Potential Security Oversight in Dave & Buster’s Reno “Find the Flag” Promotion
Recently, I came across a concerning security vulnerability related to the ongoing “Find the Flag” event at Dave & Buster’s in Reno. This promotion invites participants to locate hidden clues across their website, but it appears that the setup may unintentionally allow motivated users to access upcoming clues prematurely.
You can view the promotion here: https://www.daveandbusters.com/us/en/find-the-flag/reno/?location=Reno+US+%2C+89502
Through some rudimentary investigation, I was informed that one could leverage browser developer tools to reveal clues ahead of schedule. The clues are embedded within the site’s files, which follow a consistent, date-based naming structure, and these files are publicly accessible without any server-side restrictions. By doing so, a user with basic technical knowledge could:
- Open the browser’s developer console while on the clue webpage,
- Search through images or scripts associated with clues,
- Modify the date parameter in the URL or within scripts (e.g., changing
clue-2025-07-16.jpgtoclue-2025-07-17.jpg), - Instantly access the next day’s clue.
This vulnerability could explain how some flags were discovered in under ten minutes after being released—faster than someone following the intended challenge. Personally, I managed to find one of the clues using legitimate deduction, which took considerable effort.
Out of caution, I’ve forwarded detailed information, including screenshots and technical specifics, directly to Dave & Buster’s Guest Relations team. I am choosing to refrain from naming individuals or publicly exposing the exploit to ensure constructive resolution. My hope is that the company will address this loophole to preserve the fairness of the game.
Questions remain: Was this an oversight in the site’s design, or could there be internal motives at play? It’s difficult to say, but transparency and prompt action are essential to ensure the integrity of such promotions.
Please note, I don’t have technical background in web development—most of this is from a basic analysis. I just wanted to highlight this potential issue to encourage vigilance and responsible handling of digital content security.
Stay cautious and let’s hope for a swift fix.
