Encryption Scheme Auditor

encryption-scheme-auditor

Domain auditor for symmetric encryption and authenticated decryption safety.

When to Use

• Reviewing AEAD mode integrations and nonce lifecycle handling
• Auditing decrypt error behavior for oracle side effects
• Checking associated-data binding and tag verification ordering
• Reviewing key-derivation context separation across protocol roles
• Validating key rotation and algorithm agility controls

When NOT to Use

• Asymmetric key-exchange and signature protocol audits outside encryption modes
• Side-channel-focused constant-time analysis without encryption semantics
• Marking suspected encryption flaws as confirmed without verification gates

Core Review Areas

1. Nonce generation, uniqueness, and reuse prevention under the same key
2. AEAD tag verification-before-plaintext discipline
3. Associated-data binding and domain separation
4. Padding/MAC oracle surfaces in decrypt error paths
5. KDF parameter/context separation and key lifecycle management

Workflow

Phase 1: Encrypt/decrypt path intake

• Read references/encryption-checklist.md
• Execute workflows/decrypt-error-review.md
• Map encrypt and decrypt entrypoints, including all error branches

Phase 2: Nonce and tag review

• Verify nonce creation, persistence, and replay safeguards
• Confirm tag checks complete before any plaintext is released
• Ensure associated-data inputs match protocol intent in both directions

Phase 3: Pattern hunt

• Read references/finding-patterns.md
• Prioritize nonce reuse, decrypt oracle behavior, and KDF context collisions

Phase 4: Handoff

• Send surviving findings to crypto-fp-check
• Use zkbugs-index only after the finding survives verification

Output Contract

Produce an encryption-specific handoff that includes:

• The mode/implementation path and nonce lifecycle involved
• The decrypt error behavior and oracle risk surface
• Whether the issue is nonce, tag-ordering, AD-binding, KDF, or key-lifecycle related
• The next verification or reporting route

Reference Index

• references/encryption-checklist.md
• references/finding-patterns.md
• workflows/decrypt-error-review.md