Paper 2026/176

Differential Pattern Transition: Characterizing the Differential Behavior of AES-like Linear Layers

Tao Huang, Shield Lab, Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.

Siwei Sun, School of Cryptology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China

Hailun Yan, School of Cryptology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China

Guang Zeng, Shield Lab, Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.

Shuang Wu, Shield Lab, Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.

Abstract

This paper introduces a new cryptographic notion for diffusion matrices, termed the Differential Pattern Transition($\textsf{DPT}$). Building on this notion, we develop a systematic framework for describing the differential behavior of diffusion layers over multiple rounds in $\texttt{AES}$-like block ciphers. Specifically, the $\textsf{DPT}$ framework enables a finer-grained evaluation of diffusion strength against differential attacks, allowing distinctions even among matrices sharing the same branch number. Furthermore, the $\textsf{DPT}$ framework facilitates the classification of shuffle layers and assists in identifying permutation layers that maximize differential resistance. As a case study, we apply the $\textsf{DPT}$ framework to the diffusion matrices used in $\texttt{MIDORI}$, $\texttt{PRINCE}$, $\texttt{QARMA}$, and $\texttt{AES}$, as well as a lightweight MDS matrix proposed in [SS16]. The results show that $\textsf{DPT}$ provides both theoretical insights and practical guidance for the selection and design of diffusion and shuffle layers in secure and efficient block cipher constructions.

@misc{cryptoeprint:2026/176,
      author = {Jianhua Wang and Tao Huang and Siwei Sun and Hailun Yan and Guang Zeng and Shuang Wu},
      title = {Differential Pattern Transition: Characterizing the Differential Behavior of {AES}-like Linear Layers},
      howpublished = {Cryptology {ePrint} Archive, Paper 2026/176},
      year = {2026},
      url = {https://eprint.iacr.org/2026/176}
}