Journal of Xidian University ›› 2020, Vol. 47 ›› Issue (5): 19-27.doi: 10.19665/j.issn1001-2400.2020.05.004

• Speciall Issue: Blockchain Technology and Its Progress • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Using Monero to realize covert communication

LAN Yiqin1,2(),ZHANG Fangguo1,2,TIAN Haibo1,2   

  1. 1. School of Data and Computer Science, SunYat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
    2. Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Information Security, Guangzhou 510006, China
  • Received:2020-05-19 Online:2020-10-20 Published:2020-11-06

Abstract:

The development of traffic analysis technology makes many covert communication methods based on the TCP/IP architecture face many threats. The subliminal channel is one that can realize covert communication by using cryptographic systems such as digital signatures and authentication. During the digital signature process, both parties of the communication can transmit secret information, and no one except the two parties knows the existence of the secret information. As a new generation technology, the blockchain adopts a distributed structure, and its openness, data tampering and security make it an effective carrier for constructing subliminal channels. This article introduces Monero, a new type of digital currency that uses blockchain technology, and constructs two subliminal channels in Monero. The first is based on the sharing of keys between signers and verifiers. The second does not share keys. Covert communication is achieved through these two subliminal channels.

Key words: Monero, blockchain, covert communication, subliminal channel

CLC Number: 

  • TP309