diff --git a/config.c b/config.c
index 39a7d7422c..207e4394a3 100644
--- a/config.c
+++ b/config.c
@@ -3833,6 +3833,7 @@ static int git_config_copy_or_rename_section_in_file(const char *config_filename
 						output[0] = '\t';
 					}
 				} else {
+					strbuf_release(&copystr);
 					copystr = store_create_section(new_name, &store);
 				}
 			}