# Critical Safety Fixes for Plex Backup Script

## Overview

Analysis of the backup script revealed several critical safety issues that have been identified and require immediate attention. While the script is functional (contrary to initial static analysis), it contains dangerous operations that can cause data corruption and service instability.

## Critical Issues Identified

### 1. Dangerous Force-Kill Operations (Lines 1276-1297)

**Issue**: Script uses `pkill -KILL` (SIGKILL) to force-terminate Plex processes

```bash
# DANGEROUS CODE:
sudo pkill -KILL -f "Plex Media Server" 2>/dev/null || true
```

**Risk**:

- Can cause database corruption if Plex is writing to database
- May leave incomplete transactions and WAL files in inconsistent state
- No opportunity for graceful cleanup of resources
- Can corrupt metadata and configuration files

**Impact**: Database corruption requiring complex recovery procedures

### 2. Insufficient Synchronization in Service Operations

**Issue**: Race conditions between service start/stop operations

```bash
# PROBLEMATIC: Inadequate wait times
sleep 2  # Too short for reliable synchronization
```

**Risk**:

- Service restart operations may overlap
- Database operations may conflict with service startup
- Backup operations may begin before service fully stops

### 3. Database Repair Safety Issues

**Issue**: Auto-repair operations without proper safeguards

- Repair operations run automatically without sufficient validation
- Inadequate backup of corrupted data before repair attempts
- Force-stop operations during database repairs increase corruption risk

## Real-World Impact Observed

During testing, these issues caused:

1. **Actual database corruption** requiring manual intervention
2. **Service startup failures** after database repair attempts
3. **Loss of schema integrity** when using aggressive repair methods

## Safety Improvements Required

### 1. Remove Force-Kill Operations

Replace dangerous `pkill -KILL` with:

- Extended graceful shutdown timeouts
- Proper service dependency management
- Safe fallback procedures without force termination

### 2. Implement Proper Synchronization

- Increase wait timeouts for critical operations
- Add service readiness checks before proceeding
- Implement proper error recovery without dangerous shortcuts

### 3. Enhanced Database Safety

- Mandatory corruption backups before ANY repair attempt
- Read-only integrity checks before deciding on repair strategy
- Never attempt repairs while service might be running

## Recommended Immediate Actions

1. **URGENT**: Remove all `pkill -KILL` operations
2. **HIGH**: Increase service operation timeouts
3. **HIGH**: Add comprehensive pre-repair validation
4. **MEDIUM**: Implement safer fallback procedures

## Long-term Recommendations

1. Separate backup operations from repair operations
2. Implement a more conservative repair strategy
3. Add comprehensive testing of all service management operations
4. Implement proper error recovery procedures

## File Status

- Current script: `/home/acedanger/shell/plex/backup-plex.sh` (NEEDS SAFETY FIXES)
- Service status: Plex is running with corrupted database (functional but risky)
- Backup system: Functional but contains dangerous operations

## Next Steps

1. Implement safer service management functions
2. Test service operations thoroughly
3. Validate database repair procedures
4. Update all related scripts to use safe service management
