Cardholder data security starts in the code that handles it. MergeGuide maps PCI-DSS v4.0 requirements to code-level detection patterns, enforcing at write time and generating QSA-ready evidence artifacts.
PCI-DSS assessments 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. Detection patterns track the v4.0 requirement numbering and clarifications.
MergeGuide templates map the PCI-DSS requirements with code-level implementations to detection patterns:
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.
Selected examples of what MergeGuide catches. These patterns run on every commit, across the languages your team writes in.
| 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| R6.3.2 | Unauthorized or outdated payment software components in dependency tree | High |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 |
Talk to us about how MergeGuide can reduce your assessment scope and accelerate the QSA review process.