diff --git a/pillar/application/modules/service.py b/pillar/application/modules/service.py
index db8525d1..92ac874b 100644
--- a/pillar/application/modules/service.py
+++ b/pillar/application/modules/service.py
@@ -60,7 +60,7 @@ def badger():
         return 'User not found', 404
 
     # Apply the action
-    roles = set(db_user['roles'] or [])
+    roles = set(db_user.get('roles', []) or [])
     if action == 'grant':
         roles.add(role)
     else: