Netinfo Security ›› 2026, Vol. 26 ›› Issue (7): 1115-1127.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1671-1122.2026.07.009

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Multi-path feature enhanced deep learning method for rectangule attack and defense

Sun Haoran1, Chen Jie1,2(), Liu Jun3   

  1. 1 School of Telecommunications Engineering, Xidian University, Xi’an 710071, China
    2 School of Cryptology, Xidian University, Xi’an 710126, China
    3 School of Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119, China
  • Received:2026-05-20 Online:2026-07-10 Published:2026-09-03
  • Contact: Chen Jie E-mail:jchen@mail.xidian.edu.cn

Abstract:

To address the issues of single input features and limited capability in identifying cryptographic characteristics when combining traditional rectangle attacks with deep learning, this paper proposed an extended rectangle neural differential distinguisher model, taking the SPECK32/64 algorithm and its variant SPECKEY as the research objects. By constructing ciphertext data groups with triple constraints, the model expanded the unidirectional differential propagation path into multi-path feature inputs, thereby enhancing the neural network’s ability to capture non-random statistical characteristics of high-round ciphers. Experimental results show that the distinguishers for 5 to 8-round SPECK32/64 and 6 to 8-round SPECKEY construct based on this model all outperform the traditional rectangle neural distinguisher in classification accuracy. Furthermore, using the trained 8-round extended rectangle neural differential distinguisher, a subkey recovery attack is performed on the 10-round SPECK32/64 algorithm. The attack results show that while the complete recovery rate for the full 16-bit subkey is 12%, the model achieves a 100% prediction accuracy on the remaining 14 bits after eliminating the influence of two insensitive bits. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of incorporating multi-path feature inputs, providing a more effective analytical model for the application of deep learning in the field of cryptanalysis.

Key words: deep learning, rectangle attack, neural network, key recovery attack

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