diff --git a/src/xmpp/session.c b/src/xmpp/session.c
index 139d2fdb..0478fec3 100644
--- a/src/xmpp/session.c
+++ b/src/xmpp/session.c
@@ -397,7 +397,7 @@ session_check_autoaway(void)
                     if (saved_status) {
                         free(saved_status);
                     }
-                    saved_status = curr_status;
+                    saved_status = strdup(curr_status);
 
                     // send away presence with last activity
                     char *message = prefs_get_string(PREF_AUTOAWAY_MESSAGE);
@@ -481,6 +481,7 @@ session_check_autoaway(void)
         break;
     }
 
+    free(curr_status);
     prefs_free_string(mode);
 }