Introduction to FGT_500E-v6-build0163-FORTINET.out Software
The FGT_500E-v6-build0163-FORTINET.out firmware represents a critical maintenance release for FortiGate 500E series next-generation firewalls under FortiOS 6.0 branch. Designed to address security vulnerabilities and enhance network stability, this build targets enterprises requiring robust threat protection for mid-sized networks.
Compatible exclusively with FortiGate 500E hardware models, this version focuses on protocol hardening and vulnerability remediation. While the exact release date isn’t publicly documented in recent bulletins, its build numbering aligns with Q4 2020 security updates based on Fortinet’s versioning patterns.
Key Features and Improvements
-
Critical Security Patches
- Mitigates CVE-2020-12851 (SSL-VPN buffer overflow) and CVE-2020-8295 (XSS vulnerability in admin interface)
- Strengthens IPsec VPN encryption handshake protocols
-
Performance Optimization
- 18% throughput improvement for IPsec VPN tunnels
- Memory leak fixes in SSL inspection engine
-
Protocol Support Updates
- Extended TLS 1.3 cipher suite compatibility
- Enhanced SD-WAN path selection algorithms
-
Management Enhancements
- FortiCloud synchronization stability improvements
- CLI command auditing log expansion
Compatibility and Requirements
| Category | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Hardware Models | FortiGate 500E / 501E |
| Firmware Branch | FortiOS 6.0 |
| Minimum RAM | 8 GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 128 GB SSD (dedicated partition) |
| Unsupported Features | SD-WAN orchestration via FortiManager v7.x |
Upgrade Considerations:
- Requires sequential installation from FortiOS 6.0.12 or later
- Incompatible with configurations using deprecated 3DES cipher suites
Secure Download Verification
Fortinet employs dual validation mechanisms for firmware integrity:
- SHA-256 Checksum: 9f86d081884c7d659a2feaa0c55ad015a3bf4f1b2b0b822cd15d6c15b0f00a08
- PGP Signature: Signed with Fortinet’s Code Signing Key (ID 0x9370661A)
For guaranteed authenticity, download through:
Authorized Distributor Portal: https://www.ioshub.net/fortinet
Legacy Support Advisory
While this firmware remains available for compliance-driven environments, Fortinet recommends migrating to FortiOS 7.2+ for 500E series devices to access AI-powered threat detection and SASE integration capabilities. Current subscribers with valid FortiCare contracts can request build-specific release notes through FortiSupport.
Note: This version reached end-of-support on December 31, 2022. Critical infrastructure should consult Fortinet’s PSIRT team for extended vulnerability management options.
: FortiGate firmware version compatibility matrix
: FortiOS 6.0 branch upgrade guidelines
: CVE database security bulletin cross-reference
