Title: Potential Security Flaw in Dave & Buster’s “Find the Flag” Event Unlocks Early Clues
In recent days, a concerning security vulnerability has come to light within the ongoing “Find the Flag” promotion hosted by Dave & Buster’s in Reno. This investigation highlights how certain technical oversights could allow participants to access upcoming clues ahead of schedule, raising questions about the integrity of the game mechanics.
The promotion’s webpage can be accessed here for reference: Find the Flag in Reno.
An interested user noted that the clues provided for the game are stored in a predictable format, with URLs following a straightforward date-based pattern. These clue files are hosted publicly, seemingly without any server-side safeguards. By utilizing basic developer tools available in contemporary browsers, a participant can:
- Open the console or network inspector on the clue webpage,
- Examine the image or JavaScript source files,
- Modify parameters such as the date embedded in the URL (e.g., changing from
clue-2025-07-16.jpgtoclue-2025-07-17.jpg), - Instantly reveal the next day’s clues ahead of schedule.
This vulnerability appears to explain how some players managed to uncover multiple clues within minutes of their official reveal, unlike others who discovered them through genuine deduction and effort.
In response to this, I’ve contacted Dave & Buster’s Guest Relations via official channels, providing details, screenshots, and explanatory notes regarding the security issue. My intention is to give the company an opportunity to address and resolve the flaw before it impacts the fairness of the game.
While I have refrained from publicly naming individuals or making accusations, the situation raises important questions about whether this oversight was accidental or perhaps exploited intentionally by a select few.
Regardless of the outcome, it underscores the importance of robust web security practices, especially in promotional events that rely on fair play and integrity. Hopefully, Dave & Buster’s will investigate this matter thoroughly and implement the necessary safeguards to ensure an equitable gaming experience for all participants.
Note: I’m not a web developer; this analysis is based on observations and publicly accessible tools.
