diff --git a/src/hotspot/share/services/attachListener.cpp b/src/hotspot/share/services/attachListener.cpp
index e3a6a034935..b57e357e897 100644
--- a/src/hotspot/share/services/attachListener.cpp
+++ b/src/hotspot/share/services/attachListener.cpp
@@ -127,9 +127,11 @@ public:
   // Called after the operation is completed.
   // If reply_writer is provided, writes the results.
   void complete() {
-    JavaThread* thread = JavaThread::current();
-    ThreadBlockInVM tbivm(thread);
-    flush_reply();
+    if (_reply_writer != nullptr) {
+      JavaThread* thread = JavaThread::current();
+      ThreadBlockInVM tbivm(thread);
+      flush_reply();
+    }
   }
 
   virtual void write(const char* str, size_t len) override {