In a recent advisory, Cisco has revealed that more than 230 models of its Wi-Fi access points are generating 5MB of nonessential data each day. This accumulation of data fills the onboard flash memory, leading to potential failures in downloading necessary software updates.
Details of the Issue
The problem stems from an updated library in Cisco IOS XE, specifically in versions 17.12.4, 17.12.5, 17.12.6, and 17.12.6a. These versions cause the access points to create a log file named cnssdaemon.log, which cannot be deleted via the command line interface. As a result, the longer the access points operate on the affected software, the greater the risk of software download failures due to insufficient disk space.
Challenges in Implementing Fixes
While the straightforward solution involves upgrading to a version of IOS XE that does not produce the log file, Cisco warns that this may not be feasible for all users. If the flash memory is already filled with the undeletable data, there may not be enough space to accommodate the updated operating system. This scenario could lead to a bootloop, further complicating recovery efforts.
Advisory and Remediation Steps
Cisco’s advisory includes a procedure for identifying the affected IOS XE releases and offers instructions for remediation. Users are encouraged to maintain accurate inventories of their access point fleets to facilitate swift identification and resolution of the issue. This is particularly crucial for those who may have inherited outdated or poorly managed systems.
Additional Considerations
In addition to the log file issue, Cisco has identified potential voicemail synchronization problems that may arise following the shutdown of Microsoft Exchange Web Services. This highlights the need for IT teams to remain vigilant about multiple operational challenges that could impact network performance.
This article was produced by NeonPulse.today using human and AI-assisted editorial processes, based on publicly available information. Content may be edited for clarity and style.
