CVE-2019-16764

What it is

The use of `String.to_atom/1` in PowAssent is susceptible to denial of service attacks. In `PowAssent.Phoenix.AuthorizationController` a value is fetched from the user provided params, and `String.to_atom/1` is used to convert the binary value to an atom so it can be used to fetch the provider configuration value. This is unsafe as it is user provided data, and can be used to fill up the whole atom table of ~1M which will cause the app to crash.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network with a low-privilege account. High risk of service disruption.

Exploit odds

1.1% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2019-11-25 17:15 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 02:22 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 1.1% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 6.5 MEDIUM (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2019-11-25 17:15 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 02:22 UTC

Exploit probability

1.1% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-400 · Uncontrolled resource consumption

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Powauth Powassent < 0.4.4

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 6.5

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

Low

User interaction

None

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

None

Integrity

None

Availability

High

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2019-16764.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2019-16764. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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