Potential Security Concern with Dave & Buster’s “Find the Flag” Reno Promotion
Recently, I came across an issue regarding the ongoing “Find the Flag” event at Dave & Buster’s in Reno, which I believe warrants some attention.
You can view the promotion details here: https://www.daveandbusters.com/us/en/find-the-flag/reno/?location=Reno+US+%2C+89502
During gameplay, another participant pointed out a potential vulnerability: by utilizing basic browser developer tools, it appears one can access future clues prematurely. The clues are hosted on publicly accessible URLs that follow a predictable pattern based on dates, with no apparent server-side security measures. This allows anyone with minimal technical knowledge to:
- Open the browser’s developer console on the clue page
- Inspect page elements or source code
- Manually modify the URL parameters to view upcoming clues (e.g., changing a date from “2023-07-16” to “2023-07-17”)
- Immediately access the next day’s hint
This method explains how some participants managed to find multiple clues—sometimes within minutes of their official release—much faster than those relying on legitimate deduction. In my own experience, I solved one of the clues through genuine effort, which took considerably longer.
I’ve already reported this concern directly to Dave & Buster’s Guest Relations, providing detailed screenshots and technical insights via text message. I choose to hold off on naming individuals or publicly revealing specifics, as I believe the company deserves the opportunity to investigate and address the issue appropriately.
Questions remain about whether these vulnerabilities stem from oversight or intentional design, and whether this might have been exploited intentionally or inadvertently.
Please note, I’m not a web developer, so I apologize if my explanation isn’t overly technical. My primary aim is to highlight a potential flaw that may be affecting the fairness of this promotional game and encourage prompt action.
Note: If you’re participating in similar promotions, always be aware that publicly accessible clue sources can compromise the intended challenge. It’s a reminder for organizers to consider implementing better security measures to ensure fair play for all participants.
