Paper 2024/595

Analysis of Multivariate Encryption Schemes: Application to Dob and C*

Morten Øygarden, Simula UiB
Patrick Felke, University of Applied Sciences Emden/Leer
Håvard Raddum, Simula UiB
Abstract

A common strategy for constructing multivariate encryption schemes is to use a central map that is easy to invert over an extension field, along with a small number of modifications to thwart potential attacks. In this work we study the effectiveness of these modifications, by deriving estimates for the number of degree fall polynomials. After developing the necessary tools, we focus on encryption schemes using the $C^*$ and Dobbertin central maps, with the internal perturbation (ip), and $Q_+$ modifications. For these constructions we are able to accurately predict the number of degree fall polynomials produced in a Gröbner basis attack, up to and including degree five for the Dob encryption scheme and four for $C^*$. The predictions remain accurate even when fixing variables. Based on this new theory we design a novel attack on Dob, which completely recovers the secret key for the parameters suggested by its designers. Due to the generality of the presented techniques, we also believe that they are of interest to the analysis of other big field schemes.

Metadata
Available format(s)
PDF
Category
Attacks and cryptanalysis
Publication info
Published by the IACR in JOC 2024
DOI
10.1007/s00145-024-09501-w
Contact author(s)
morten oygarden @ simula no
patrick felke @ hs-emden-leer de
haavardr @ simula no
History
2024-04-18: approved
2024-04-16: received
See all versions
Short URL
https://ia.cr/2024/595
License
No rights reserved
CC0

BibTeX

@misc{cryptoeprint:2024/595,
      author = {Morten Øygarden and Patrick Felke and Håvard Raddum},
      title = {Analysis of Multivariate Encryption Schemes: Application to Dob and C*},
      howpublished = {Cryptology ePrint Archive, Paper 2024/595},
      year = {2024},
      doi = {10.1007/s00145-024-09501-w},
      note = {\url{https://eprint.iacr.org/2024/595}},
      url = {https://eprint.iacr.org/2024/595}
}
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