diff --git a/overviewer_core/util.py b/overviewer_core/util.py
index 6b81d8b..9a74757 100644
--- a/overviewer_core/util.py
+++ b/overviewer_core/util.py
@@ -43,6 +43,7 @@ def findGitHash():
         line = p.stdout.readlines()[0].strip()
         if line and len(line) == 40 and all(c in hexdigits for c in line):
             return line
+        return "unknown"
     except Exception:
         try:
             import overviewer_version