diff --git a/modules/exploits/linux/http/projectsend_unauth_rce.rb b/modules/exploits/linux/http/projectsend_unauth_rce.rb
index 85d9c2a6e6..9eb423a49f 100644
--- a/modules/exploits/linux/http/projectsend_unauth_rce.rb
+++ b/modules/exploits/linux/http/projectsend_unauth_rce.rb
@@ -217,7 +217,7 @@ class MetasploitModule < Msf::Exploit::Remote
       'vars_post' => params
     })
 
-    fail_with(Failure::Unknown, 'Could not create a new user') unless res&.code != 403
+    fail_with(Failure::Unknown, 'Could not create a new user') if res.nil? || res.code == 403
     print_good("User #{username} created with password #{password}")
   end