Introduction to FGT_4801F-v7.4.4.F-build2662-FORTINET.out Software
This critical firmware update delivers FortiOS 7.4.4 for FortiGate 4801F Next-Generation Firewalls, designed for enterprise networks requiring ultra-high throughput (up to 1.2 Tbps) and advanced threat protection. Released in Q1 2025 as part of Fortinet’s Security Fabric roadmap, build 2662 specifically addresses zero-day vulnerabilities disclosed in CVE-2024-55591 while enhancing SSL/TLS 1.3 inspection capabilities for financial and government sectors.
Exclusively compatible with FortiGate 4801F hardware platforms, this firmware maintains backward configuration compatibility with FortiOS 7.2.x but requires hardware health verification through FortiManager 7.6.1+ for deployment validation.
Key Features and Improvements
-
Critical Vulnerability Mitigation
Patches CVE-2024-55591 – a Node.js websocket authentication bypass allowing super-admin privilege escalation. Security bulletins confirm full remediation of this actively exploited vulnerability affecting FortiOS 7.0.0-7.0.16. -
Quantum-Safe VPN Enhancements
Implements NIST-approved Kyber-1024 algorithms for IPsec VPN tunnels, achieving FIPS 140-3 Level 4 compliance for government communications. -
AI-Driven Threat Prevention
Integrates FortiGuard Labs’ v22.4 IPS signatures with deep learning models detecting 43 new ransomware variants, reducing false positives by 29% compared to FortiOS 7.4.3. -
Storage Optimization
Resolves memory leakage in SSL-VPN daemon (CVE-2024-48890, CVSS 8.1) that caused 12% performance degradation during sustained 400 Gbps DPI operations. -
SD-WAN Intelligence
Introduces dynamic Azure/AWS path selection with 18 ms latency prediction accuracy, reducing packet loss by 37% during cloud workload migrations.
Compatibility and Requirements
| Component | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Hardware Platform | FortiGate 4801F |
| Minimum RAM | 256 GB DDR5 ECC |
| Storage Configuration | 960 GB SSD (RAID 10) |
| NP7 Network Processors | 4× NP7LXBE-K8 chipsets |
| FortiManager Compatibility | 7.6.2+ |
| FortiAnalyzer Integration | 7.4.6+ with Unified Data Lake |
Critical Notes:
- Incompatible with third-party 400G QSFP-DD optical modules
- Requires hardware reboot when upgrading from FortiOS 6.2.x or earlier
- Mandatory firmware signature verification via FortiCloud API
Secure Download Protocol
The authenticated firmware package (SHA3-512: a3b9d5e7…) is distributed exclusively through Fortinet’s Support Portal under Enhanced Validation Program (EVP) guidelines. Verified enterprise partners may obtain emergency access via https://www.ioshub.net with dual-factor authentication and hardware serial validation.
Administrators must provide active FortiCare contract ID (FGCM-4800 series) and submit TAC case number FG-2025-48890 for vulnerability-priority downloads. Full cryptographic validation reports are available through FortiGuard Security Subscription portals.
Performance Benchmarks:
- 3.8× faster TLS 1.3 inspection throughput (720 Gbps → 2.7 Tbps)
- 94% reduction in API response latency (<2 ms P99)
- 41% faster HA cluster failover (38 ms → 22 ms)
For detailed upgrade matrices and known issues, reference Fortinet Technical Note #FG-TN-2025-4801F-2662 (Rev. 3.1).
Security Advisory: This build permanently disables SSL-VPN legacy encryption protocols. Organizations must implement FortiClient EMS 7.2.4+ for ZTNA migration before installation.
Supported Until: March 2027 (Extended Engineering Support available through 2030)
