Description: Malleability in encryption refers to the property of an encryption scheme that allows the modification of ciphertext without the need to decrypt it first. This means that by making changes to the ciphertext, specific results can be obtained in the plaintext once it is decrypted. This characteristic is particularly relevant in certain security contexts, as it can allow an attacker to manipulate encrypted data in such a way that predictable results are produced when decrypted. Malleability can be seen as a double-edged sword: while it can be useful in legitimate applications, it can also be exploited by attackers to alter information without being detected. Therefore, encryption schemes that exhibit this property must be used with caution and in situations where data integrity is paramount. Overall, malleability is a critical aspect to consider in the design of encryption systems, as it affects the security and trust in the transmission of sensitive data.
