Vulnerability of the Synchronization Process in the Quantum Key Distribution System

TL;DR

This paper investigates a vulnerability in quantum key distribution systems, demonstrating that multiphoton synchronization pulses can be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized access and disrupt the system without detection.

Contribution

It reveals a specific security flaw in the synchronization process of quantum key distribution systems using multiphoton pulses, supported by experimental evidence.

Findings

Multiphoton sync pulses can be exploited for eavesdropping.

Attacks can be performed unnoticed during synchronization.

Malfunctions can be introduced without detection.

Abstract

A typical structure of an auto-compensation system for quantum key distribution is given. The principle of operation of a fiber-optic system for the distribution of quantum keys with phase coding of photon states is described. The operation of the system in the synchronization mode and the formation of quantum keys was investigated. The process of detecting a time interval with an optical synchronization pulse is analyzed. The structural scheme of the experimental stand of the quantum-cryptographic network is given. Data are obtained that attest to the presence of a multiphoton signal during the transmission of sync pulses from the transceiver station to the coding and backward direction. The results of experimental studies are presented, which prove the existence of a vulnerability in the process of synchronization of the quantum key distribution system. It is shown that the use of a multiphoton optical pulse as a sync signal makes it possible for an attacker to unauthorized access to a quantum communication channel. The experimental results show that tapping a portion of the optical power from the quantum communication channel during the synchronization process allows an attacker to remain unnoticed while the quantum protocol is operating. Experimentally proved the possibility of introducing malfunctions into the operation of the quantum communication system at the stage of key formation, while remaining invisible for control means.