Potential Security Flaw in Dave & Buster’s “Find the Flag” Reno Campaign
In the world of online promotions and interactive games, security and fairness are critical. Recently, I uncovered what appears to be a significant vulnerability in Dave & Buster’s current “Find the Flag” event in their Reno location.
Campaign Details:
You can view the promotion here: https://www.daveandbusters.com/us/en/find-the-flag/reno/?location=Reno+US+%2C+89502
The Issue:
While engaging with the game, a fellow participant pointed out that it’s possible to access upcoming clues prematurely. This can be achieved through basic web browser developer tools. The clues are hosted via URLs that follow a straightforward, predictable pattern tied to dates. Since these resources appear to be publicly accessible without any server-side restrictions or authentication, they can be manipulated easily.
A quick walkthrough of the exploit reveals:
– Opening the web page’s developer tools,
– Inspecting the page’s source code or network requests,
– Modifying the URL parameters (such as adjusting the date component, e.g., changing clue-2025-07-16.jpg to clue-2025-07-17.jpg),
– And instantly viewing future clues ahead of the scheduled release.
Consequently, many clues and flags have been discovered within minutes of their official release, undermining the integrity of the game. Personally, I managed to find one flag through genuine deduction, which required effort and thought, but the rapid early discoveries suggest the game’s security is compromised.
Actions Taken:
I’ve reported this issue directly to Dave & Buster’s Guest Relations team, providing detailed screenshots and technical insights. I am choosing not to publicly identify or accuse anyone at this stage, aiming instead to give the company an opportunity to address and remedy the vulnerability.
Reflections:
This raises questions—was this simply a careless oversight, or could it be a deliberate setup to give certain players an unfair advantage? Regardless, ensuring fair play should be a priority for any promotional game.
Conclusion:
If you’re participating in similar interactive campaigns, it’s crucial for organizers to implement robust security measures. For now, I hope this information prompts a review of the system to maintain fairness and trust in promotional events.
Please stay observant and stay fair
