HBS - Galactic-Code-Developers/NovaNet GitHub Wiki

Hash-Based Signatures (XMSS, SPHINCS+)

Introduction

Hash-based signatures (HBS) are quantum-resistant cryptographic signature schemes that provide secure, efficient, and post-quantum safe authentication for blockchain transactions and smart contracts.

Traditional digital signature schemes like ECDSA and RSA are vulnerable to quantum computing attacks, specifically Shor’s Algorithm, which can efficiently break these cryptographic systems.
NovaNet integrates Hash-Based Signatures (XMSS & SPHINCS+) to:

  • Ensure post-quantum security for blockchain transactions
  • Protect validator nodes and wallets from future quantum attacks
  • Provide fast, lightweight, and energy-efficient cryptographic signatures
  • Enhance smart contract authentication without relying on traditional PKI

1. Why Traditional Signatures Are Not Quantum-Secure

Classical digital signatures rely on integer factorization (RSA) or elliptic curve discrete logarithms (ECDSA), which quantum computers can easily solve using Shor’s Algorithm.

Digital Signature Scheme Security Against Classical Computers Vulnerability to Quantum Attacks
RSA-2048 Secure Broken by Shor’s Algorithm
ECDSA-256 Secure Easily cracked by quantum computers
XMSS (Hash-Based) Secure Quantum-Resistant
SPHINCS+ (Stateless Hash-Based) Secure Quantum-Resistant
  • NovaNet eliminates ECDSA and RSA in favor of quantum-resistant hash-based signatures

2. How XMSS & SPHINCS+ Work

2.1 XMSS (Extended Merkle Signature Scheme)

XMSS is a stateful, hash-based digital signature scheme that utilizes Merkle trees for authentication.

  • Supports post-quantum security with minimal overhead
  • Uses a one-time signature (OTS) scheme to prevent reuse attacks
  • Ideal for high-security blockchain transactions

Mathematical Model for XMSS Signature Generation:

  1. Key Generation:
    • A one-time signature (OTS) key pair $$sk_i, pk_i)$$ is generated for each leaf node.
    • A Merkle tree root $$H_{root}$$ is computed from all leaf nodes.

$$H_{root} = H(H_{L_1}, H_{L_2}, ..., H_{L_n})$$

Where:

  • $$H_{root}$$ is the public key of the entire signature scheme
  • $$H_{L_n}$$ are leaf nodes representing individual OTS signatures
  1. Signing a Transaction:
    • A random OTS key pair $$sk_i, pk_i)$$ is selected.
    • A hash-based signature $$S_i$$ is generated for the message M.

$$S_i = H(M, sk_i)$$

  • Ensures signatures cannot be forged or replayed

2.2 SPHINCS+ (Stateless Hash-Based Signature Scheme)

SPHINCS+ is a stateless signature scheme that removes the need to track used one-time keys.
It uses a hypertree structure and FORs (few-time signature schemes) to improve scalability.

  • Eliminates the need for state-tracking (unlike XMSS)
  • Uses multiple layers of hash trees for security
  • Highly scalable for large-scale blockchain applications

Mathematical Model for SPHINCS+ Signature Generation:

  1. Key Generation:
    • Multiple hash trees $$T_1, T_2, ..., T_n$$ are generated.
    • A top-level Merkle root is computed:

$$H_{SPHINCS} = H(T_1, T_2, ..., T_n)$$

  1. Signing a Transaction:
    • A Winternitz One-Time Signature (WOTS+) is selected.
    • A signature $$S_{SPHINCS}$$ is generated using multi-tree authentication.

$$S_{SPHINCS} = H(M, WOTS^+_i)$$

  • Prevents private key compromise even in high-volume transactions

3. Key Features of XMSS & SPHINCS+

Feature XMSS (Merkle Tree Signatures) SPHINCS+ (Stateless Signatures)
Quantum Resistance βœ… Strong βœ… Strong
State Tracking βœ… Required ❌ Not Required
Computational Efficiency βœ… Moderate βœ… High
Scalability ❌ Limited βœ… Highly Scalable
Security Model Merkle Tree-Based Multi-Tree Hash-Based
  • Both XMSS & SPHINCS+ provide quantum-resistant blockchain security

4. Implementation in NovaNet

NovaNet replaces traditional ECDSA-based signatures with XMSS and SPHINCS+ for secure blockchain transactions.

  • Validator Authentication: Validators sign blocks using XMSS for long-term security.

  • Smart Contract Execution: SPHINCS+ is used for stateless, scalable contract signing.

  • Cross-Chain Messaging: Secure quantum-resistant bridging between networks.

  • Ensures long-term security for all blockchain operations

5. Why XMSS & SPHINCS+ Are the Future of Blockchain Security

NovaNet’s Hash-Based Signature Integration ensures:

  • Post-Quantum Security – Immune to quantum computing attacks.
  • Scalability – SPHINCS+ enables high-performance signature validation.
  • No Private Key Exposure – Prevents cryptographic key reuse attacks.
  • Optimized for Blockchain Transactions – Low overhead and efficient verification.

XMSS & SPHINCS+ are redefining cryptographic security for decentralized applications!

6. Related Links

πŸ”— NovaNet Whitepaper
πŸ”— Post-Quantum Cryptographic Protection (PQCP)
πŸ”— Quantum Delegated Proof-of-Stake (Q-DPoS)
πŸ”— Quantum-Assisted Virtual Machine (QAVM)

7. How to Contribute

NovaNet’s Post-Quantum Cryptographic Security is open-source, and we welcome contributions! You can help by:

  • Forking the repository and submitting pull requests.
  • Improving documentation and updating cryptographic models.
  • Providing research on Hash-Based Cryptographic Signatures.

Start contributing: GitHub Repository

πŸ“’ Join the NovaNet Community!
πŸ’¬ Discord: Join Discussion
πŸ“’ Twitter: @NovaNet_Official
πŸ‘¨β€πŸ’» Telegram: Community Chat

XMSS & SPHINCS+ are redefining blockchain security in a post-quantum world!