RBFAC: A Redactable Blockchain Framework with Fine-Grained Access Control Based on Flexible Policy Chameleon Hash

Abstract

While blockchain’s immutability ensures data integrity, it also poses significant challenges when dealing with illegal or erroneous data that require modification. The concept of redactable blockchain has emerged, utilizing Chameleon Hash (CH) and subsequent Policy-based Chameleon Hash (PCH) for controlled data editing. However, current redactable blockchain implementations exhibit significant limitations, particularly in their inability to separate data editing from policy modification and their insufficient support for decentralized management of diverse editing operations. To address these issues, this paper initially introduces the concept of Flexible Policy Chameleon Hash (FPCH), which integrates PCH with non-interactive zero-knowledge proofs to enable enhanced policy management flexibility. Moreover, this paper proposes a Redactable Blockchain Framework with Fine-grained Access Control (RBFAC) based on FPCH. The RBFAC framework employs a hybrid cryptographic approach to separate the right of data editing from policy modification. The framework also provides essential functionalities, including editing accountability, key tracking and revocation mechanisms, and policy privacy protection. Finally, experimental evaluations demonstrate that the RBFAC framework maintains acceptable performance overhead while delivering these advanced features. The results indicate that the proposed solution addresses the limitations of existing redactable blockchain systems, offering a more flexible and secure approach to controlled data editing in blockchain environments.