Potential Security Flaw in Dave & Buster’s “Find the Flag” Reno Promotion: Early Clues Accessible via Basic Browser Tools
In recent days, a concerning issue has come to light regarding the current “Find the Flag” contest hosted by Dave & Buster’s in Reno. To provide context, this popular promotional game invites participants to locate hidden flags based on clues released periodically. However, an observant participant has uncovered a potential vulnerability that could undermine the fairness of the competition.
The core of the issue lies in how the clues are served on the promotional website. The clues are hosted as static files with predictable, date-based filenames—such as clue-2025-07-16.jpg. These files are publicly accessible without any server-side restrictions. Moreover, the webpage’s code reveals that the URLs for upcoming clues follow a consistent pattern, making it trivial for anyone with fundamental technical knowledge to access future hints ahead of schedule.
Using browser developer tools, a user can:
– Open the webpage dedicated to the “Find the Flag” game.
– Inspect the source code or network requests.
– Manually modify the URL parameters or filenames to access clues meant for future dates.
– Immediately view the next clues, effectively gaining an unfair advantage.
This flaw could explain how several players managed to find multiple flags in under ten minutes after their official release, a feat that previously seemed improbable. Conversely, genuine participants who relied on logical deduction and patience faced significantly more difficulty.
In response to this discovery, I have contacted Dave & Buster’s Guest Relations to share detailed findings, including screenshots and technical insights. My intention is to give the organization an opportunity to address and rectify the issue rather than publicly accuse individuals or publicly disclose sensitive information.
It remains to be seen whether this exposure was a genuine oversight or indicative of a more deliberate setup to assist certain players. As always, transparency and prompt action from the hosting company will be crucial to maintaining the integrity of the game.
While I am not a web development expert, I believe awareness of how easily these clues can be accessed should prompt a review of the website’s security measures to ensure a fair and enjoyable experience for all participants.
Stay tuned for updates, and let’s hope the organizers take appropriate steps to fix this situation.
