A Detailed Analysis of SAFER K

In this paper we analyze the block cipher SAFER K. First, we show a weakness in the key schedule, that has the effect that for almost every key there exists on the average three and a half other keys such that the encryptions of plaintexts different in one of eight bytes yield ciphertexts also different in only one byte. Moreover, the differences in the keys, plaintexts, and ciphertexts are in the same byte. This enables us to do a related-key chosen plaintext attack on SAFER K, which finds the secret key. Also, the security of SAFER K, when used in standard hashing modes, is greatly reduced, which is illustrated. Second, we propose a new key schedule for SAFER K avoiding these problems. Third, we do differential cryptanalysis of SAFER K. We consider truncated differentials and apply them in an attack on five-round SAFER K, which finds the secret key much faster than by an exhaustive search. Key words. Cryptanalysis, Block cipher, SAFER, Truncated differentials, Collisions.

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2000
• Where: JOC
• Authors: Lars R. Knudsen
• Keywords: Cipher Safer K, JOC 2000, Key Schedule, SAFER