diff --git a/core/mac/src/pe/lim/lim_assoc_utils.c b/core/mac/src/pe/lim/lim_assoc_utils.c
index 3c53a565dc02..2d627452ac17 100644
--- a/core/mac/src/pe/lim/lim_assoc_utils.c
+++ b/core/mac/src/pe/lim/lim_assoc_utils.c
@@ -1797,7 +1797,7 @@ QDF_STATUS lim_populate_peer_rate_set(struct mac_context *mac,
 	tDot11fIEhe_cap *peer_he_caps;
 	struct bss_description *bssDescription =
 		&pe_session->lim_join_req->bssDescription;
-	tSchBeaconStruct *pBeaconStruct;
+	tSchBeaconStruct *pBeaconStruct = NULL;
 
 	/* copy operational rate set from pe_session */
 	if (pe_session->rateSet.numRates <= WLAN_SUPPORTED_RATES_IE_MAX_LEN) {
@@ -1952,6 +1952,9 @@ QDF_STATUS lim_populate_peer_rate_set(struct mac_context *mac,
 	}
 	pe_debug("nss: %d", pe_session->nss);
 
+	if (pBeaconStruct)
+		qdf_mem_free(pBeaconStruct);
+
 	return QDF_STATUS_SUCCESS;
 } /*** lim_populate_peer_rate_set() ***/