This case study documents a complex recovery of a MySQL 8.0 database residing on a 2TB XFS partition. By performing deep-sector carving to bypass an accidental overwrite and “Drop” operation, the AS Data Recovery team achieved a 100% restoration of critical business data.

Client & Data Information

• Client Name: Confidential
• Data Type: MySQL 8.0 (XFS Partition)
• Partition Capacity: 2 TB
• Target Data Size: 15 GB
• Primary Issue: Accidental Overwrite / Database Deletion / Table Drop

Incident Summary

The client experienced a critical data loss event when an outdated backup was accidentally restored to the production server. This action deleted the current MySQL 8.0 database and overwritten a portion of the disk. Specifically, a high-value Order Table essential for daily operations was lost. Because the server utilized the XFS file system, standard recovery tools were unable to navigate the sophisticated allocation groups to find the deleted table fragments.

Technical Analysis

Upon forensic analysis of the 2TB XFS partition, AS Data Recovery engineers identified:

• Overwritten Metadata: The file system’s inode information for the original MySQL data files had been replaced by the old backup.
• XFS Journaling Persistence: Despite the overwrite, the physical data blocks of the original 15 GB database were located in the “unallocated” segments of the XFS partition.
• MySQL 8.0 Structure: Unlike older versions, MySQL 8.0 stores metadata within the components themselves, allowing for a more precise reconstruction if the raw pages can be isolated.

Recovery Solution

The recovery strategy focused on Advanced XFS Sector Carving and InnoDB Page Parsing. Our team performed a bit-level scan of the entire 2TB partition to identify the specific signatures of the MySQL 8.0 Order Table. By isolating the data pages that existed prior to the erroneous “Drop” and overwrite command, we manually reassembled the table structure and migrated the data into a secure environment.

Recovery Process

• Forensic Partition Imaging: Immediately created a bit-for-bit image of the 2TB XFS partition to prevent any background system processes from further overwriting the target data.
• Raw Sector Carving: Utilized AS Data Recovery’s proprietary tools to scan the unallocated space for InnoDB data page headers belonging to the lost Order Table.
• Fragment Reassembly: Sequenced the scattered data fragments based on Log Sequence Numbers (LSN) and page identifiers to ensure chronological data integrity.
• Database Rebuild & Extraction: Parsed the raw pages and extracted the records into a new MySQL 8.0 instance.
• 100% Integrity Validation: The client verified the restored Order Table against recent transaction logs, confirming a perfect 100% recovery.

Recovery Results

• Recovery Integrity: 100%
• Recovered Files: MySQL 8.0 Physical Table Data (.ibd)
• System Status: Critical Order Table fully restored and reintegrated into the live system.
• Total Recovery Time: 4 Hours

Expert Reminder from AS Data Recovery: Accidental restores or “Drop” commands are reversible if you act fast. Unmount the partition immediately to stop the file system from reallocating the “free” space. Contact AS Data Recovery professionals immediately for 24/7 emergency database restoration. We guarantee 100% original recovery for specific failures, regardless of database or partition size.