Lossless Reversible Color Image Encryption Using Multilayer Hybrid Chaos with Gram–Schmidt Orthogonalization and ChaCha20-HMAC-Authenticated Transport

Abstract

In this study, a hybrid multi-layer scheme for reversible color image encryption is proposed, ensuring lossless reconstruction and strong cryptographic security concurrently. This method consists of three main stages. First, session-specific keys are generated using HKDF-SHA256 along with a timestamp-based mechanism to prevent replay attacks and support dynamic key management. Second, a four-layer confusion–diffusion structure is applied. It uses Gram–Schmidt orthogonal matrices, integer-based PWLCM chaotic mapping, the Hill cipher, and dynamically created S-Boxes. These operations rely on integer modular arithmetic ℤ256 and Q16.16 fixed-point precision. Finally, ChaCha20 stream encryption with HMAC-SHA256 authentication is used to secure data transmission in distributed environments. Experimental tests conducted on standard images show strong cryptographic performance, including near-ideal entropy (7.9993 bits), a significant avalanche effect (NPCR 99.6%, UACI 33.4%), and very low pixel correlation. The method achieves perfect lossless reconstruction and provides an effective key space ≥2128. These results confirm the suitability of the proposed scheme for secure image protection in applications requiring bit-exact recovery, such as medical imaging, digital forensics, and satellite communications.