Chapter 19 Managing the AIP SSM and CSC SSM

Managing the AIP SSM

The AIP SSM can operate in one of two modes, as follows:

•Inline mode—Places the AIP SSM directly in the traffic flow. No traffic can continue through the adaptive security appliance without first passing through, and being inspected by, the AIP SSM. This mode is the most secure because every packet is analyzed before being allowed through. Also, the AIP SSM can implement a blocking policy on a packet-by-packet basis. This mode, however, can affect throughput. You specify this mode with the inline keyword of the ips command.

•Promiscuous mode—Sends a duplicate stream of traffic to the AIP SSM. This mode is less secure, but has little impact on traffic throughput. Unlike operation in inline mode, the SSM operating in promiscuous mode can only block traffic by instructing the adaptive security appliance to shun the traffic or by resetting a connection on the adaptive security appliance. Also, while the AIP SSM is analyzing the traffic, a small amount of traffic might pass through the adaptive security appliance before the AIP SSM can block it. You specify this mode with the inline keyword of the ips command.

You can specify how the adaptive security appliance treats traffic when the AIP SSM is unavailable due to hardware failure or other causes. Two keywords of the ips command control this behavior. The fail-closekeyword sets the adaptive security appliance to block all traffic if the AIP SSM is unavailable. The fail-openkeyword sets the adaptive security appliance to allow all traffic through, uninspected, if the AIP SSM is unavailable.

For more information about configuring the operating mode of the AIP SSM and how the adaptive security appliance treats traffic during an AIP SSM failure, see the “Diverting Traffic to the AIP SSM” section on page 19-2.

Getting Started with the AIP SSM

Configuring the AIP SSM is a two-part process that involves configuration of the ASA 5500 series adaptive security appliance first, and then configuration of the AIP SSM:

1.On the ASA 5500 series adaptive security appliance, identify traffic to divert to the AIP SSM (as described in the “Diverting Traffic to the AIP SSM” section on page 19-2).

2.On the AIP SSM, configure the inspection and protection policy, which determines how to inspect traffic and what to do when an intrusion is detected. Because the IPS software that runs on the AIP SSM is very robust and beyond the scope of this document, detailed configuration information is available in the following separate documentation:

•Configuring the Cisco Intrusion Prevention System Sensor Using the Command Line Interface.

•Command Reference for Cisco Intrusion Prevention System

Diverting Traffic to the AIP SSM

You use MPF commands to configure the adaptive security appliance to divert traffic to the AIP SSM. Before configuring the adaptive security appliance to do so, read Chapter 18, “Using Modular Policy Framework,” which introduces MPF concepts and common commands.

To identify traffic to divert from the adaptive security appliance to the AIP SSM, perform the following steps:

Step 1 Create an access list that matches all traffic:

hostname(config)# access-list acl-namepermit ip any any

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Cisco Systems ASA 5500 manual Getting Started with the AIP SSM, Diverting Traffic to the AIP SSM, 19-2
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ASA 5500 specifications

Cisco Systems ASA 5500 is a robust security appliance designed to provide advanced network security and protection against both internal and external threats. Ideal for organizations of various sizes, the ASA 5500 series offers a wide range of features that combine firewall capabilities with intrusion prevention, VPN support, and application control, among others.

One of the key features of the ASA 5500 is its stateful firewall technology. This allows the device to monitor active connections and enforce security policies based on the state of the traffic. By maintaining the context of network sessions, the firewall can make informed decisions on whether to allow or deny traffic based on established rules.

In addition to traditional firewall functionalities, the ASA 5500 series integrates advanced intrusion prevention capabilities. By analyzing traffic patterns and identifying known threats, the IPS functionality helps organizations defend against a variety of malicious activities, such as DDoS attacks, malware, and unauthorized access attempts. The ASA 5500 continuously updates its threat intelligence through Cisco's global threat database, enhancing its ability to detect emerging threats in real-time.

Virtual Private Network (VPN) support is another significant aspect of the ASA 5500 series. The device offers secure, encrypted connections for remote users and branch offices, ensuring safe access to corporate resources over the Internet. It supports both IPsec and SSL VPN protocols, allowing organizations to choose the best option for their specific needs. This capability is crucial for businesses that require a secure environment for remote work.

The ASA 5500 series also features extensive application control and visibility tools. These tools enable organizations to manage and control the applications running on their network, ensuring that only authorized applications can communicate through the firewall. This level of control helps to mitigate risks associated with unauthorized applications, which can lead to data breaches or reduced productivity.

Moreover, the ASA 5500 is designed with high availability and scalability in mind. Its clustering support ensures that multiple units can work together to provide redundancy and load balancing, enhancing both performance and reliability. This characteristic is especially important for organizations looking to maintain continuous operation during traffic spikes or hardware failures.

In summary, Cisco Systems ASA 5500 is an all-in-one security solution that combines stateful firewall protection, intrusion prevention, VPN capabilities, and application control. With its robust feature set and focus on security, it is well-suited for organizations seeking to protect their networks from an ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats. Whether for small businesses or large enterprises, the ASA 5500 provides the necessary tools to create a secure networking environment.
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