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CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:N/I:N/A:H/E:X/RL:X/RC:X
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A vulnerability in the processing of Galois/Counter Mode (GCM)-encrypted Internet Key Exchange version 2 (IKEv2) IPsec traffic of Cisco Secure Firewall Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) Software and Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense (FTD) Software could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to cause a denial of service (DoS) condition on an affected device.
This vulnerability is due to the allocation of an insufficiently sized block of memory. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending crafted GCM-encrypted IPsec traffic to an affected device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to cause an unexpected reload of the device, resulting in a DoS condition. To exploit this vulnerability, the attacker must have valid credentials to establish a VPN connection with the affected device.
Cisco has released software updates that address this vulnerability. There are no workarounds that address this vulnerability.
This advisory is available at the following link:
https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-asaftd-esp-dos-uv7yD8P5This advisory is part of the March 2026 release of the Cisco Secure Firewall ASA, Secure FMC, and Secure FTD Software Security Advisory Bundled Publication. For a complete list of the advisories and links to them, see Cisco Event Response: March 2026 Semiannual Cisco Secure Firewall ASA, Secure FMC, and Secure FTD Software Security Advisory Bundled Publication.
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Vulnerable Products
This vulnerability affects Cisco devices if they are running a vulnerable release of Cisco Secure Firewall ASA Software or Secure FTD Software and are configured to use GCM encryption for IPsec IKEv2.
For information about which Cisco software releases are vulnerable, see the Fixed Software section of this advisory.
Determine the IPsec IKEv2 Encryption Mode
To determine whether at least one IPsec IKEv2 proposal is configured to use a GCM cipher, use the show running-config crypto ipsec | include gcm CLI command. If no output is returned, the device is not affected by this vulnerability. If the command returns output, at least one configured IPsec IKEv2 proposal uses a GCM cipher. The following example shows the output on a device that uses the aes-gcm cipher in an IPsec IKEv2 proposal:
Firewall# show running-config crypto ipsec | include gcm
protocol esp encryption aes-gcm
Firewall#Note: The possible values for GCM encryption modes are aes-gcm, aes-gcm-192, and aes-gcm-256.
Products Confirmed Not Vulnerable
Only products listed in the Vulnerable Products section of this advisory are known to be affected by this vulnerability.
Cisco has confirmed that this vulnerability does not affect Cisco Secure Firewall Management Center (FMC) Software.
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There are no workarounds that address this vulnerability.
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Cisco considers any workarounds and mitigations (if applicable) to be temporary solutions until an upgrade to a fixed software release is available. To fully remediate this vulnerability and avoid future exposure as described in this advisory, Cisco strongly recommends that customers upgrade to the fixed software indicated in this advisory.
Cisco Secure Firewall ASA, Secure FMC, and Secure FTD Software
To help customers determine their exposure to vulnerabilities in Cisco Secure Firewall ASA, Secure FMC, and Secure FTD Software, Cisco provides the Cisco Software Checker. This tool identifies any Cisco security advisories that impact a specific software release and the earliest release that fixes the vulnerabilities that are described in each advisory (“First Fixed”). If applicable, the tool also returns the earliest release that fixes all the vulnerabilities that are described in all the advisories that the Software Checker identifies (“Combined First Fixed”).
To use the tool, go to the Cisco Software Checker page and follow the instructions. Alternatively, use the following form to search for vulnerabilities that affect a specific software release. To use the form, follow these steps:
- Choose which advisories the tool will search—all advisories, only advisories with a Critical or High Security Impact Rating (SIR), or only this advisory.
- Choose the appropriate software.
- Choose the appropriate platform.
- Enter a release number—for example, 9.20.3.4 for Cisco Secure Firewall ASA Software or 7.4.2 for Cisco Secure FTD Software.
- Click Check.
For instructions on upgrading a Cisco Secure FTD device, see the appropriate Cisco Secure FMC upgrade guide.
Additional Resources
For help determining the best Cisco Secure Firewall ASA, Secure FMC, or Secure FTD Software release, see the following Recommended Releases documents. If a security advisory recommends a later release, Cisco recommends following the advisory guidance.
Cisco Secure Firewall ASA Compatibility
Cisco Secure Firewall ASA Upgrade Guide
Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense Compatibility Guide
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The Cisco Product Security Incident Response Team (PSIRT) is not aware of any public announcements or malicious use of the vulnerability that is described in this advisory.
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This vulnerability was found during the resolution of a Cisco Technical Assistance Center (TAC) support case.
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To learn about Cisco security vulnerability disclosure policies and publications, see the Security Vulnerability Policy. This document also contains instructions for obtaining fixed software and receiving security vulnerability information from Cisco.
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Show LessVersion Description Section Status Date 1.0 Initial public release. — Final 2026-MAR-04
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SOFTWARE DOWNLOADS AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT
The Cisco Support and Downloads page on Cisco.com provides information about licensing and downloads. This page can also display customer device support coverage for customers who use the My Devices tool. Please note that customers may download only software that was procured from Cisco directly or through a Cisco authorized reseller or partner and for which the license is still valid.
Customers who purchase directly from Cisco but do not hold a Cisco service contract and customers who make purchases through third-party vendors but are unsuccessful in obtaining fixed software through their point of sale should obtain upgrades by contacting the Cisco Technical Assistance Center (TAC). Customers should have the product serial number available and be prepared to provide the URL of this advisory as evidence of entitlement to a free upgrade.
When considering software upgrades, customers are advised to regularly consult the advisories for the relevant Cisco products to determine exposure and a complete upgrade solution. In all cases, customers should ensure that the devices to be upgraded contain sufficient memory and confirm that current hardware and software configurations will continue to be supported properly by the new release. If the information is not clear, customers are advised to contact the Cisco Technical Assistance Center (TAC) or their contracted maintenance providers.
LEGAL DISCLAIMER DETAILS
CISCO DOES NOT MAKE ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED GUARANTEES OR WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR USE. WITHOUT LIMITING THE GENERALITY OF THE FOREGOING, CISCO DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THIS INFORMATION. THIS DOCUMENT IS PROVIDED ON AN "AS IS" BASIS. YOUR USE OF THE INFORMATION ON THE DOCUMENT OR MATERIALS LINKED FROM THE DOCUMENT IS AT YOUR OWN RISK. CISCO RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE OR UPDATE THIS DOCUMENT AT ANY TIME.
Copies or summaries of the information contained in this Security Advisory may lack important information or contain factual errors. Customers are advised to visit the Cisco Security Advisories page for the most recent version of this Security Advisory. The Cisco Product Security Incident Response Team (PSIRT) assesses only the affected and fixed release information that is documented in this advisory. See the Cisco Security Vulnerability Policy for more information.