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Debug files may contain card verification value (CVV) or code information because they often include detailed technical information about system operations. During the development or troubleshooting process, developers may log sensitive information for diagnostic purposes. If proper safeguards are not implemented, these debug files can inadvertently capture and expose sensitive data such as CVV.

Protecting sensitive information like CVV is a critical requirement under the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). Therefore, if debug files are not configured properly, they become a potential risk for data breaches, as they can store sensitive authentication data that should be kept confidential.

In contrast, configuration files typically store settings and parameters used by applications, database backups are primarily used for data recovery, and log files usually track system activities and access but, in theory, should not contain sensitive cardholder data if they are properly managed and designed to comply with PCI DSS requirements.