diff --git a/core/mac/src/sys/legacy/src/utils/src/parser_api.c b/core/mac/src/sys/legacy/src/utils/src/parser_api.c
index b9dd2ab3bdbb..c9abe83818da 100644
--- a/core/mac/src/sys/legacy/src/utils/src/parser_api.c
+++ b/core/mac/src/sys/legacy/src/utils/src/parser_api.c
@@ -2221,7 +2221,7 @@ sir_validate_and_rectify_ies(tpAniSirGlobal mac_ctx,
 				uint32_t *missing_rsn_bytes)
 {
 	uint32_t length = SIZE_OF_FIXED_PARAM;
-	uint8_t *ref_frame;
+	uint8_t *ref_frame = NULL;
 
 	/* Frame contains atleast one IE */
 	if (frame_bytes > (SIZE_OF_FIXED_PARAM +
@@ -2241,7 +2241,7 @@ sir_validate_and_rectify_ies(tpAniSirGlobal mac_ctx,
 			 * Capability with junk value. To avoid this, add RSN
 			 * Capability value with default value.
 			 */
-			if ((*ref_frame == RSNIEID) &&
+			if (ref_frame && (*ref_frame == RSNIEID) &&
 				(length == (frame_bytes +
 					RSNIE_CAPABILITY_LEN))) {
 				/* Assume RSN Capability as 00 */