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Pantelimon Stanica

Publications and source records attributed to Pantelimon Stanica.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
arXiv2023

Representing the inverse map as a composition of quadratics in a finite field of characteristic $2$

In 1953, Carlitz~\cite{Car53} showed that all permutation polynomials over $\F_q$, where $q>2$ is a power of a prime, are generated by the special permutation polynomials $x^{q-2}$ (the inversion) and $ ax+b$ (affine functions, where $0\neq a, b\in \F_q$). Recently, Nikova, Nikov and Rijmen~\cite{NNR19} proposed an algorithm (NNR) to find a decomposition of the inverse function in quadratics, and computationally covered all dimensions $n\leq 16$. Petrides~\cite{P23} found a class of integers for which it is easy to decompose the inverse into quadratics, and improved the NNR algorithm, thereby extending the computation up to $n\leq 32$. Here, we extend Petrides' result, as well as we propose a number theoretical approach, which allows us to cover easily all (surely, odd) exponents up to~$250$, at least.

math.NT↗
arXiv2023

Differential uniformity properties of some classes of permutation polynomials

The notion of $c$-differential uniformity has recently received a lot of attention since its proposal~\cite{Ellingsen}, and recently a characterization of perfect $c$-nonlinear functions in terms of difference sets in some quasigroups was obtained in~\cite{AMS22}. Independent of their applications as a measure for certain statistical biases, the construction of functions, especially permutations, with low $c$-differential uniformity is an interesting mathematical problem in this area, and recent work has focused heavily in this direction. We provide a few classes of permutation polynomials with low $c$-differential uniformity. The used technique involves handling various Weil sums, as well as analyzing some equations in finite fields, and we believe these can be of independent interest.

cs.IT↗
arXiv2022

P$\wp$N functions, complete mappings and quasigroup difference sets

We investigate pairs of permutations $F,G$ of $\mathbb{F}_{p^n}$ such that $F(x+a)-G(x)$ is a permutation for every $a\in\mathbb{F}_{p^n}$. We show that necessarily $G(x) = \wp(F(x))$ for some complete mapping $-\wp$ of $\mathbb{F}_{p^n}$, and call the permutation $F$ a perfect $\wp$ nonlinear (P$\wp$N) function. If $\wp(x) = cx$, then $F$ is a PcN function, which have been considered in the literature, lately. With a binary operation on $\mathbb{F}_{p^n}\times\mathbb{F}_{p^n}$ involving $\wp$, we obtain a quasigroup, and show that the graph of a P$\wp$N function $F$ is a difference set in the respective quasigroup. We further point to variants of symmetric designs obtained from such quasigroup difference sets. Finally, we analyze an equivalence (naturally defined via the automorphism group of the respective quasigroup) for P$\wp$N functions, respectively, the difference sets in the corresponding quasigroup.

cs.IT↗
arXiv2022

A quantum algorithm to estimate the closeness to the Strict Avalanche criterion in Boolean functions

We propose a quantum algorithm (in the form of a quantum oracle) that estimates the closeness of a given Boolean function to one that satisfies the ``strict avalanche criterion'' (SAC). This algorithm requires $n$ queries of the Boolean function oracle, where $n$ is the number of input variables, this is fewer than the queries required by the classical algorithm to perform the same task. We compare our approach with other quantum algorithms that may be used for estimating the closeness to SAC and it is shown our algorithm verifies SAC with the fewest possible calls to quantum oracle and requires the fewest samples for a given confidence bound.

cs.DS↗
arXiv2022

Low c-differentially uniform functions via an extension of Dillon's switching method

In this paper we generalize Dillon's switching method to characterize the exact $c$-differential uniformity of functions constructed via this method. More precisely, we modify some PcN/APcN and other functions with known $c$-differential uniformity in a controllable number of coordinates to render more such functions. We present several applications of the method in constructing PcN and APcN functions with respect to all $c\neq 1$. As a byproduct, we generalize some result of [Y. Wu, N. Li, X. Zeng, {\em New PcN and APcN functions over finite fields}, Designs Codes Crypt. 89 (2021), 2637--2651]. Computational results rendering functions with low differential uniformity, as well as, other good cryptographic properties are sprinkled throughout the paper.

cs.IT↗
arXiv2021

Low c-differential uniformity for functions modified on subfields

In this paper, we construct some piecewise defined functions, and study their $c$-differential uniformity. As a by-product, we improve upon several prior results. Further, we look at concatenations of functions with low differential uniformity and show several results. For example, we prove that given $β_i$ (a basis of $\mathbb{F}_{q^n}$ over $\mathbb{F}_q$), some functions $f_i$ of $c$-differential uniformities $δ_i$, and $L_i$ (specific linearized polynomials defined in terms of $β_i$), $1\leq i\leq n$, then $F(x)=\sum_{i=1}^nβ_i f_i(L_i(x))$ has $c$-differential uniformity equal to $\prod_{i=1}^n δ_i$.

cs.IT↗
arXiv2021

Higher Order $c$-Differentials

EFRST20, the notion of $c$-differentials was introduced as a potential expansion of differential cryptanalysis against block ciphers utilizing substitution boxes. Drawing inspiration from the technique of higher order differential cryptanalysis, in this paper we propose the notion of higher order $c$-derivatives and differentials and investigate their properties. Additionally, we consider how several classes of functions, namely the multiplicative inverse function and the Gold function, perform under higher order $c$-differential uniformity.

cs.IT↗
arXiv2021

Boomerang uniformity of a class of power maps

We consider the boomerang uniformity of an infinite class of (locally-APN) power maps and show that its boomerang uniformity over the finite field $\F_{2^n}$ is $2$ and $4$, when $n \equiv 0 \pmod 4$ and $n \equiv 2 \pmod 4$, respectively. As a consequence, we show that for this class of power maps, the differential uniformity is strictly greater than its boomerang uniformity.

cs.IT↗
arXiv2021

The binary Gold function and its c-boomerang connectivity table

Here, we give a complete description of the c-Boomerang Connectivity Table for the Gold function over finite fields of even characteristic, by using double Weil sums. In the process we generalize a result of Boura and Canteaut (IACR Trans. Symmetric Cryptol. 2018(3) : 290-310, 2018) for the classical boomerang uniformity.

math.NT↗
arXiv2021

On Boolean Functions with Low Polynomial Degree and Higher Order Sensitivity

Boolean functions are important primitives in different domains of cryptology, complexity and coding theory. In this paper, we connect the tools from cryptology and complexity theory in the domain of Boolean functions with low polynomial degree and high sensitivity. It is well known that the polynomial degree of of a Boolean function and its resiliency are directly connected. Using this connection we analyze the polynomial degree-sensitivity values through the lens of resiliency, demonstrating existence and non-existence results of functions with low polynomial degree and high sensitivity on small number of variables (upto 10). In this process, borrowing an idea from complexity theory, we show that one can implement resilient Boolean functions on a large number of variables with linear size and logarithmic depth. Finally, we extend the notion of sensitivity to higher order and note that the existing construction idea of Nisan and Szegedy (1994) can provide only constant higher order sensitivity when aiming for polynomial degree of $n-ω(1)$. In this direction, we present a construction with low ($n-ω(1)$) polynomial degree and super-constant $ω(1)$ order sensitivity exploiting Maiorana-McFarland constructions, that we borrow from construction of resilient functions. The questions we raise identify novel combinatorial problems in the domain of Boolean functions.

cs.CC↗
arXiv2021

Investigations on $c$-(almost) perfect nonlinear functions

In a prior paper \cite{EFRST20}, two of us, along with P. Ellingsen, P. Felke and A. Tkachenko, 1defined a new (output) multiplicative differential, and the corresponding $c$-differential uniformity, which has the potential of extending differential cryptanalysis. Here, we continue the work, by looking at some APN functions through the mentioned concept and showing that their $c$-differential uniformity increases significantly, in some cases.

cs.IT↗
arXiv2020

Using double Weil sums in finding the $c$-Boomerang Connectivity Table for monomial functions on finite fields

In this paper we characterize the $c$-Boomerang Connectivity Table (BCT), $c\neq 0$ (thus, including the classical $c=1$ case), for all monomial function $x^d$ in terms of characters and Weil sums on the finite field~$\F_{p^n}$. We further simplify these expressions for the Gold functions $x^{p^k+1}$ for all $1\leq k<n$, and $p$ odd. It is the first such attempt for a complete description for the classical BCT and its relative $c$-BCT, for all parameters involved.

math.NT↗
arXiv2020

On the c-differential uniformity of certain maps over finite fields

We give some classes of power maps with low $c$-differential uniformity over finite fields of odd characteristic, {for $c=-1$}. Moreover, we give a necessary and sufficient condition for a linearized polynomial to be a perfect $c$-nonlinear function and investigate conditions when perturbations of perfect $c$-nonlinear (or not) function via an arbitrary Boolean or $p$-ary function is perfect $c$-nonlinear. In the process, we obtain a class of polynomials that are perfect $c$-nonlinear for all $c\neq 1$, in every characteristic. The affine, extended affine and CCZ-equivalence is also looked at, as it relates to $c$-differential uniformity.

math.CO↗
arXiv2020

Low $c$-differential and $c$-boomerang uniformity of the swapped inverse function

Modifying the binary inverse function in a variety of ways, like swapping two output points has been known to produce a $4$-differential uniform permutation function. Recently, in \cite{Li19} it was shown that this swapped version of the inverse function has boomerang uniformity exactly $10$, if $n\equiv 0\pmod 6$, $8$, if $n\equiv 3\pmod 6$, and 6, if $n\not\equiv 0\pmod 3$. Based upon the $c$-differential notion we defined in \cite{EFRST20} and $c$-boomerang uniformity from \cite{S20}, in this paper we characterize the $c$-differential and $c$-boomerang uniformity for the $(0,1)$-swapped inverse function in characteristic~$2$: we show that for all~$c\neq 1$, the $c$-differential uniformity is upper bounded by~$4$ and the $c$-boomerang uniformity by~$5$ with both bounds being attained for~$n\geq 4$.

math.NT↗
arXiv2020

Characters, Weil sums and $c$-differential uniformity with an application to the perturbed Gold function

Building upon the observation that the newly defined~\cite{EFRST20} concept of $c$-differential uniformity is not invariant under EA or CCZ-equivalence~\cite{SPRS20}, we showed in~\cite{SG20} that adding some appropriate linearized monomials increases the $c$-differential uniformity of the inverse function, significantly, for some~$c$. We continue that investigation here. First, by analyzing the involved equations, we find bounds for the uniformity of the Gold function perturbed by a single monomial, exhibiting the discrepancy we previously observed on the inverse function. Secondly, to treat the general case of perturbations via any linearized polynomial, we use characters in the finite field to express all entries in the $c$-Differential Distribution Table (DDT) of an $(n,n)$-function on the finite field $\F_{p^n}$, and further, we use that method to find explicit expressions for all entries of the $c$-DDT of the perturbed Gold function (via an arbitrary linearized polynomial).

math.NT↗
arXiv2020

The $c$-differential behavior of the inverse function under the $EA$-equivalence

While the classical differential uniformity ($c=1$) is invariant under the CCZ-equivalence, the newly defined \cite{EFRST20} concept of $c$-differential uniformity, in general is not invariant under EA or CCZ-equivalence, as was observed in \cite{SPRS20}. In this paper, we find an intriguing behavior of the inverse function, namely, that adding some appropriate linearized monomials increases the $c$-differential uniformity significantly, for some~$c$. For example, adding the linearized monomial $x^{p^d}$, where $d$ is the largest nontrivial divisor of $n$, increases the mentioned $c$-differential uniformity from~$2$ or $3$ (for $c\neq 0$) to $\geq p^{d}+2$, which in the case of AES' inverse function on $\F_{2^8}$ is a significant value of~$18$.

cs.IT↗
arXiv2020

Investigations on c-(almost) perfect nonlinear functions

In a prior paper [14], along with P. Ellingsen, P. Felke and A. Tkachenko, we defined a new (output) multiplicative differential, and the corresponding c-differential uniformity, which has the potential of extending differential cryptanalysis. Here, we continue the work, by looking at some APN functions through the mentioned concept and show that their c-differential uniformity increases significantly, in some cases.

cs.CR↗