diff --git a/src/interface/interface_backend_netcf.c b/src/interface/interface_backend_netcf.c
index a995816035..9aa673d20a 100644
--- a/src/interface/interface_backend_netcf.c
+++ b/src/interface/interface_backend_netcf.c
@@ -412,6 +412,7 @@ netcfConnectListAllInterfaces(virConnectPtr conn,
               (MATCH(VIR_CONNECT_LIST_INTERFACES_INACTIVE) &&
                (status & NETCF_IFACE_INACTIVE)))) {
             ncf_if_free(iface);
+            iface = NULL;
             continue;
         }