Fixed an issue where thralls could be commanded to damage other players, but could not be damaged back. - PC update 16.06.2020
This is not a bug. This fix suggested that players could not damage thralls whilst being attacked by them and now players can defend themselves by attacking the thralls back.
Maybe it was implemented because posts like this:
Since it happens on PvE-Conflict servers and not PvE servers, I’m calling it a new feature.
This has nothing to do with grief.
Moreover, calling someone a griefer because they kill you on a PvE-Conflict server is laughable. Perhaps you should try a PvE server or a private one with custom rules.
I love that the game continues to change, but seeing players unable to adapt is pure cringe.