CVE-2026-13186 in Telerik UI for ASP.NET AJAX
Summary
by MITRE • 07/22/2026
In Progress® Telerik® UI for AJAX prior to v2026.2.708, a path traversal vulnerability in the file-based persistence storage provider can be exploited when the storage key is derived from user-controlled input, enabling attacker-controlled deserialization and remote code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/22/2026
The vulnerability exists within In Progress Telerik UI for AJAX framework version prior to v2026.2.708 where a path traversal flaw is present in the file-based persistence storage provider implementation. This weakness allows attackers to manipulate storage keys that are derived from user-controllable input sources, creating a dangerous condition that can be exploited for remote code execution through deserialization attacks. The core issue stems from insufficient validation and sanitization of input parameters that determine file system paths used for persistence operations, making the application susceptible to directory traversal attacks where malicious actors can navigate beyond intended directories.
The technical flaw manifests when the framework's persistence storage mechanism accepts user input directly into path construction without proper sanitization or validation. This creates a condition where an attacker can craft malicious input that, when processed through the storage key derivation logic, results in unintended file system access patterns. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it enables attackers to manipulate the file system by traversing directories using sequences like ../ or ..\, potentially accessing sensitive files or directories outside the intended scope of the application's storage operations.
When exploited, this vulnerability allows for attacker-controlled deserialization attacks that can lead to remote code execution on the affected server. The path traversal enables an attacker to place malicious files in arbitrary locations within the file system, potentially including executable scripts or binaries that can be executed by the web server. This represents a critical security risk as it can provide attackers with complete control over the affected system, enabling them to execute arbitrary commands, access sensitive data, or escalate privileges within the application environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted across enterprise environments using Telerik UI for AJAX frameworks. Organizations may face unauthorized access to sensitive data, complete system compromise, and potential lateral movement within network infrastructures. The vulnerability affects applications that utilize file-based persistence mechanisms, particularly those handling user input in storage key generation processes. According to CWE standards, this maps to CWE-22 Path Traversal vulnerability, which is classified as a high-risk weakness due to its potential for privilege escalation and data exposure. The attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, where adversaries leverage the compromised system to execute malicious commands through the deserialization process.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of affected versions to v2026.2.708 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes for the path traversal vulnerability. Organizations must implement proper input validation and sanitization for all user-controllable parameters used in file system operations, specifically ensuring that storage keys derived from external input are properly escaped or filtered. Additionally, implementing strict file access controls and privilege separation can limit the damage from successful exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and monitoring of unusual file system access patterns can help detect potential exploitation attempts, while regular security assessments should verify that no other components within the application architecture are vulnerable to similar path traversal conditions.