diff --git a/lib/inflate.c b/lib/inflate.c
index 845f91d3ac1..9762294be06 100644
--- a/lib/inflate.c
+++ b/lib/inflate.c
@@ -811,6 +811,9 @@ DEBG("<dyn");
   ll = malloc(sizeof(*ll) * (286+30));  /* literal/length and distance code lengths */
 #endif
 
+  if (ll == NULL)
+    return 1;
+
   /* make local bit buffer */
   b = bb;
   k = bk;