Learn how to resolve the fail2ban database disk image is malformed” error. Our Plesk Management Support team is here to help you with your questions and concerns.

Fail2ban database disk image is malformed | Quick Fix

If you have been coming across the “fail2ban database disk image is malformed” error message, you have come to the right place.

This error shows that there is an issue with the SQLite database used by fail2ban to store its configuration and ban information. Furthermore, it may be due to different reasons, like file system errors, incorrect shutdowns, or corruption of the database file. Interestingly this is a commonly seen error and our experts have a quick fix for it.

Today, we are going to take a look at how to resolve this issue:

1. First, we must stop the fail2ban service with this command:

   sudo systemctl stop fail2ban
2. Then, head to the folder where the database file is located. The default location is /var/lib/fail2ban/fail2ban.sqlite3.
3. Next, we must make a backup copy of the database file with this command:

   sudo cp /var/lib/fail2ban/fail2ban.sqlite3 /var/lib/fail2ban/fail2ban.sqlite3.bak
4. After that, we have to remove the corrupt database file as seen below:

   sudo rm /var/lib/fail2ban/fail2ban.sqlite3
5. Now, we have to create a new, empty database file: sudo touch /var/lib/fail2ban/fail2ban.sqlite3
6. Then, set the ownership and permissions on the new database file with this command:

   sudo chown root:fail2ban /var/lib/fail2ban/fail2ban.sqlite3

   
sudo chmod 640 /var/lib/fail2ban/fail2ban.sqlite3

7. Finally, we restart the fail2ban service is working with the following command:

   sudo systemctl start fail2ban