Linux Server / Filesystems, LVM & Recovery
Inspect a Linux recovery archive before extracting it
A restore archive can contain unexpected paths, permissions or large expansions. Examine its structure before writing into a live directory.
Environment and inputs: Linux server baseline · Ubuntu 24.04 LTS / RHEL 9-style systems. Use the specified distribution, init system and installed tool; service names, privileges and supported options can differ.
Start with this check
Confirm the host, shell and access role. Replace sample names, paths, domains and interfaces with approved targets. These are diagnostic commands; assess policy and workload impact before making changes.
tar -tf app-backup.tarRead the result
The command lists members without extracting them. It does not establish trust, ensure safe symlink behavior or prove application consistency.
Resolve and verify
Review source identity and intended recovery point, then restore into an isolated approved destination. Validate ownership, content and application behavior before a production cutover.
Before changing production
Do not extract over the only live copy or assume an archive is harmless because listing succeeds.