diff --git a/chardev/char-serial.c b/chardev/char-serial.c
index 3299b46853..a8bae31b8d 100644
--- a/chardev/char-serial.c
+++ b/chardev/char-serial.c
@@ -57,7 +57,7 @@ static void qmp_chardev_open_serial(Chardev *chr,
 static void tty_serial_init(int fd, int speed,
                             int parity, int data_bits, int stop_bits)
 {
-    struct termios tty;
+    struct termios tty = {0};
     speed_t spd;
 
 #if 0