Zcash Urges Zebra Update as NU7 Deadline Approaches

What to Know

• Zcash Foundation urges operators to install Zebra 6.4.2, fixing a vulnerability that lets network peers crash nodes through malformed transactions.
• Zebra 6.4.x will halt around November 2, requiring mainnet operators to upgrade before NU7’s tentative November 5 mainnet activation date.
• NU7 reduces target block spacing to 25 seconds, preserves daily issuance, and introduces fee reserves alongside shielded transaction activity limits.

The Zcash Foundation has urged mainnet operators to install Zebra 6.4.2 to fix a remotely exploitable vulnerability. According to the foundation’s update, developers delivered four Zebra releases between September 21 and October 5.

Those releases combined security repairs, wallet support improvements, lower transaction fees, and preparations for the NU7 network upgrade. Zebra 6.4.2 resolved a bug that allowed any network peer to crash affected nodes through a malformed transaction.

Google’s OSS-Fuzz discovered the vulnerability, prompting developers to recall Zebra 6.4.0 and 6.4.1 and withdraw their release binaries. The replacement includes improvements from both recalled versions, while Zebra 6.3.0 and earlier avoided this crash vulnerability.

Earlier changes strengthened protections against malicious peers, including restrictions preventing banned participants from reconnecting through nearby IPv6 addresses. Additionally, developers introduced penalties for peers relaying altered blocks and limited bans to 24 hours instead of indefinite restrictions. Zebra 6.4.1 also repaired a synchronization problem that could leave nodes stuck following a restart near the chain tip.

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NU7 Testnet Launch Sets Stage for November Mainnet Transition

NU7 activated on public Testnet on October 4 at block 4,465,026 through Zebra 7.0.0-rc.0, its first release candidate. Developers shortened Zebra’s support window from 15 weeks to 12, meaning the 6.4.x series will halt around November 2.

Mainnet operators must install the forthcoming production release before that halt to maintain operations through the planned network transition. November 5 remains the tentative mainnet activation date, though developers have not established an activation block height.

Under NU7, target block spacing drops from 75 seconds to 25 seconds, reducing average waiting times for initial confirmations. Daily ZEC issuance remains unchanged, with adjustments to block rewards preserving the network’s existing supply schedule and halving framework.

Meanwhile, NU7 directs 60% of transaction fees into a reserve that gradually distributes funds through future mining rewards. New limits on shielded activity also reduce the synchronization burden that spam transactions can impose on light wallets. Mainnet operators await the NU7 release while developers assess the upgrade under Testnet conditions before deployment.

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