Cardholder data security starts in the code that handles it. MergeGuide maps all 12 PCI-DSS requirements to code-level detection patterns, enforcing at write time and generating QSA-ready evidence artifacts.
PCI-DSS audits focus heavily on network security, access control, and encryption — all of which have code-level implementations that can introduce violations. A misconfigured TLS setting, a forgotten debug endpoint, a hardcoded API key: these are the vulnerabilities that get organizations into trouble.
MergeGuide enforces PCI-DSS requirements where they originate — in the source code — before they ever reach production. Violations are caught at write time, not at audit time.
PCI-DSS v4.0 ready: MergeGuide templates are mapped to PCI-DSS v4.0, which became mandatory in April 2024. All detection patterns are current with the v4.0 requirement numbering and clarifications.
| Requirement | What MergeGuide Detects | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| R3.3.1 | Sensitive authentication data (CVV, PIN) stored after authorization | Critical |
| R3.4.1 | Primary Account Numbers (PANs) stored unencrypted | Critical |
| R3.5.1 | Weak encryption algorithms (DES, 3DES, MD5 for PAN hashing) | Critical |
| R4.2.1 | CHD transmitted without TLS or over deprecated TLS 1.0/1.1 | Critical |
| R6.2.4 | SQL injection, XSS, and common attack patterns in payment code paths | Critical |
| R6.3.2 | Unauthorized or outdated payment software components in dependency tree | High |
| R8.2.1 | Hardcoded credentials or API keys in payment system code | Critical |
| R8.3.6 | Password/passphrase policies below PCI-DSS minimum requirements | High |
| R10.3.2 | Audit log protection — logs writable without detection mechanism | High |
Pattern matching for Primary Account Numbers in code, logs, and configuration — including masked and tokenized forms that indicate improper storage.
Detects weak algorithms, improper key management patterns, and unencrypted CHD in transit — mapped to specific R3 and R4 sub-requirements.
Evidence artifacts include PCI-DSS requirement mappings. OSCAL Component Definition export provides the machine-readable control implementation statement your QSA needs.
Talk to us about how MergeGuide can reduce your assessment scope and accelerate the QSA review process.