The Forest Analogy: Full Specification of the MRS‑AUTH Cryptographic Framework

The Forest Analogy: Full Specification of the MRS‑AUTH Cryptographic FrameworkInformation‑Theoretic Deniability with Mechanized Verification This document presents the finalized, complete formal specification of MRS‑AUTH (Multiple Representation System Authentication), a post‑quantum, coercion‑resistant authentication protocol.Unlike traditional schemes relying on unique cryptographic keys, MRS‑AUTH leverages the vertical representation multiplicity of a nested linear Diophantine system (N = 19A + 9B) across three layers (L=3). This architectural symmetry ensures that an external attacker and a coerced user holding valid credentials stand in computationally identical positions, establishing a framework for unconditional, information‑theoretic deniability against unbounded passive adversaries. Key Updates in this Final Version: · Active Security Closed: Integrates a k-acceptance Merkle commitment and LWE isolation to fully close the active‑verifier vulnerability. · EasyCrypt Verified: Includes the complete, machine‑checked cryptographic proofs for all core theorems. · Rust Production Code: Provides concrete software requirements, including constant‑time operations and automatic memory zeroization to resist side‑channel and memory‑extraction attacks.