Security analysis on a color image encryption based on DNA encoding and chaos map

• The flaws of an image encryption algorithm based on DNA encoding and chaos are founded.
• According to the flaws, a known plaintext attack is presented to reveal the plain-image from the cipher-image.
• A remedy is suggested to enhance the security of the image encryption algorithm.

Recently, several image encryption algorithms based on DNA encoding and chaotic maps have been proposed, which create a novel direction in image encryption. By a careful examination on most of these image cryptosystems, we find that DNA operators can only influence one DNA base, which leads to poor diffusion. A recent image encryption scheme based on DNA encoding and chaos is treated as a case study. The flaws of this algorithm are illustrated. By applying a known plaintext attack, we demonstrate that a hacker can determine the chaotic sequences used to confuse the image and reveal the plain-image. Finally, a suggestion is given to enhance the diffusion ability of image encryption scheme based on DNA encoding and chaos. The experiment results prove that the suggestion is effective.

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