Title: Potential Security Flaw Revealed in Dave & Buster’s “Find the Flag” Reno Promotion
Recently, I came across a concerning vulnerability related to the ongoing “Find the Flag” event at Dave & Buster’s in Reno. This promotion, designed to engage participants with a series of clues, may have unintended loopholes that could compromise the game’s fairness.
For context, here’s the link to the official promotion page: Find the Flag – Reno Location
Discovery of a Possible Exploit
While participating, I learned from another user that it’s possible to access upcoming clues ahead of schedule by leveraging basic browser developer tools. The clues are embedded in URL patterns that follow a predictable, date-based structure, and the clue files appear to be publicly hosted without any server-side protections.
This setup potentially allows anyone with minimal technical knowledge to:
- Open browser developer tools on the clue webpage,
- Inspect images or JavaScript source files,
- Modify the date parameter in the URL to access future clues,
- Instantly reveal the next day’s hint—effectively skipping the intended challenge.
Implications for Fair Play
This vulnerability is evidenced by how quickly some users were able to gather multiple flags—sometimes in less than ten minutes after a new clue was released. In contrast, obtaining flags through legitimate deduction requires effort and strategy, making the exploit notably unfair.
Responsible Action and Next Steps
I have already contacted Dave & Buster’s Guest Relations through official channels, providing them with detailed explanations, screenshots, and technical observations. Out of respect for privacy and fairness, I’ve refrained from publicly naming individuals or accusing anyone of foul play, trusting that the company will investigate and address these concerns appropriately.
Final Thoughts
While I don’t possess deep web development expertise, the evidence suggests that the game’s security measures may need reinforcement to ensure an equitable experience for all participants. Transparency and prompt action from the organizers will be crucial in maintaining trust and appeal for this fun promotional event.
Stay tuned for updates, and I encourage others who notice similar issues to report them responsibly to maintain the integrity of community competitions.