StableMorph: High-Quality Face Morph Generation with Stable Diffusion

TL;DR

StableMorph leverages diffusion-based synthesis to generate highly realistic, artifact-free face morphs that challenge biometric systems and improve the evaluation of morph attack detection methods.

Contribution

It introduces a novel diffusion-based approach for creating high-quality, full-head face morphs with detailed control, surpassing prior methods in realism and attack effectiveness.

Findings

Produces morphs that rival genuine face image quality.

Enhances the difficulty of fooling face recognition systems.

Sets a new standard for morph quality in research.

Abstract

Face morphing attacks threaten the integrity of biometric identity systems by enabling multiple individuals to share a single identity. To develop and evaluate effective morphing attack detection (MAD) systems, we need access to high-quality, realistic morphed images that reflect the challenges posed in real-world scenarios. However, existing morph generation methods often produce images that are blurry, riddled with artifacts, or poorly constructed making them easy to detect and not representative of the most dangerous attacks. In this work, we introduce StableMorph, a novel approach that generates highly realistic, artifact-free morphed face images using modern diffusion-based image synthesis. Unlike prior methods, StableMorph produces full-head images with sharp details, avoids common visual flaws, and offers unmatched control over visual attributes. Through extensive evaluation, we show that StableMorph images not only rival or exceed the quality of genuine face images but also maintain a strong ability to fool face recognition systems posing a greater challenge to existing MAD solutions and setting a new standard for morph quality in research and operational testing. StableMorph improves the evaluation of biometric security by creating more realistic and effective attacks and supports the development of more robust detection systems.