diff --git a/net/wireless/scan.c b/net/wireless/scan.c
index a8339ed52404..6c7b7c3828a4 100644
--- a/net/wireless/scan.c
+++ b/net/wireless/scan.c
@@ -1916,7 +1916,8 @@ cfg80211_update_known_bss(struct cfg80211_registered_device *rdev,
 			 */
 
 			f = rcu_access_pointer(new->pub.beacon_ies);
-			kfree_rcu((struct cfg80211_bss_ies *)f, rcu_head);
+			if (!new->pub.hidden_beacon_bss)
+				kfree_rcu((struct cfg80211_bss_ies *)f, rcu_head);
 			return false;
 		}