On Non-Black-Box Simulation and the Impossibility of Approximate Obfuscation

Authors:
  • NBNir Bitansky
    Nir Bitansky
  • OPOmer Paneth
    Omer Paneth

Abstract
The introduction of a non-black-box simulation technique by Barak (FOCS 2001) has been a major landmark in cryptography, breaking the previous barriers of black-box impossibility. Barak's technique has given rise to various powerful applications and is a key component in all known protocols with non-black-box simulation. We present the first non-black-box simulation technique that does not rely on Barak's technique (or on nonstandard assumptions). Invoking this technique, we obtain new and improved protocols resilient to various resetting attacks. These improvements include weaker computational assumptions and better round complexity. A prominent feature of our technique is its compatibility with rewinding techniques from classic black-box zero-knowledge protocols. The combination of rewinding with non-black-box simulation has proven instrumental in coping with challenging goals such as simultaneously resettable zero-knowledge, proofs of knowledge, and resettable security from one-way functions. While pre...

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