diff --git a/src/opnsense/scripts/firmware/register.php b/src/opnsense/scripts/firmware/register.php
index 585589444..502808063 100755
--- a/src/opnsense/scripts/firmware/register.php
+++ b/src/opnsense/scripts/firmware/register.php
@@ -63,7 +63,7 @@ function plugins_config_get($config)
 
     if (!isset($config->system->firmware->plugins)) {
         $config->system->firmware->addChild('plugins');
-    } else {
+    } elseif (!empty($config->system->firmware->plugins)) {
         $plugins = explode(',', (string)$config->system->firmware->plugins);
     }