Possible Vulnerability in Dave & Buster’s Reno “Find the Flag” Promotion Sparks Concerns of Unfair Advantage
In recent days, I came across a concerning issue related to the current “Find the Flag” promotion hosted by Dave & Buster’s in Reno, Nevada. Learn more about the promotion here.
During the event, a fellow participant pointed out an anomaly: it appears that certain clues or “flags” can be uncovered prematurely, potentially giving some players an unfair edge. Using standard browser developer tools, it’s possible to access future hints by manipulating the clue URLs, which seem to follow a predictable date-based pattern. Moreover, these clue files are openly accessible online, lacking server-side safeguards, allowing anyone with minimal technical knowledge to:
- Open the website’s developer console
- Inspect the webpage’s network activity or source code
- Modify the date parameter in the URL to access upcoming clues
- Retrieve clues intended to be revealed later
This flaw enables the detection of future clues long before they are officially released, explaining how some flags have been discovered in record time—sometimes within minutes of their supposed release. Conversely, I personally recovered one of the flags in a traditional manner that required logical deduction and effort.
Understandably, I’ve reported this issue directly to Dave & Buster’s Guest Relations team, including a detailed explanation and supporting screenshots. I am choosing to withhold identifying individuals or making public accusations, as I believe the company deserves the opportunity to investigate and address the vulnerability.
The key question remains: Was this technical loophole a mere oversight, or could it have been exploited deliberately by insiders to assist friends in winning? The implications highlight the importance of robust security measures in promotional events of this nature.
Please note, I’m not a web development expert, so I apologize if some of my observations lack technical depth. My goal is simply to bring awareness to a potential issue that could compromise the integrity of the contest.
Stay tuned for updates as this situation develops. It’s a reminder of how critical proper security practices are, even in casual promotional events.
