Zcash Discloses Critical Orchard Vulnerability as ZEC Falls 38%

Zcash has disclosed what it described as a critical vulnerability in its Orchard shielded pool, a flaw that reportedly allowed undetectable counterfeiting of ZEC. The issue has drawn fresh attention to the technical risks associated with privacy coins.

According to the source material, the vulnerability affected Orchard and could enable the creation of counterfeit ZEC without detection inside the shielded pool. The disclosure has reignited broader debate over privacy-focused crypto assets and how their security models are assessed.

Following the disclosure, ZEC fell 38%, reflecting the market’s reaction to the report. The development underscores how security concerns can quickly affect sentiment around cryptocurrencies, especially those built around privacy features.