Error
Error Code:
57P04
PostgreSQL Error 57P04: Database Dropped by Operator
Description
This error indicates that your PostgreSQL database connection was terminated because the database itself was dropped by an administrator or an automated process. It typically occurs when an application attempts to interact with a database that no longer exists on the server.
Error Message
database dropped
Known Causes
3 known causesAccidental Manual Drop
An authorized user or administrator mistakenly executed a `DROP DATABASE` command on an active database.
Automated Script Execution
A scheduled script, deployment tool, or cleanup process intentionally or unintentionally dropped the database.
Environment Reset
In a development or testing environment, the database was intentionally reset or recreated, terminating existing connections.
Solutions
3 solutions available1. Reconnect to the Correct Database easy
If the database was accidentally dropped and recreated, reconnect to the new instance.
1
Identify the new database name and connection details (host, port, user).
2
Update your application's connection string or your client's connection parameters to point to the newly created database.
psql -h your_host -p your_port -U your_user -d new_database_name3
Restart your application or client to apply the new connection settings.
2. Restore from a Backup medium
If the database was intentionally dropped and you need to recover its data, restore from a recent backup.
1
Ensure you have a valid, recent backup of the dropped database. This could be a `pg_dump` file or a base backup for PITR (Point-In-Time Recovery).
2
If you have a `pg_dump` file, you can restore it using `pg_restore` or `psql`.
pg_restore -U your_user -d new_database_name --clean --create your_backup.dump3
If you are using PITR, follow your established PITR recovery procedure to restore the cluster and then the specific database.
4
Verify the restored data for completeness and integrity.
3. Investigate and Secure Access Controls advanced
Determine how the database was dropped and implement measures to prevent recurrence.
1
Examine PostgreSQL logs (`postgresql.log` or equivalent) for the exact command that dropped the database and the user who executed it.
2
Review the `pg_hba.conf` file to understand which users and hosts have permission to connect and perform administrative actions.
3
Identify the user account that performed the drop operation. If it was an unauthorized action, revoke its privileges or reset its password.
ALTER USER username WITH PASSWORD 'new_strong_password';4
Implement the principle of least privilege for all database users. Ensure only necessary users have `DROP DATABASE` privileges.
REVOKE DROP ON DATABASE database_name FROM user_name;5
Consider implementing role-based access control (RBAC) to manage permissions more effectively.
6
Regularly audit user activity and database changes.