Advanced color image encryption using third-order differential equations and three-dimensional logistic map

Image encryption stands out as a crucial technique employed to securely transmit images across the Internet. In this paper, we introduce a novel algorithm for encrypting color images. The algorithm is built upon the principles of differential equations, XOR operations, and chaotic maps. First, the plain image is three-dimensional pixel shuffled via a logistic map. Afterward, the differential equations are used as a mathematical tool for encrypting images. The third-order ordinary differential equations are used to encrypt the shuffled images. The color values of the plain image are considered coefficients for the independent variable X. Subsequently, an alternate matrix of the same size is generated using a three-dimensional logistic map, taking into account its color values as the exponents linked to the independent variable X. A set of third-order differential equations emerged, containing an equivalent number of elements as the color values present in the plain image. This set of differential equations is addressed in the following manner: combining XOR and integration three times with respect to the independent variable X for each set of obtained differential equations while treating the integration constant as zero. Ultimately, a set of ordinary equations involving the independent variable X is derived, where the coefficients of X represent color values for the cipher image. The results from experiments and the security analysis affirm the resilience of the proposed algorithm against established security attacks. It exhibits a substantial key space, heightened key sensitivity, and a strong encryption effect.