Introduction to FGT_501E-v6-build1803-FORTINET.out Software
The firmware FGT_501E-v6-build1803-FORTINET.out delivers critical security updates and stability enhancements for Fortinet’s FortiGate 501E Series firewalls running FortiOS 6.4. Released under Fortinet’s Q4 2024 security maintenance cycle, this build addresses multiple high-severity CVEs while optimizing threat detection performance for enterprise networks.
Targeted at organizations requiring robust perimeter security, this firmware supports hardware models FG-501E, FG-501E-POE, and FG-501E-DC. The build identifier 1803 corresponds to FortiOS 6.4.15, consolidating patches from previous releases to ensure compliance with NIST SP 800-193 guidelines.
Key Features and Improvements
1. Critical Vulnerability Mitigation
- Resolves CVE-2024-55591 (CVSS 9.8): Remote code execution via Node.js WebSocket module
- Patches CVE-2024-21762 (CVSS 9.3): SSL-VPN buffer overflow enabling unauthenticated RCE
- Updates OpenSSL to 3.1.5 with quantum-resistant algorithm support
2. Performance Optimizations
- 22% faster IPSec throughput (up to 12 Gbps) for encrypted traffic inspection
- Reduced memory leaks during sustained DDoS attack mitigation
3. Protocol Enhancements
- Full TLS 1.3 FIPS 140-3 compliance for government deployments
- Improved BGP route processing capacity (supports 500k+ routing table entries)
4. Management Upgrades
- FortiManager 7.6.2+ synchronization reliability improvements
- SNMPv3 trap generation for hardware health monitoring (CPU/RAM thresholds)
Compatibility and Requirements
Category | Supported Specifications |
---|---|
Hardware Models | FG-501E, FG-501E-POE, FG-501E-DC |
FortiOS Baseline | 6.4.0 or later |
Management Systems | FortiManager 7.4.5+, FortiAnalyzer 7.6+ |
Minimum RAM | 8 GB DDR4 |
Storage | 128 GB SSD (dedicated logging) |
Release Date: December 12, 2024
Firmware Size: 712 MB (SHA-256: 8d3f1a…b9c72)
Critical Notes:
- Incompatible with FG-5000X/FG-600E chassis configurations
- Requires factory reset when downgrading from FortiOS 7.x
Limitations and Restrictions
-
Functional Constraints:
- Maximum 256 concurrent SSL-VPN users (expandable via license)
- SD-WAN application steering requires separate FortiCare subscription
-
Upgrade Considerations:
- 60-minute maintenance window recommended for HA cluster deployments
- Log formatting errors may occur if paired with FortiAnalyzer 7.2.x
-
Known Issues:
- Intermittent GUI latency during first-time policy optimization
- CLI timeout risks during mass certificate revocation
Service and Access Options
For verified access to FGT_501E-v6-build1803-FORTINET.out, visit our authorized distribution partner at https://www.ioshub.net/fortinet-downloads.
Premium Support Packages Include:
- 24/7 firmware upgrade validation
- CVE early warning alerts (48-hour advance notice)
- Customized deployment audit scripts
Contact [email protected] for volume licensing or FIPS 140-3 validated deployment requirements.
This article synthesizes Fortinet’s official Security Fabric documentation and Q4 2024 firmware advisories. Always validate checksums before production deployment.