diff --git a/lib/uuidtools.rb b/lib/uuidtools.rb
index acbbb78..ed65fd5 100644
--- a/lib/uuidtools.rb
+++ b/lib/uuidtools.rb
@@ -636,9 +636,13 @@ def self.ifconfig(all=nil)
 
       # if it does not exist, try the ip command
       if ifconfig_path == nil
-        ifconfig_path = "#{UUID.ip_path} addr list"
-        # all makes no sense when using ip(1)
-        all = nil
+        ip_path = UUID.ip_path
+        # check to make sure ip exists
+        unless ip_path.nil?
+          ifconfig_path = "#{ip_path} addr list"
+          # all makes no sense when using ip(1)
+          all = nil
+        end
       end
 
       all_switch = all == nil ? "" : "-a"