On the security of a new image encryption scheme based on chaotic map lattices

This paper reports a detailed cryptanalysis of a recently proposed encryption scheme based on the logistic map [A. Pisarchik et al., Chaos 16, 033118 (2006)]. Some problems are emphasized concerning the key space definition and the implementation of the cryptosystem using floating-point operations. It is also shown how it is possible to reduce considerably the key space through a ciphertext-only attack. Moreover, a timing attack allows for the estimation of part of the key due to the existent relationship between this part of the key and the encryption/decryption time. As a result, the main features of the cryptosystem do not satisfy the demands of secure communications. Some hints are offered to improve the cryptosystem under study according to those requirements. (C) 2008 American Institute of Physics.