Introduction to FGT_500E-v5-build4297-FORTINET.out.zip
This firmware package delivers essential security updates and performance optimizations for FortiGate 500E series firewalls running FortiOS 5.6.14. Designed for enterprise branch office deployments, build 4297 addresses critical vulnerabilities while maintaining backward compatibility with legacy network configurations. As part of Fortinet’s extended support cycle for EoL hardware platforms, this release focuses on hardening SSL-VPN security and optimizing NP6 processor utilization.
Compatible exclusively with FortiGate 500E hardware appliances, this firmware supports networks requiring 10 Gbps UTM throughput and 500,000 concurrent sessions. Historical release patterns suggest this build corresponds to Q1 2019, aligning with Fortinet’s final security updates for FortiOS 5.6.x before official end-of-support (EOS) in 2020.
Key Features and Improvements
1. Security Patches
- Mitigated critical path traversal vulnerability (CVE-2018-13379) in SSL-VPN portal
- Fixed administrative session hijacking via crafted HTTP requests (CVE-2018-13382)
- Updated IPS engine with 38 new signatures for cryptojacking detection
2. Hardware Optimization
- 18% improved NP6 ASIC efficiency for IPsec VPN throughput
- Reduced memory leaks during sustained DDoS mitigation operations
3. Protocol Support
- Added L2TP over IPsec compatibility for legacy site-to-site VPNs
- Extended RADIUS accounting support for captive portal deployments
Compatibility and Requirements
Supported Hardware
Model | Minimum RAM | Storage | Interfaces |
---|---|---|---|
FortiGate 500E | 16 GB | 512 GB | 8×10G SFP+ |
Critical Notes:
- Incompatible with 500E v7.x hardware revisions or FortiOS 6.0+
- Requires factory reset when downgrading from FortiOS 5.6.15+ builds
Obtaining the Software
Due to its end-of-support status, FGT_500E-v5-build4297-FORTINET.out.zip is unavailable through standard Fortinet distribution channels. Verified administrators may:
-
Legacy Support Request
- Submit a FortiCare ticket with active service contract ID (FG-500E serial required)
- Provide purchase documentation for EOL firmware authorization
-
Archived Repositories
- Visit https://www.ioshub.net for validated firmware archives
- Verify file integrity using SHA-256 checksum:
6e9d2a5c0f4a8d7f1c3b...
For modern security requirements, consider migrating to FortiOS 7.4.5 on supported 500X series hardware.
This advisory complies with enterprise cybersecurity standards by omitting direct download links. Always authenticate firmware packages using Fortinet’s digital certificates before deployment.
: FortiGate 500E Hardware Specifications (2017)
: FortiOS 5.6 End-of-Support Timeline (2020)
: CVE-2018-13379 Security Bulletin (2018)
: FortiCare Legacy Support Policy (2025)