Potential Security Concern in Dave & Buster’s “Find the Flag” Reno Campaign
Recently, I came across a potentially serious issue involving the current “Find the Flag” promotion at Dave & Buster’s in Reno, which could have implications for both the integrity of the game and customer experience.
You can view the promotion here: https://www.daveandbusters.com/us/en/find-the-flag/reno/?location=Reno+US+%2C+89502
During participation, it was reported that certain participants discovered they could access upcoming clues prematurely through basic browser development tools. The clues are accessed via URLs that follow a predictable, date-based pattern, and the clue files appear to be hosted without any server-side security measures. This allows technically inclined individuals to:
- Use browser inspection tools on the official clues webpage,
- Examine image or JavaScript source files,
- Modify the date parameters in the URL to reveal future clues,
- View upcoming hints ahead of schedule.
This vulnerability could explain how some participants managed to collect multiple flags within minutes of their release—an unusually quick turnaround that raises questions about the fairness of the game. Conversely, other players who rely on genuine deduction still managed to find flags through authentic effort.
I have already shared this information directly with Dave & Buster’s Guest Relations, including screenshots and technical details, and I’ve contacted the designated support number on the back of the flags. Out of respect and fairness, I am choosing not to name individuals publicly or speculate on whether this was due to oversight or intentional assistance.
This situation underscores the importance of robust security measures when conducting online promotions or games, especially if they rely on digital clues or assets. Addressing such vulnerabilities is essential for maintaining fair play and customer trust.
I’ll be watching to see how Dave & Buster’s responds and hope they will take necessary steps to secure the game moving forward. If you’re participating, stay vigilant and consider the potential for unintentional or intentional exploitation.
Note: I’m not a web security expert, but I wanted to highlight this issue to promote awareness and responsible gaming.
