Potential Security Flaw in Dave & Buster’s “Find the Flag” Reno Challenge Raises Fairness Concerns
In recent days, a concerning discovery has come to light regarding the ongoing “Find the Flag” promotion hosted by Dave & Buster’s in Reno. While participating in the game, some users noted that certain clues might be accessible ahead of schedule, potentially giving an unfair advantage.
For context, the promotion involves uncovering a series of digital flags based on clues provided during the event. However, it appears that the mechanism for releasing these clues might be vulnerable.
How the Exploit Works
Observations from multiple participants suggest that the clues are embedded within URLs that follow a predictable, date-based pattern. These files seem to be served publicly without any apparent server-side security measures. By inspecting the webpage’s source code or network requests through browser developer tools, a technically inclined user could:
- Open the official clue webpage,
- Examine or modify the URL parameters to target different dates,
- Manually alter the date in the URL (e.g., changing a filename from
clue-2025-07-16.jpgtoclue-2025-07-17.jpg), - Instantly access upcoming clues before their official release.
This loophole could explain why some players managed to find multiple flags within minutes of their release—an impossible feat under normal circumstances reflective of genuine puzzle-solving effort. Conversely, traditional players relying on deduction and waiting patiently for clues would find the process significantly more challenging.
What Has Been Done So Far
Once aware of this potential discrepancy, I took steps to report it. I contacted Dave & Buster’s Guest Relations via official channels and provided detailed screenshots and technical insights for their review. Out of respect for fairness and integrity, I have refrained from publicly naming individuals or speculating on potential internal misconduct, as I believe the company deserves the chance to investigate and address the issue.
Questions and Considerations
Given the nature of this vulnerability, one must ask: Was this simply an oversight, or is there a deeper issue at play? Could it be an inadvertent technical flaw, or was it intentionally designed to give certain players an edge? Until investigations are completed, these questions remain open.
Conclusion
As participants and consumers, it’s important that promotional events are conducted fairly and transparently. Vulnerabilities like this, if unaddressed, can undermine trust in the experience and the brand. Hopefully, Dave & Buster’s will
