Cipher Substitution for Cryptographic Crib Countermeasures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network-based service encryption methods are vulnerable to brute force key attacks due to predictable patterns in data streams, allowing unauthorized access despite encryption.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a cipher substitution method in addition to existing encryption protocols, using indirect addressing and various cipher substitution algorithms to obscure key detection, thereby enhancing security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If encryption protocols are used to protect information, then security against unauthorized access is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to brute force key attacks due to predictable patterns in data streams
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining a crib set containing predictable data patterns (such as protocol headers, metadata structures, and common data formats) that may appear in encrypted streams. This crib set is prepared in advance and used to systematically test potential decryption keys, allowing the system to proactively identify and address brute force key attack vulnerabilities before they can compromise security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the crib matching process to evaluate the effectiveness of encryption protocols. When predictable patterns are detected in decrypted data using the crib set, this feedback indicates that a key has been successfully broken. This feedback mechanism allows the system to identify security weaknesses and adjust encryption strategies accordingly, improving overall security reliability.
2Ease of operation
If predictable patterns exist in data streams, then data structure and format are maintained for proper processing, but automated key discovery becomes easier for third parties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of a crib set that acts as a mediator between the encrypted data stream and the key detection process. This crib set contains representative patterns of valid data structures and formats, serving as an intermediate reference that allows the system to verify decryption success without exposing the actual encryption key. The intermediary crib set enables automated key discovery testing while maintaining data structure integrity for proper processing.
3Productivity
If brute force key attacks are performed using known crib values, then automated key discovery is enabled, but security against unauthorized access is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback from crib matching results to evaluate the success of brute force key attacks. When a decrypted stream contains patterns matching the crib set, this feedback confirms that the tested key is correct and security has been compromised. This feedback mechanism enables the system to automatically detect and respond to successful key discoveries, allowing for real-time security assessment and key rotation to maintain security reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of predictable data patterns into a benefit by using these same patterns ascribs in a controlled manner. Instead of allowing third parties to exploit predictable patterns for unauthorized key discovery, the system uses the crib set containing these patterns as a defensive tool to proactively test and validate encryption strength. This transforms the vulnerability into a security testing mechanism that strengthens overall system security.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods and computer readable media for providing users with encrypted content data associated with a service are disclosed. A device may receive first content data. The device may encrypt the first content data using a first key to obtain first encrypted data. The device may generate second encrypted data by applying a cipher substitution to the first encrypted data using a second key. The device may cause to send the second encrypted data to a second device.