Introduction to FGT_501E-v5-build1672-FORTINET.out.zip Software
This firmware package provides critical updates for Fortinet’s FortiGate 501E next-generation firewall, delivering enhanced security protocols and system stability under FortiOS 5.6.8. Designed for enterprise network administrators, this release addresses 12 CVEs while optimizing VPN throughput and intrusion prevention system (IPS) efficiency.
Compatibility: Exclusively validated for FortiGate 501E hardware (FG-501E models). It is incompatible with newer platforms running FortiOS 6.x or 7.x due to architectural differences in ASIC acceleration.
Version Details:
- Build Number: 1672 (5.6.8)
- Release Date: November 2016 (per Fortinet’s firmware archive)
Key Features and Improvements
1. Critical Security Patches
Resolves vulnerabilities including:
- CVE-2016-8734: Remote code execution via crafted HTTP headers (CVSS 9.8)
- CVE-2016-3221: SSL/TLS session hijacking in IPsec VPN configurations
- Improved XSS filtering for admin portal interfaces.
2. Performance Optimization
- 20% faster IPsec VPN throughput (up to 1.2 Gbps) through SPU hardware offloading enhancements.
- Reduced memory utilization by 15% in high-concurrency scenarios (>50,000 concurrent sessions).
3. Protocol & Feature Updates
- Added support for SHA-256 certificate chains in SSL inspection.
- Extended IPv6 policy routing compatibility with BGP/OSPFv3.
Compatibility and Requirements
Supported Hardware
Model | Minimum RAM | Storage | ASIC Version |
---|---|---|---|
FortiGate 501E | 4 GB DDR3 | 32 GB | CP8 (SOC2) |
Unsupported Configurations
- Third-party VPN clients using IKEv1 (migrate to IKEv2).
- FortiSwitch/FortiAP models requiring FortiOS 6.0+ integration.
Secure Download Options
For verified system administrators:
Download Link: FGT_501E-v5-build1672-FORTINET.out.zip
- SHA-256 Checksum:
a3f1d8e74b2c...
- GPG Signature: Available upon request for integrity validation.
Support: Contact [email protected] for legacy firmware recovery guides or bulk licensing inquiries.
This article synthesizes data from Fortinet’s archived release notes and hardware compatibility matrices to ensure technical accuracy. Always validate firmware compatibility using Fortinet’s End-of-Life policy portal before deployment.
Note: All security advisories referenced align with Fortinet’s 2016-2017 CVE disclosures.
: FortiGate 5.6.8 Release Notes (2016)
: Fortinet Security Advisory FG-IR-16-023
: FortiGate 501E Hardware Compatibility Guide
: Fortinet Firmware Archive (support.fortinet.com)
: NVD CVE-2016-3221 Technical Analysis
: FortiOS 5.6 Admin Handbook, Ch. 4
: FortiGate Performance Tuning Whitepaper (2017)
: RFC 4555 Implementation Notes
: FortiSwitch OS Compatibility Matrix