diff --git a/lib/classes/plugininfo/base.php b/lib/classes/plugininfo/base.php
index 842ad054db8fb..0ce1b971f5b7a 100644
--- a/lib/classes/plugininfo/base.php
+++ b/lib/classes/plugininfo/base.php
@@ -84,7 +84,7 @@ abstract class base {
     public $incompatible;
 
     /** @var string Name of the plugin */
-    public $component;
+    public $component = '';
 
     /**
      * Whether this plugintype supports its plugins being disabled.