diff --git a/benchmarks/web-serving/db_server/bootstrap.sh b/benchmarks/web-serving/db_server/bootstrap.sh
index 85e4c67ce..d006cfc1d 100755
--- a/benchmarks/web-serving/db_server/bootstrap.sh
+++ b/benchmarks/web-serving/db_server/bootstrap.sh
@@ -7,6 +7,10 @@ fi
 
 WEB_SERVER_IP=$1
 
+# workaround for overlayfs:
+# https://docs.docker.com/engine/userguide/storagedriver/overlayfs-driver/#limitations-on-overlayfs-compatibility
+find /var/lib/mysql -type f -exec touch {} \;
+
 # Update the hostname/IP to that of the webserver
 sed -i -e"s/HOST_IP/${WEB_SERVER_IP}:8080/" /elgg_db.dump
 chmod a+x /execute.sh