diff --git a/lib/network.py b/lib/network.py
index cf02535d5..fe6c68475 100644
--- a/lib/network.py
+++ b/lib/network.py
@@ -1065,7 +1065,12 @@ class Network(util.DaemonThread):
         self.on_stop()
 
     def on_notify_header(self, interface, header_dict):
-        header_hex, height = header_dict['hex'], header_dict['height']
+        try:
+            header_hex, height = header_dict['hex'], header_dict['height']
+        except KeyError:
+            # no point in keeping this connection without headers sub
+            self.connection_down(interface.server)
+            return
         header = blockchain.deserialize_header(util.bfh(header_hex), height)
         if height < self.max_checkpoint():
             self.connection_down(interface.server)