diff --git a/core/core_builders.py b/core/core_builders.py
index 88443e0374..d6b1a2b7af 100644
--- a/core/core_builders.py
+++ b/core/core_builders.py
@@ -78,7 +78,7 @@ def make_certs_header(target, source, env):
 
     with methods.generated_wrapper(str(target[0])) as file:
         # System certs path. Editor will use them if defined. (for package maintainers)
-        file.write(f'#define _SYSTEM_CERTS_PATH "{source[2]}"\n')
+        file.write('#define _SYSTEM_CERTS_PATH "{}"\n'.format(source[2].read() or ""))
         if source[1].read():
             # Defined here and not in env so changing it does not trigger a full rebuild.
             file.write(f"""\