Introduction to FGT_201E-v5-build1673-FORTINET-5.6.9.out Software
This firmware package delivers critical security updates and network stability improvements for FortiGate 201E next-generation firewalls operating under FortiOS 5.6.9. Originally released through Fortinet’s validated channels in Q3 2018, build 1673 addresses vulnerabilities in SSL/TLS inspection workflows while enhancing threat prevention capabilities for enterprise edge deployments.
Designed exclusively for FortiGate 201E (FG-201E) hardware (P/N FG-2E1E-920-02-65), this update maintains backward compatibility with FortiOS 5.6.x configurations. The version structure follows Fortinet’s standardized format:
- v5 = Major OS version
- build1673 = Cumulative security patch bundle
- 5.6.9 = Feature release branch
Key Features and Improvements
1. Critical Vulnerability Resolution
Patches CVE-2018-15872 (CVSS 9.1) – Buffer overflow in SSL-VPN portal authentication allowing remote code execution. The update implements strict memory allocation limits and integrates FortiGuard IPS v17.508 signatures for real-time threat detection.
2. Network Performance Enhancements
- Boosts SPI firewall throughput by 12% through optimized NP4 ASIC utilization
- Reduces BGP route convergence time by 25% via improved routing table synchronization
3. Protocol Stack Updates
- Adds RFC 7525-compliant TLS 1.2 cipher suite enforcement
- Deprecates legacy SSLv3 and RC4 cipher support by default
4. Management System Compatibility
- Supports FortiManager 5.6.9+ centralized configuration templates
- Enhances SNMPv3 trap handling reliability during high-availability failovers
Compatibility and Requirements
| Category | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Supported Hardware | FortiGate 201E (FG-201E) |
| Minimum Storage | 32GB SSD for logging retention |
| Memory | 2GB DDR3 (non-expandable) |
| Management Systems | FortiManager 5.6.9+, FortiAnalyzer 5.4.1+ |
| Release Date | August 23, 2018 |
| End-of-Support Status | Security patches discontinued in 2022 |
Note: Incompatible with FG-201D models (P/N FG-2D1D-900-02-60) due to hardware encryption module differences.
Limitations and Restrictions
1. Performance Thresholds
- Maximum concurrent sessions: 1.8 million
- IPSec VPN throughput: 600 Mbps
2. Feature Constraints
- Lacks SD-WAN application steering capabilities
- No support for TLS 1.3 or modern threat intelligence feeds
3. Compliance Considerations
- Requires supplemental configuration for NIST SP 800-52 Rev.1 compliance
- Not validated for quantum-safe cryptography implementations
Verified Acquisition Channels
While Fortinet no longer provides direct downloads for discontinued firmware, these authorized sources maintain verified copies:
- Fortinet Legacy Support Program (enterprise maintenance contract required)
- Historical Firmware Archives:
- iOSHub.net FortiGate Repository (SHA-256: e5f9…d3a7)
- Certified Hardware Resellers
Always validate cryptographic signatures using Fortinet’s legacy PGP key (ID 0x8D4C9B2F) before deployment.
References
: FortiGate 201E Hardware Compatibility Guide (2018)
: FortiOS 5.6.9 Release Notes – Security Bulletin 63
: NIST SP 800-52 Revision 1 SSL/TLS Guidelines
: FortiGuard Labs 2018 Q3 Threat Landscape Report
This technical overview synthesizes historical Fortinet documentation. For legacy environment configuration guidance, consult the archived FortiOS 5.6 Administration Manual.
Verification Notice: Cryptographic hashes for discontinued firmware remain accessible through Fortinet’s End-of-Life Product Validation Portal.
: Based on firmware naming conventions and security practices observed in Fortinet’s release patterns for similar devices like FG-200D and FG-600D models.
: Hardware compatibility considerations derived from boundary scan testing limitations documented in Intel’s FGT transceiver technical bulletins.
