CML is paid software. It requires a valid license (Smart License via Cisco DNA Center or an on-premises license file). Some enterprising individuals release "patched" ISOs or Python scripts that modify the CML source code ( /usr/local/cml/... ) to disable license checks. Using these is a direct violation of Cisco's EULA (End User License Agreement). Cisco actively detects these via telemetry, and your access to software updates via Cisco.com will be revoked if caught.
Sometimes, you may need a patched version of the RefPlat ISO to fix bugs or add new features. A patched version of the ISO can be obtained from Cisco or from other sources, such as: cisco cml refplat iso download patched
| Risk | Consequence | |------|--------------| | | Unknown payloads in modified Ubuntu ISOs (keyloggers, miners). | | Unstable labs | Broken package dependencies, missing kernel modules. | | No updates | You can’t apt update or upgrade CML patches. | | Cisco TAC blacklist | Logs show license tampering → account termination. | | False configs | Patched images often have wrong interface counts or broken features. | CML is paid software