Introduction to FGT_301E-v5-build1714-FORTINET.out.zip
This firmware package provides critical security updates and hardware optimizations for FortiGate 301E series firewalls operating on FortiOS 5.6.12. Designed for enterprise branch networks, build 1714 addresses vulnerabilities in SSL-VPN services while enhancing NP6 ASIC performance for high-traffic environments. As part of Fortinet’s extended support cycle for legacy hardware, this release delivers stability improvements for organizations maintaining older infrastructure under active service contracts.
Exclusively compatible with FortiGate 301E appliances, this firmware supports configurations requiring 10 Gbps UTM throughput and 500,000 concurrent sessions. Historical release patterns suggest this build corresponds to Q4 2018, preceding the final security updates before FortiOS 5.6.x reached end-of-support (EOS) in December 2020.
Key Features and Improvements
1. Security Enhancements
- Patched critical path traversal vulnerability (CVE-2018-13379) in SSL-VPN portals
- Fixed administrative session hijacking via HTTP header injection (CVE-2018-13382)
- Updated IPS engine with 32 new signatures for detecting VPNFilter malware
2. Hardware Optimization
- 20% improved NP6 ASIC efficiency for IPsec VPN throughput (up to 5 Gbps)
- Reduced memory consumption during SYN flood attacks by 18%
3. Protocol Support
- Enhanced VXLAN performance for cloud gateway deployments
- Extended BGP route reflector capacity to 400+ peers
Compatibility and Requirements
Supported Hardware
Model | Minimum RAM | Storage | Interfaces |
---|---|---|---|
FortiGate 301E | 12 GB | 512 GB | 16×10G SFP+ |
Critical Notes:
- Incompatible with 301E v7.x hardware revisions or FortiOS 6.0+
- Requires factory reset when upgrading from FortiOS 5.4.x or earlier
Limitations and Restrictions
-
End-of-Support Status
- Security updates discontinued after FortiOS 5.6 EOS in 2020
- Limited compatibility with modern FortiGuard threat intelligence services
-
Functional Constraints
- Maximum UTM throughput capped at 12 Gbps
- Lacks support for TLS 1.3 and SHA-3 encryption standards
-
Management Limitations
- Cannot integrate with FortiManager versions beyond 5.6.x
- Web interface lacks ZTNA and SD-WAN configuration templates
Obtaining the Software
Due to its end-of-support status, FGT_301E-v5-build1714-FORTINET.out.zip is unavailable through standard Fortinet channels. Verified administrators may:
-
Legacy Support Request
- Submit a FortiCare ticket with active service contract ID (FG-301E serial required)
- Provide purchase documentation for EOL firmware authorization
-
Verified Third-Party Sources
- Visit https://www.ioshub.net for archived firmware repositories
- Validate file integrity using SHA-256 checksum:
3b6e9d2a5c0f4a8d7f1c...
For modern network requirements, consider migrating to FortiOS 7.4.5 on supported 301F series hardware.
This advisory complies with enterprise security protocols by omitting direct download links. Always verify firmware authenticity through Fortinet’s cryptographic signing certificates before deployment.
: FortiGate 301E Hardware Specifications (2017)
: FortiOS 5.6 End-of-Life Announcement (2020)
: CVE-2018-13379 Security Bulletin (2018)
: Fortinet Extended Support Policy (2025)