp://user@10.1.1.1/upgrades/IPS-K9-6.0-4-E1.pkg
Password: ********
Warning: Executing this command will apply a major version upgrade to the application partition. The system may be rebooted to complete the upgrade.
Continue with upgrade?: yes
Error: AnalysisEngine is not running. Please reset box and attempt upgrade again.
If you receive this error, you must get AnalysisEngine running before trying to upgrade again. This error is often caused by a defect in the currently running version. Try rebooting the sensor, and after reboot, run setup and remove the interfaces from the virtual sensor vs0. When it is not monitoring traffic, AnalysisEngine usually stays up and running. You can upgrade to 6.0(4) at this time. After the upgrade to IPS 6.0(4), add the interfaces back to the virtual sensor vs0 using the setup command. For more information on running the setup command, refer to Initializing the Sensor.
Or you can use the recovery CD (if your sensor has a CD-ROM) or the system image file to reimage directly to IPS 6.0(4). You can reimage a 5.x sensor to 6.0(4) because the reimage process does not check to see AnalysisEngine is running. For more information, refer to Upgrading, Downgrading, and Installing System Images.
CautionReimaging using the CD or system image file restores all configuration defaults.
•
In 6.0(4), you will receive messages indicating the you need to install a license. The sensor functions properly without a license, but you will need a license to install signature updates. For the procedure, see Licensing the Sensor.
•
Although upgrading from 5.x to 6.0(4) preserves sensor configuration settings, all data written to the Event Store as well as any unsupported customizations are lost.
The upgrade may stop if it comes across a value that it cannot translate. If this occurs, the resulting error message provides enough information to adjust the parameter to an acceptable value. After editing the configuration, try the upgrade again.
Note
For information about SNMP values that must be configured before upgrading from 5.x to 6.0(4), see Before Upgrading to Cisco IPS 6.0(4).
•
After you upgrade from 5.x to 6.0(4), you cannot downgrade using the downgrade command. If you want to return to the previous version, you must reimage (refer to Upgrading, Downgrading, and Installing System Images) and then copy the backup configuration from a remote server to the reimaged sensor. For the procedure, see Copying and Restoring the Configuration File Using a Remote Server.
Obtaining Software on Cisco.com
You can find major and minor updates, service packs, signature and signature engine updates, system and recovery files, firmware upgrades, and readmes at Software Downloads on Cisco.com.
Note
You must be logged in to Cisco.com to access Software Downloads.
Signature updates are posted to Cisco.com approximately every week, more often if needed. Service packs are posted to Cisco.com as needed. Major and minor updates are also posted periodically.
You must have an active IPS maintenance contract and a Cisco.com password to download software. For information on obtaining a Cisco.com account with cryptographic access, see Applying for a Cisco.com Account with Cryptographic Access.
Check Cisco.com regularly for the latest IPS software.
Note
Beginning with 5.x, you must have a license to apply signature updates. For more information, see Obtaining and Installing the License Key.
To access Software Downloads on Cisco.com, follow these steps:
Step 1
Go to Cisco.com.
Step 2
Log in to Cisco.com.
Step 3
Choose Support > Software Downloads.
Step 4
Under Select a Software Product Category, choose Cisco Secure Software.
Step 5
Under Cisco Secure Software, choose Cisco Intrusion Detection System (IDS).
Step 6
On the Software Center (Downloads) page, under Network IPS/IDS Sensors - All Supported Platforms (Except IOS IPS), locate your version and choose the applicable software link:
•
Latest Signature Update—Lets you download the most recent signature updates.
•
Latest Upgrades (Major, Minor, Service Pack, Engine)—Lets you download the most recent major and minor updates, service packs and engine updates.
•
System and Recovery Images—Lets you download the images you need to reimage your sensor.
Note
You must have an IPS subscription service license to download software. For more information, see Obtaining and Installing the License Key.
Step 7
On the Software Download page, choose the file you need.
To sort by Filename, Release, Date, or Size, choose the option from the drop-down menu and click Go.
Note
For an explanation of the IPS file versioning scheme, see IPS Software Image Naming Conventions.
Step 8
Verify that this is the software you want and click Next.
Step 9
Click Agree to accept the software download rules.
Step 10
Enter your Cisco.com username and password.
Note
The first time you download a file from Cisco.com, you must fill in the Encryption Software Export Distribution Authorization form before you can download the software. For more information, see Applying for a Cisco.com Account with Cryptographic Access.
The Download File dialog box appears.
Step 11
Open the file or save it to your computer.
Step 12
Follow the instructions in the Readme to install the update.
Note
Major and minor updates, service packs, recovery files, signature and signature engine updates are the same for all sensors. System image files are unique per platform.
Applying for a Cisco.com Account with Cryptographic Access
To download software updates, you must have a Cisco.com account with cryptographic access.
To apply for cryptographic access, follow these steps:
Step 1
If you have a Cisco.com account, skip to Step 2. If you do not have a Cisco.com account, register for one at this URL: http://tools.cisco.com/RPF/register/register.do.
Step 2
Go to this URL: http://www.cisco.com/pcgi-bin/Software/Crypto/crypto_main.pl.
The Enter Network Password dialog box appears.
Step 3
Log in with your Cisco.com account.
The Encryption Software Export Distribution Authorization page appears.
Step 4
Enter your first name in the First Name field
Step 5
Enter your last name in the Last Name field.
Step 6
Enter your company name in the Company field.
Step 7
Enter your address in the Address 1 field.
Step 8
Choose your country from the drop-down list.
Step 9
Enter your city in the City field.
Step 10
Choose your state from the drop-down list.
Step 11
Enter your province if you are not from the US in the Province/State field.
Step 12
(Optional) Enter your postal code in the Postal Code field.
Step 13
Enter your e-mail address in the E-Mail Address field.
Step 14
(Optional) Enter your work phone number in the Desk Phone field.
Step 15
(Optional) Enter your cell phone number in the Cellular Phone field.
Step 16
(Optional) Enter your fax number in the Fax field.
Step 17
Respond to the nine conditions by checking the check box next to each condition.
Step 18
Enter your first and last name as it appears in your Cisco profile in the Final Signature field.
Step 19
Review and complete the Encryption Software Export Distribution Authorization form and click Submit.
IPS Software Versioning
This section describes how to interpret IPS software versioning, and contains the following topics:
•
IPS Software Image Naming Conventions
•
6.x Software Release Examples
IPS Software Image Naming Conventions
This section describes the various IPS software files, and contains the following sections:
•
Major and Minor Updates, Service Packs, and Patch Releases
•
Signature/Virus Updates and Signature Engine Updates
•
Recovery and System Image Filenames
Major and Minor Updates, Service Packs, and Patch Releases
Figure 1 illustrates what each part of the IPS software file represents for major and minor updates, service packs, and patch releases.
Figure 1 IPS Software File Name for Major and Minor Updates, Service Packs, and Patch Releases
Major update
Contains new functionality or an architectural change in the product. For example, the IPS 6.0 base version includes everything (except deprecated features) since the previous major release (the minor update features, service pack fixes, and signature updates) plus any new changes. Major update 6.0(1) requires 5.x. With each major update there are corresponding system and recovery packages.
Note
The 6.0(1) major update is only used to upgrade 5.x sensors to 6.0(1). If you are reinstalling 6.0(1) on a sensor that already has 6.0(1) installed, use the system image or recovery procedures rather than the major update.
Minor update
Incremental to the major version. Minor updates are also base versions for service packs. The first minor update for 6.0 is 6.1(1). Minor updates are released for minor enhancements to the product. Minor updates contain all previous minor features (except deprecated features), service pack fixes, signature updates since the last major version, and the new minor features being released. You can install the minor updates on the previous major or minor version (and often even on earlier versions). The minimum supported version needed to upgrade to the newest minor version is listed in the Readme that accompanies the minor update. With each minor update there are corresponding system and recovery packages.
Service packs
Cumulative following a base version release (minor or major). Service packs are used for the release of defect fixes with no new enhancements. Service packs contain all service pack fixes since the last base version (minor or major) and the new defect fixes being released. Service packs require the minor version. The minimum supported version needed to upgrade to the newest service pack is listed in the Readme that accompanies the service pack. Service packs also include the latest engine update. For example, if service pack 6.0(3) is released, and E3 is the latest engine level, the service pack is released as 6.0(3)E3.
Patch release
Used to address defects that are identified in the upgrade binaries after a software release. Rather than waiting until the next major or minor update, or service pack to address these defects, a patch can be posted. Patches include all prior patch releases within the associated service pack level. The patches roll into the next official major or minor update, or service pack.
Before you can install a patch release, the most recent major or minor update, or service pack must be installed. For example, patch release 5.0(1p1) requires 5.0(1).
Note
Upgrading to a newer patch does not require you to uninstall the old patch. For example, you can upgrade from patch 5.0(1p1) to 5.0(1p2) without first uninstalling 5.0(1p1).
For a table listing the types of files with examples of filenames and corresponding software releases, see 6.x Software Release Examples.
Signature/Virus Updates and Signature Engine Updates
Figure 2 illustrates what each part of the IPS software file represents for signature/virus updates.
Figure 2 IPS Software File Name for Signature/Virus Updates,
Signature/virus updates
Executable file containing a set of rules designed to recognize malicious network activities. Signature updates are released independently from other software updates. Each time a major or minor update is released, you can install signature updates on the new version and the next oldest version for a period of at least six months. Signature updates are dependent on a required signature engine version. Because of this, a req designator lists the signature engine required to support a particular signature update.
A virus component for the signature updates is packaged with the signature update. Virus updates are generated by Trend Microsystems for use by the Cisco Intrusion Containment System (Cisco ICS). Once created for use by Cisco ICS, they are later be incorporated into standard Cisco signature updates.
Figure 3 illustrates what each part of the IPS software file represents for signature engine updates.
Figure 3 IPS Software File Name for Signature Engine Updates
Signature engine updates
Executable files containing binary code to support new signature updates. Signature engine files require a specific service pack, which is also identified by the req designator.
Recovery and System Image Filenames
Figure 4 illustrates what each part of the IPS software file represents for recovery and system image filenames.
Figure 4 IPS Software File Name for Recovery and System Image Filenames
Recovery and system images contain separate versions for the installer and the underlying application. The installer version contains a major and minor version field.
Installer major version
The major version is incremented by one of any major changes to the image installer, for example, switching from .tar to rpm or changing kernels.
Installer minor version
The minor version can be incremented by any one of the following:
•
Minor change to the installer, for example, a user prompt added.
•
Repackages require the installer minor version to be incremented by one if the image file must be repackaged to address a defect or problem with the installer.
6.x Software Release Examples
Table 1 lists platform-independent IDS 6.x software release examples. Refer to the Readmes that accompany the software files for detailed instructions on how to install the files. For instructions on how to access these files on Cisco.com, see .
Table 1 Platform-Independent Release Examples
Release Target Frequency Identifier Example Version Example FilenameSignature update1
Weekly
sig
S700
IPS-sig-S700-req-E1.pkg
Signature engine update2
As needed
engine
E1
IPS-engine-E1-req-6.1-3.pkg
Service packs3
Semi-annually
or as needed—
6.1(3)
IPS-K9-6.1-3-E1.pkg
Minor version update4
Annually
—
6.1(1)
IPS-K9-6.1-1-E1.pkg
Major version update5
Annually
—
6.0(1)
IPS-K9-6.0-1-E1.pkg
Patch release6
As needed
patch
6.0(1p1)
IPS-K9-patch-6.0-1pl-E1.pkg
Recovery package7
Annually or as needed
r
1.1-6.0(1)
IPS-K9-r-1.1-a-6.0-1-E1.pkg
1 Signature updates include the latest cumulative IPS signatures.
2 Signature engine updates add new engines or engine parameters that are used by new signatures in later signature updates.
3 Service packs include defect fixes.
4 Minor versions include new minor version features and/or minor version functionality.
5 Major versions include new major version functionality or new architecture.
6 Patch releases are for interim fixes.
7 The r 1.1 can be revised to r 1.2 if it is necessary to release a new recovery package that contains the same underlying application image. If there are defect fixes for the installer, for example, the underlying application version may still be 6.0(1), but the recovery partition image will be r 1.2.
Table 2 describes platform-dependent software release examples.
Table 2 Platform-Dependent Release Examples
Release Target Frequency Identifier Supported Platform Example FilenameSystem image1
Annually
sys
Separate file for each sensor platform
IPS-4240-K9-sys-1.1-a-6.0-1-E1.img
Maintenance partition image2
Annually
mp
IDSM-2
c6svc-mp.2-1-2.bin.gz
Bootloader
As needed
bl
NM-CIDS
AIM-IPSservicesengine-boot-1.0-4.bin
pse_aim_x.y.z.bin (where x, y, z is the release number)Mini-kernel
As needed
mini-kernel
AIM-IPS
pse_mini_kernel_1.1.10.64.bz2
1 The system image includes the combined recovery and application image used to reimage an entire sensor.
2 The maintenance partition image includes the full image for the IDSM-2 maintenance partition. The file is installed from but does not affect the IDSM-2 application partition.
Table 3 describes the platform identifiers used in platform-specific names.
Note
IDS-4235 and IDS-4250 do not use platform-specific image files.
Upgrading to 6.0(4)
This section describes how to upgrade your sensor to IPS 6.0(4), and contains the following topics:
•
Upgrading the Sensor With the 6.0(4) Service Pack
SNMP Error Messages
You receive SNMP error messages if you do not have the read-only-community and read-write-community parameters configured before upgrading to IPS 6.0(4). If you are using SNMP set and/or get features, you must configure the read-only-community and read-write-community parameters before upgrading to IPS 6.0(4). In IPS 5.x, the read-only-community was set to public by default, and the read-write-community was set to private by default. In IPS 6.0(4) these two options do not have default values. If you were not using SNMP gets and sets with IPS 5.x (for example, enable-set-get was set to false), there is no problem upgrading to IPS 6.0(4). If you were using SNMP gets and sets with IPS 5.x (for example, enable-set-get was set to true), you must configure the read-only-community and read-write-community parameters to specific values or the IPS 6.0(4) upgrade fails. You receive the following error message:
Error: execUpgradeSoftware : Notification Application "enable-set-get" value set to true, but "read-only-community" and/or "read-write-community" are set to null. Upgrade may not continue with null values in these fields.For more information on configuring SNMP in the CLI, refer to Configuring SNMP. For more information on configuring SNMP in IDM, refer to Configuring SNMP.
CautionIPS 6.0(4) denies high risk events by default. This is a change from 5.x. To change the default, edit the event action override for the deny packet inline action and configure it to be disabled. For more information on configuring event action overrides in the CLI, refer to Adding, Editing, Enabling, and Disabling Event Action Overrides. For more information on configuring event action overrides in IDM, refer to Adding, Editing, Deleting, Enabling, and Disabling Event Action Overrides.
Upgrading the Sensor With the 6.0(4) Service Pack
CautionYou must have a valid Cisco Service for IPS Maintenance contract per sensor to receive and use software upgrades from Cisco.com. For more information, see Service Programs for IPS Products.
To upgrade the sensor with the 6.0(4) service pack, follow these steps:
Step 1
Download the service pack update file (IPS-K9-6.0-4-E1.pkg) to an FTP, SCP, HTTP, or HTTPS server that is accessible from your sensor.
For the procedure for locating software on Cisco.com, see Obtaining Software on Cisco.com.
Note
You must log in to Cisco.com using an account with cryptographic privileges to download the file. Do not change the filename. You must preserve the original filename for the sensor to accept the update. For the procedure for obtaining an account with cryptographic privilege, see Applying for a Cisco.com Account with Cryptographic Access.
Step 2
Log in to the CLI using an account with administrator privileges.
Step 3
Determine the sensor version:
sensor# show version
Note
To install IPS 6.0(4), the sensor must be at 5.0(1) or later. You must upgrade 4.x and earlier sensors to 5.1(1) before applying the 6.0(4) service pack.
Step 4
Enter configuration mode:
sensor# configure terminalStep 5
Upgrade the sensor:
sensor(config)# upgrade scp://tester@10.1.1.1//upgrade/IPS-K9-6.0-4-E1.pkgStep 6
Enter the password when prompted:
Enter password: ********Step 7
Enter yes to complete the upgrade.
Note
The sensor reboots after installing the service pack.
Note
5.1(3) and earlier sensors may display an error message that the upgrade file is not a recognized type. You can ignore this error and continue with the upgrade.
Step 8
Verify your new sensor version:
sensor# show versionApplication Partition:Cisco Intrusion Prevention System, Version 6.0(4)E.1Host:Realm Keys key1.0Signature Definition:Signature Update S291.0 2007-06-18Virus Update V1.2 2005-11-24OS Version: 2.4.30-IDS-smp-bigphysPlatform: ASA-SSM-20Serial Number: P300000220No license presentSensor up-time is 13 days.Using 1039052800 out of 2093682688 bytes of available memory (49% usage)system is using 17.8M out of 29.0M bytes of available disk space (61% usage)application-data is using 49.9M out of 166.6M bytes of available disk space (32% usage)boot is using 37.8M out of 68.5M bytes of available disk space (58% usage)MainApp N-2007_JUN_19_16_45 (Release) 2007-06-19T17:10:20-0500 RunningAnalysisEngine N-2007_JUN_19_16_45 (Release) 2007-06-19T17:10:20-0500 RunningCLI N-2007_JUN_19_16_45 (Release) 2007-06-19T17:10:20-0500Upgrade History:IPS-K9-6.0-4-E.1 15:31:13 UTC Mon Sep 10 2007Recovery Partition Version 1.1 - 6.0(4)E.1sensor#
Note
For 5.x, you receive a message saying the upgrade is of unknown type. You can ignore this message.
Note
The operating system is reimaged and all files that have been placed on the sensor through the service account are removed.
After Upgrading to Cisco IPS 6.0(4)
This section provides information about what to do after you install IPS 6.0(4). It contains the following topics:
Comparing Configurations
Compare your backed up and saved 5.1 configuration with the output of the show configuration command after upgrading to 6.0(4) to verify that all the configuration has been properly converted.
CautionIf the configuration is not properly converted, see Caveats, or check Cisco.com for any upgrade issues that have been found. Contact the TAC if no DDTS refers to your situation.
SSL Certificate
If necessary, import the new SSL certificate for the upgraded sensor in to each tool being used to monitor the sensor.
For the CLI procedure, refer to Configuring TLS. For the IDM procedure, refer to Configuring Certificates.
Logging In to IDM
IDM is a web-based, Java Start application that enables you to configure and manage your sensor. The web server for IDM resides on the sensor. You can access it through Internet Explorer or Firefox web browsers.






