diff --git a/package/openssh/Config.in b/package/openssh/Config.in
index 08d3c7d391..a3038ba01f 100644
--- a/package/openssh/Config.in
+++ b/package/openssh/Config.in
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 config BR2_PACKAGE_OPENSSH
 	bool "openssh"
 	depends on BR2_USE_MMU # fork()
+	select BR2_PACKAGE_LINUX_PAM if BR2_PACKAGE_REFPOLICY_UPSTREAM_VERSION
 	select BR2_PACKAGE_OPENSSL
 	select BR2_PACKAGE_ZLIB
 	help