Encrypted Data Table Queries Against Frequency Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data table query methods using deterministic encryption are vulnerable to frequency analysis attacks, leading to potential leaks of plaintext data due to the exposure of encrypted data frequency statistics.

Innovation Solution

The method involves splitting data tables into sub-tables based on attribute values and generating different groups of query requests to obfuscate frequency statistics, using a conversion process that interferes with the transmission sequence and query result statistics, thereby enhancing security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If deterministic encryption algorithm is used to encrypt data in data tables, then data security is improved, but frequency statistics attack vulnerability increases leading to potential plaintext leakage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata securityVSAvoidfrequency statistics attack vulnerability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the original data table into multiple sub-tables based on attribute value ranges. Each sub-table contains a subset of the original data, and queries are routed to appropriate sub-tables. This segmentation prevents attackers from performing frequency statistics attacks on the entire data set, as the attack surface is divided into smaller, less informative segments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new dimension of query processing by adding sub-table routing based on attribute value ranges. Instead of direct queries to the encrypted data table, queries are first routed to appropriate sub-tables based on the search attribute and value range. This dimensional change in query processing prevents frequency analysis attacks while maintaining query functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If data tables are split into sub-tables based on attribute values and multiple groups of query requests are generated, then frequency statistics attack resistance is improved, but query system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency statistics attack resistanceVSAvoidquery system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-dividing the data table into sub-tables based on attribute value ranges before queries are executed. The routing logic for directing queries to appropriate sub-tables is pre-established. This preliminary organization simplifies the query processing during operation, as queries can be directly routed to the correct sub-table without complex real-time analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary routing mechanism that sits between the query interface and the encrypted data sub-tables. This intermediary component receives queries, determines the appropriate sub-table based on attribute value ranges, and forwards queries accordingly. It also manages the generation of multiple query request groups to prevent frequency statistics attacks, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If multiple groups of data sub-table query requests are transmitted to obfuscate frequency statistics, then query security is improved, but query processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequery securityVSAvoidquery processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making the query processing time cost localized to specific operations. When exact matching is required, only one query request group is transmitted. When range queries or less precise matching is acceptable, multiple query request groups are transmitted to enhance security. This selective approach optimizes the balance between security and processing time based on the specific query requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements partial action by transmitting multiple groups of query requests only when needed for security purposes, rather than always transmitting all possible query groups. The system dynamically determines the appropriate level of query request groups based on the query type and security requirements, thereby avoiding unnecessary processing time overhead while maintaining security when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP4708067A1Data table query method and apparatus, storage medium, and electronic device
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 TENCENT TECHNOLOGY (SHENZHEN) CO LTD
  • EP4708067A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4708067A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4708067A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present application discloses a data table query method and apparatus, a storage medium, and an electronic device. The method comprises: acquiring a data table query request; converting the data table query request into a first group of data sub-table query requests; generating a second group of data sub-table query requests, wherein the second group of data sub-table query requests are different from the first group of data sub-table query requests; sending the first group of data sub-table query requests and the second group of data sub-table query requests to a server, and acquiring a first group of query results corresponding to the first group of data sub-table query requests and a second group of query results corresponding to the second group of data sub-table query requests, the first group of query results and the second group of query results being sent by the server. Embodiments of the present application can improve the security of data table query.