Cryptanalysis of permutation-based image encryption algorithms
*Praniti Ram PatilCorresponding authorpranitirpatil@gmail.comDepartment of Information TechnologyDwarkadas J. Sanghvi College of EngineeringVile Parle, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400056, IndiaView full profile → , Saurav Vermasaurav.verma@nmims.eduDepartment of Information TechnologyMukesh Patel School of Technology Management & EngineeringMumbai, Maharashtra, 400056, IndiaView full profile → , Vivian Lobolobo.vivian27@gmail.comDepartment of Computer EngineeringDwarkadas J. Sanghvi College of EngineeringVile Parle, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400056, IndiaView full profile → , Aakash Mansaram Gojareaakashgojare10@gmail.comDepartment of Computer EngineeringShree L. R. Tiwari College of EngineeringThane, Maharashtra, 401107, IndiaView full profile → , Nirmala Kamblenirmalakamble@tsecmumbai.inDepartment of Computer Science & Engineering (AI & ML)Thakur Shyamnarayan Engineering CollegeKandivali East, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400101, IndiaView full profile → , Suresh Singh Rajpurohitsrajpurohit422@gmail.comDepartment of Information TechnologySVKM’s Shri Bhagubhai Mafatlal Polytechnic and College of EngineeringMumbai, Maharashtra, 400056, IndiaView full profile →
* Corresponding author · click or hover a name for details
- Received:
- 01 Apr 2026
- Published Online:
- 31 Oct 2026
- Article type:
- Research Article
- Language:
- EN
- Article no.:
- JDMSC-3040
- Pages:
- 4157–4167
Abstract
Image encryption algorithms based on permutation-based algorithms are being common since they are simple and fast to compute but their security is a major issue when subjected to a high level of cryptanalysis. This paper provides a detailed discussion of the permutation-only schemes, in terms of their mathematical representation, and structural weaknesses. The systematized research questions are the patterns of vulnerabilities caused by deterministic pixel rearrangements, which do not possess diffusion qualities. The cryptanalytic methods such as known-plaintext attacks (KPA) and chosen-plaintext attacks (CPA) are discussed in order to illustrate the effectiveness of retrieval of permutation keys using little computing power. In addition, optimization techniques are suggested to expedite key reconstruction with heuristic and reduction of search space techniques. Through experimental analysis, it is demonstrated that permutation only schemes are highly vulnerable, recovering key with more than 90% accuracy and with a lesser level of computation. The results indicate that to achieve robustness, it is important to incorporate diffusion processes, which can be helpful in creating secure image encryption systems.
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References
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