Extreme Networks Aerohive HiveOS versions 11.x and below remote denial of service exploit. An unauthenticated malicious user can trigger a denial of service (DoS) attack when sending specific application layer packets towards the Aerohive NetConfig UI. This proof of concept exploit renders the application unusable for 305 seconds or 5 minutes with a single HTTP request using the action.php5 script calling the CliWindow function thru the _page parameter, denying access to the web server hive user interface.

qdPM versions prior to 9.1 suffer from a remote shell upload vulnerability that allows for remote code execution.

graph_realtime.php in Cacti 1.2.8 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary OS commands via shell metacharacters in a cookie if a guest user has the graph real-time privilege.

This Metasploit module exploits a directory traversal vulnerability (CVE-2015-1830) in Apache ActiveMQ versions 5.x before 5.11.2 for Windows. The module tries to upload a JSP payload to the /admin directory via the traversal path /fileserver/..\admin\ using an HTTP PUT request with the default ActiveMQ credentials admin:admin (or other credentials provided by the user). It then issues an HTTP GET request to /admin/.jsp on the target in order to trigger the payload and obtain a shell.

This Metasploit module exploits a flaw where an authenticated user with sufficient administrative rights to manage pollers can use this functionality to execute arbitrary commands remotely. Usually, the miscellaneous commands are used by the additional modules (to perform certain actions), by the scheduler for data processing, etc. This module uses this functionality to obtain a remote shell on the target.

IBM Data Risk Manager (IDRM) contains three vulnerabilities that can be chained by an unauthenticated attacker to achieve remote code execution as root. The first is an unauthenticated bypass, followed by a command injection as the server user, and finally abuse of an insecure default password. This module exploits all three vulnerabilities, giving the attacker a root shell. At the time of disclosure, this is a 0day. Versions 2.0.3 and below are confirmed to be affected, and the latest 2.0.6 is most likely affected too.

The FLIR Brickstream 3D+ sensor is vulnerable to unauthenticated config download and file disclosure vulnerability when calling the ExportConfig REST API (getConfigExportFile.cgi). This will enable the attacker to disclose sensitive information and help her in authentication bypass, privilege escalation and/or full system access.

This Metasploit module exploits an arbitrary command execution vulnerability in Webmin versions 1.900 and below. Any user authorized to the "Java file manager" and "Upload and Download" fields, to execute arbitrary commands with root privileges. In addition, "Running Processes" field must be authorized to discover the directory to be uploaded. A vulnerable file can be printed on the original files of the Webmin application. The vulnerable file we are uploading should be integrated with the application. Therefore, a ".cgi" file with the vulnerability belong to webmin application should be used. The module has been tested successfully with Webmin version 1.900 over Debian 4.9.18.

devolo dLAN 550 duo+ version 3.1.0-1 suffers from a remote code execution vulnerability. The devolo firmware has what seems to be a 'hidden' services which can be enabled by authenticated attacker via the the htmlmgr CGI script. This allows the attacker to start services that are deprecated or discontinued and achieve remote arbitrary code execution with root privileges.

An exploitable command injection vulnerability exists in the ACEManager iplogging.cgi functionality of Sierra Wireless AirLink ES450 FW 4.9.3. A specially crafted HTTP request can inject arbitrary commands, resulting in arbitrary command execution. An attacker can send an authenticated HTTP request to trigger this vulnerability.

An exploitable unverified password change vulnerability exists in the ACEManager upload.cgi functionality of Sierra Wireless AirLink ES450 FW 4.9.3. A specially crafted HTTP request can cause a unverified device configuration change, resulting in an unverified change of the user password on the device. An attacker can make an authenticated HTTP request to trigger this vulnerability.

An exploitable cross-site scripting vulnerability exists in the ACEManager ping_result.cgi functionality of Sierra Wireless AirLink ES450 FW 4.9.3. A specially crafted HTTP ping request can cause reflected javascript code execution, resulting in the execution of javascript code running on the victim's browser. An attacker can get a victim to click a link, or embedded URL, that redirects to the reflected cross-site scripting vulnerability to trigger this vulnerability.

An exploitable remote code execution vulnerability exists in the upload.cgi functionality of Sierra Wireless AirLink ES450 FW 4.9.3. A specially crafted HTTP request can upload a file, resulting in executable code being uploaded, and routable, to the webserver. An attacker can make an authenticated HTTP request to trigger this vulnerability.

An exploitable Information Disclosure vulnerability exists in the ACEManager EmbeddedAceGet_Task.cgi functionality of Sierra Wireless AirLink ES450 FW 4.9.3. A specially crafted HTTP request can cause an information disclosure, resulting in the exposure of confidential information, including, but not limited to, plaintext passwords and SNMP community strings. An attacker can make an authenticated HTTP request, or run the binary, to trigger this vulnerability.

An exploitable Permission Assignment vulnerability exists in the ACEManager EmbeddedAceSet_Task.cgi functionality of Sierra Wireless AirLink ES450 FW 4.9.3. A specially crafted HTTP request can cause a arbitrary setting writes, resulting in the unverified changes to any system setting. An attacker can make an authenticated HTTP request, or run the binary as any user, to trigger this vulnerability.

An exploitable information disclosure vulnerability exists in the ACEManager template_load.cgi functionality of Sierra Wireless AirLink ES450 FW 4.9.3. A specially crafted HTTP request can cause a information leak, resulting in the disclosure of internal paths and files. An attacker can make an authenticated HTTP request to trigger this vulnerability.

The Rifatron Intelligent Digital Security System DVR suffers from an unauthenticated and unauthorized live stream disclosure when animate.cgi script is called through Mobile Web Viewer module.

D-Link DIR-859 Routers are vulnerable to OS command injection via the UPnP interface. The vulnerability exists in /gena.cgi (function genacgi_main() in /htdocs/cgibin), which is accessible without credentials.

Many nonprofits handle sensitive personal information belonging to community members — whether it's names or email addresses or payment information. But are you handling this data properly to prevent a data breach?

This post is by no means exhaustive — after all, every nonprofit handles different sorts of data, and each organization has different security needs. That said, these are some practical things to think about when you review your handling of sensitive personal information.

#1 Risk: Malware and Software Vulnerabilities

The Problem

This one may seem obvious, but with so many other security risks out there, it's easy to forget that malware still poses a major threat to your organization's data.

How You Can Mitigate It

To start, make sure you have antivirus software installed, and that it's up to date. In addition, you'll want to make sure your operating system and any software installed are also up to date, with all security patches installed.

Beyond that, be careful what you click on. Don't download and install software from sites you don't trust. Be careful of the email attachments and links you click on — even from people you know. If you aren't expecting a file or link, click with caution.

#2 Risk: Ransomware

The Problem

Ransomware is an especially insidious form of malware that holds your computer or data hostage unless you pay a sum of money to a criminal actor. Oftentimes, ransomware will encrypt your data, preventing you from accessing it. And according to Symantec's Director of Security Response Kevin Haley, some forms of ransomware will threaten to publicly release your data.

How You Can Mitigate It

Aside from up-to-date antivirus software and taking steps to avoid infection in the first place, there isn't a ton you can do to deal with a ransomware attack once your data's been encrypted.

In that case, according to Haley, keeping up-to-date backups of your data is your best bet. That way, you'll be able to get back up and running quickly with minimal data loss. (TechSoup offers backup and recovery solutions from Veritas.)

#3 Risk: Public Wi-Fi

The Problem

Public Wi-Fi is generally fine for some things, such as browsing cat videos on YouTube, or catching up on the headlines. However, for anything involving sensitive personal information, it's a security disaster waiting to happen. Bad actors could potentially eavesdrop on what you're doing while using public Wi-Fi, leaving your data and work open to prying eyes.

How You Can Mitigate It

First off, avoid using public, unsecured Wi-Fi when handling sensitive information — whether it's internal organizational data or your own personal banking information. Using a wireless hotspot, like those from Mobile Beacon (offered through TechSoup), instead of public Wi-Fi is an easy way to keep your data more secure.

If you can't avoid public Wi-Fi, a virtual private network (VPN) is a good option — VPNs secure data between your computer and the website you're visiting. Not all VPNs provide the same level of security, though, and you'll need to make sure your VPN of choice conforms to any data security regulations that your organization may be subject to. See our previous overview of VPNs for more.

#4 Risk: Inappropriate Sharing of Sensitive Information

The Problem

Sharing sensitive information via email, messaging apps, or similar means is a risky proposition.

Email is a notoriously insecure method of communication. Email accounts are often the target of data breaches and phishing attacks. (A phishing attack is where an attacker tries to steal your account information by tricking you to enter your account information on a phony login page.)

And whether it's through email or messaging app, it's all too easy to accidentally leak data by sharing it with the wrong person.

How You Can Mitigate It

Avoid sending sensitive information to colleagues via email. It's easier said than done, we know. Maybe you need to share a list of donor contact information with your marketing department, for example. Consider uploading it to a secure file server on your network that can only be accessed by others in the office.

If your organization uses a cloud storage service like Box, consider using that instead — so long as it meets your organization's security needs. These cloud storage services usually encrypt data you upload to prevent it from getting stolen. You may also want to consider using constituent relationship management (CRM) software, a tool designed specifically to store and manage your organization's contacts.

In addition, pay attention to access permissions. If you can, restrict access to sensitive information to only those who need it. Revisit your permissions settings regularly and update them as needed.

To prevent your user accounts from being compromised in the first place, practice good account security hygiene. Use strong passwords and require your staff to use two-factor authentication.

#5 Risk: Handling Credit Card Data

The Problem

A breach involving credit card data can be embarrassing for your organization, but it could wreak financial havoc on your members and supporters. All it takes is for hackers to grab a few pieces of information to rack up credit card debt in your supporters' names.

How You Can Mitigate It

Securing credit card information is important, but you don't have to make it up as you go. Make sure your organization conforms to payment card security standards. The Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council, as well as banks and credit card issuers, provide guidelines on how to best handle credit card information to prevent breaches.

Has your nonprofit recently encountered any other notable risks? Tell us about it in the comments!

spanhidden

As champions of National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM), we're kicking off our first week with a focus on email. Read on for facts and tips on email security from the National Cyber Security Alliance.

Across the world, 269 billion emails are sent every day. It's estimated that the average business user will receive 96 emails per day by 2019 (source: Radicati).

Given our reliance on the medium, it's no surprise that email is one of cybercriminals' favorite methods of attack. According to the National Cyber Security Alliance, 85 percent of U.S. organizations have experienced a phishing attack and 30 percent of people have opened a phishing email.

There are simple steps you can take to ensure that you don't become a victim of a cyberattack. Somewhat like a poker tell, suspicious emails contain hints that the sender isn't who they claim to be.

Watch this video to learn how to spot email scams.

The Facts About Email Scams

• Suspicious emails engage in "spoofing," a type of scam in which attackers impersonate a trustworthy entity to make it more likely that the recipient will open and act on the email.
• Spoofed emails typically employ one of two tactics:
  • Phishing, the attempt to obtain sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details (and, indirectly, money) for malicious reasons.
  • Spreading malware by getting the user to open malicious email attachments or click on malicious links.

Practical Tips on Spotting Suspicious Emails

• Look carefully at the email and ask yourself the following questions:

• • Do you know or recognize the "from" address or contact's name?
  • Does the message contain incorrect grammar or misspelled words?
  • Does the message ask you to take action on something you didn't request, such as "click on this link to pick the new phone you requested"?

• If the answer to the first is no, or the answer to the second or third above is yes:
  

• • Don't click on links. Instead, hover your cursor over links to determine if the address is unknown, suspicious, or misleading: for example, www.microsoft.com.maliciousdomain.it. Don't open any attachments the email contains.
  • If you suspect a work email is a phishing attack, immediately report it to your IT administrator so they can alert your fellow coworkers of the attempted attack. If it's a personal email, most email service providers provide a mechanism to report that. Check out this example from Gmail.

Additional Cybersecurity Resources

• Want to learn more about cybersecurity and how you can keep your data safe? Read our latest blog post about the Equifax breach.
• Need a little inspiration? Find out how TechSoup and Symantec are making a difference in the lives of at-risk teens.
• Get more security tips from the National Cyber Security Alliance. National Cyber Security Alliance Month — observed every October — was created as a collaborative effort between government and industry to ensure all Americans have the resources they need to stay safer and more secure online. Find out how you can get involved.

Image: National Cyber Security Alliance

spanhidden

(Please visit the site to view this video)

Older adults are at an increased risk of lacking company and being socially isolated. Recent studies prove that a lack of social relationships is as strong a risk factor for mortality as are smoking, obesity, or a lack of physical activity. Enter Little Brothers.

Little Brothers is an effort dedicated to spreading awareness and relieving isolation and loneliness in elders, a problem that often goes unseen. Little Brothers is in 7 U.S. cities and 10 countries worldwide. Its mission is carried out by more than one nonprofit organization.

Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly San Francisco facilitates more than 4,000 friendly visits a year. Volunteers are matched with elders in San Francisco, and they form and build a relationship through home visits, outings, or common interests.

We recently met with Andrew Butler, the program manager at Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly San Francisco. He explained that many volunteers form a relationship with an elder, and their stereotypes about older people are quickly broken down.

"A lot of what we do is creating awareness. I think a lot of the information that we share through training or events really inspires people," said Butler. He also suggested that we speak with a member of Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly San Francisco, Andy Morgan, to get a proper feel for the organization.

Andy Morgan is a highly spiritual 86-year-old who loves to read. Originally from Transylvania, Andy came to San Francisco in 1962 and has worked a variety of jobs throughout his life.

However, he stresses that he has never defined himself by what he did for a living. Aside from books and his spirituality, Andy values personal relationships and enjoys company.

Our conversation with Andy revealed why Little Brothers' impact matters so much.

I wanted to ask if you have any main visitors.

Andy Morgan: Yeah! I have one main visitor come every week. Rain or shine, he comes and sees me. He brings me food from Trader Joe's, and he does my laundry.

Wow, that's a sweet deal. Would you share a particular visit that has stuck with you over the years?

There's nothing that stands out; every visit is enjoyable. What we usually do is grab a spiritual book, you know, all those books over there are on spirituality, and we read from it and then we discuss it. I've been on the spiritual path since the 1960s, so if he has any questions, I can try and clarify.

I was wondering what makes you happy.

What makes me happy? Knowing that my within-ness, that which makes me breathe and which makes me exist, is pure joy and pure love. When you do a lot of meditation, something opens up within you, and I just feel, practically all the time, this feeling of love and joy and peace.

Of course no one can maintain that 24/7, but I can always come back. If something goes wrong, I can just remind myself of my true nature.

That's beautiful. Thank you so much for opening your home to us.

My pleasure; it's been a joy having you guys. Could I just read you one very short poem? It says …

Be as a Flower

Truth is very simple
A flower does not try to be beautiful.
Its True Nature is Beauty.
Just by its Very Being.

In the same way, when you Awaken
To your true nature,
You will naturally exude Love,
Compassion, Beauty.
It is all you.
For it is your True Self.

(poem by Robert Adams)

TechSoup is proud to support our member, Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly San Francisco, in its mission to spread awareness about and help elders at risk of loneliness and isolation. There are incredible people like Andy all over the world who are at risk of being forgotten. But they should never be. TechSoup provides technology and services to Little Brothers staff members to help run their nonprofit so that they can focus on fighting the effects of elder isolation.

spanhidden

Emerging states must re-orientate their investment efforts to increasingly target those with an outsized social impact

Lower fertility rates will boost economic growth, according to a demographic model developed by Renaissance Capital. 

$73.8m mega-project will be the first of its kind in the city.

Announced greenfield projects into China plummeted in early 2020 with the US and Europe taking the lion's share of global foreign investment. 

Sustainability is gaining traction in the creative industries, with the Italian region of Trentino designing a film production rating protocol that is being considered by the EU.

London has retained its position as fDi’s European City of the Future, while Paris has climbed to second place, knocking Dublin into the third spot. 

Paris Region has kept its fDi European Region of the Future title, while Dublin Region holds on to second place and North Rhine-Westphalia is in third.