A universal link to extract and classify log data is disclosed. In various embodiments, a set of candidate data values that match a top level pattern that is common to two or more types of data value of interest is identified. The candidate data values are processed through a plurality of successive filtering stages, each stage of which includes determining which, if any, of said candidates match a more specific pattern associated more specifically with a specific data value type. Candidates, if any, which match the more specific pattern are classified as being of a corresponding specific data type and are removed from the set of candidate data values. A structured data record that associates each candidate data value determined to be of a corresponding one of said types of data value of interest with said corresponding one of said types of data value of interest is generated and stored.