When hitting someone that is blocking their shield while behind them, the attack damages them and disables the shield. This is unlike previous versions where it would just damage the player.
This was introduced during the 1.21.5 update cycle, probably when the blocks_attack component was added.
Steps to Produce:
Singleplayer:
Grab a sword and shield, and some armor
Go into survival mode if you are not already, and make sure there is open space behind you
/execute positioned ^ ^ ^-5 run summon minecraft:vindicator ~ ~3 ~ {equipment:{mainhand:{id:"wooden_axe"}},Health:4f}
Block with the shield, and do not turn around
❌ When the vindicator hits you, your shield will be disabled
Multiplayer:
Get a player to block with a shield
Hit the player with an axe from a spot that wouldn’t disable their shield (behind them)
❌ The player’s shield gets disabled and they get damaged
Can confirm.