My ASA 5505 keeps going over the 50 host limit

Use "show local-host" command.
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/security/asa/asa72/command/reference/s4_72.html#wp1306138

How can I tell what local hosts are contributing to the license limit?

Keep in mind though that the hosts don't refer to users but to (all) machines on your network which can connect to the internet.
Don't know how much you got of them offcourse.

here are the details for the syslog ID 450001:
Error Message    ASA-4-450001: Deny traffic for protocol protocol_id src
interface_name:IP_address/port dst interface_name:IP_address/port, licensed host
limit of num exceeded.

If you have a hunch that somebody on the internal network may be launching too many connections, use the command:
sh loacl-host | include host|count/limit
this command will give the number of connections each of the hosts on the internal network are having.
If you find any host with more number of connections determine what that host is, a server or a PC.
A server having many connections is justifiable, but a PC having many connections needs some investigation.

If you want to limit the number of connections, you can use the set-connection command in the class-map of a policy-map

I don't get how the number add up. This is an example of the output.

Current host count: 28, towards licensed host limit of: 50
local host: <10.1.2.175>,
    TCP flow count/limit = 29/unlimited
    TCP embryonic count to host = 0
    UDP flow count/limit = 0/unlimited
local host: <10.1.2.179>,
    TCP flow count/limit = 26/unlimited
    TCP embryonic count to host = 0
    UDP flow count/limit = 32/unlimited

One of these computers is mine and I have no viruses but I am running many applications.
I also have outside ip addresses showing up on the list like the ones below:

local host: <74.125.19.149>,
    TCP flow count/limit = 2/unlimited
    TCP embryonic count to host = 0
    UDP flow count/limit = 0/unlimited
local host: <74.125.19.189>,
    TCP flow count/limit = 8/unlimited
    TCP embryonic count to host = 0
    UDP flow count/limit = 0/unlimited

I thought show local-host would only show connections on the inside interface.

anoopkmr

I removed the -security-traffic permit intra-interface - didn't seem to do anything

There is a default route

My ASA version is 7.2(3)

I have seen a few times on the ASA 5505 that if you use VPN clients to connect with full tunnel and provide them internet via "VPN on a stick" that the ASA then starts using sessions that the VPN clients create to count instead of IPs.

Under all circumstances I advise you to upgrade to a newer version atleast 8.2.3 (think its the lastest in the 8.2.x train).

I think that may be what is happening. What's the process for getting an upgrade? I have 4 ASA 5505 that are not on any sort of contract. Do I need to purchase the upgrade? From who? Thanks.

You can purchase a single upgrade for the one ASA that needs the new software or you can purchase a 50-unlimited user upgrade.

I would recommend that you purchase a smartnet contract for all 4 ASAs and a 50-unl upgrade for the ASA with VPN clients.

A smartnet contract enables you to the following:

1. Full access to ASA and VPN software
2. Advanced hardware replacement (AHV) on a 8x5NBD (next business day shipping)
3. Access to Cisco TAC

Can you buy the upgrade or Smartnet online?

You purchase your smartnet contract via a Cisco partner or reseller and the contracts are paper contracts and is sent via e-mail. Use this link to find a partner in your area.

http://tools.cisco.com/WWChannels/LOCATR/openBasicSearch.do