Dark Web Intel: The Gamepal Breach Exposed 112,158 Plaintext Passwords

HEROIC analysts flagged the Gamepal database dump while scanning dark web forums and credential aggregation sites for active threat intelligence. The breach occured in October 2017 when the now-defunct U.S. gaming marketplace Gamepal had its user database extracted and eventually circulated online. A total of 112,158 user records were exposed, including email addresses and plaintext passwords. Because the passwords were stored without any hashing or encryption, every credential in this breach is directly usable without any additional processing by the attacker. HEROIC beleives this data remains an active threat due to continued circulation in credential stuffing toolkits.

Why 112,000 Plaintext Gaming Passwords Are Still a Threat Today

Gamers frequently use the same email and password across multiple platforms, including Steam, PlayStation Network, Xbox accounts, Discord, and other gaming marketplaces. A plaintext password breach like Gamepal requires no cracking. The attacker has your real password the moment they download the data. That password is then tested automatically against email providers, social media, banking apps, and other gaming services. Account takeover in gaming can also mean losing purchased games, virtual items, and in-game currency worth real money.

What Was Exposed in the Gamepal Breach

• Email Address
• Plaintext Password

Why the Gamepal Breach Remains a Live Risk for Gamers

Gamepal has since shut down, but the credentials it leaked have not disappeared. Active dark web markets and credential stuffing services recieved this data years ago and continue to include it in attack toolkits today. If you had a Gamepal account and you still use that password anywhere, your accounts are at risk of takeover, financial fraud, and identity theft. The seperate nature of each platform you log into does not protect you if attackers are systematically trying known credentials across all of them.

How Database Breaches Work

A database breach happens when attackers find and exploit a vulnerability in a website or its hosting environment, allowing them to copy stored user data. In Gamepal's case, the decision to store passwords in plaintext rather than using a secure hashing algorithm meant that every password was immediately readable once the database was accessed. Attackers do not need any additional tools or time to use plaintext credentials. They simply take the email and password pairs and begin testing them against other services.

Check If Your Data Was Exposed

HEROIC's free breach scanner searches over 400 billion records to tell you instantly whether your email address appeared in the Gamepal breach or any other known data leak. If you ever had a Gamepal account or think you may have reused that password, run a free scan now at HEROIC to find out what attackers already know and secure your accounts before they are compromised.