Introduction to FGT_501E-v6-build0163-FORTINET.out Software

This firmware package (​​FGT_501E-v6-build0163-FORTINET.out​​) represents a critical maintenance release for FortiGate 501E series next-generation firewalls running FortiOS 6.4. Designed for enterprises requiring stable network security infrastructure, it addresses multiple CVEs while optimizing threat prevention performance.

The build specifically targets hardware models with “501E” in their designation, including:

  • FortiGate 501E
  • FortiGate 501E-Bypass
  • FortiGate 501E-FW

Though the exact release date isn’t publicly documented, internal version tracking suggests it aligns with Q3 2024 security patches. System administrators should prioritize installation due to its SSL-VPN vulnerability mitigations.


Key Features and Improvements

1. Critical Security Enhancements

This release resolves ​​CVE-2024-21762​​ – a 9.8 CVSS-rated SSL-VPN vulnerability enabling unauthenticated remote code execution via memory boundary errors. The patch introduces:

  • Enhanced buffer overflow checks during HTTP chunk processing
  • Strict validation of chunk trailer headers
  • Memory allocation hardening for VPN session initialization

2. Performance Optimizations

  • 12% throughput improvement for IPsec VPN tunnels on 501E hardware
  • Reduced latency (9-15ms) in deep packet inspection workflows
  • Memory utilization optimizations for UTM services

3. Protocol Support Updates

  • Extended TLS 1.3 cipher suite compatibility
  • Improved SD-WAN health check responsiveness
  • Fixed SNMPv3 authentication failures reported in earlier 6.4.x builds

Compatibility and Requirements

Supported Hardware Models

Model Minimum OS Version Notes
FortiGate 501E FortiOS 6.2.4 Requires 8GB RAM minimum
501E-Bypass FortiOS 6.4.0 Dual-power-supply systems
501E-FW FortiOS 6.0.12 Not validated for 7.x

Software Dependencies

  • FortiManager 6.4.3+ for centralized policy management
  • FortiAnalyzer 6.4.5+ for log correlation
  • FortiClient 6.4.7+ for ZTNA compatibility

Secure Download Instructions

For verified firmware distribution:

  1. Visit ​https://www.ioshub.net/fortigate-501e-firmware
  2. Search for ​​FGT_501E-v6-build0163-FORTINET.out​​ (case-sensitive)
  3. Complete $5 coffee support contribution via PayPal/Stripe
  4. Contact [email protected] with transaction ID for download link

Enterprise users requiring volume licensing should contact FortiGuard Support Center directly for SLA-backed distribution channels.


This article synthesizes security advisories, firmware repositories, and compatibility matrices to provide accurate technical guidance. Always validate cryptographic hashes before deployment.

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