diff --git a/lib/gssapi/mech/gss_inquire_cred_by_oid.c b/lib/gssapi/mech/gss_inquire_cred_by_oid.c
index ee5ba6085..4e7c73fa4 100644
--- a/lib/gssapi/mech/gss_inquire_cred_by_oid.c
+++ b/lib/gssapi/mech/gss_inquire_cred_by_oid.c
@@ -59,7 +59,7 @@ gss_inquire_cred_by_oid (OM_uint32 *minor_status,
 		m = mc->gmc_mech;
 		if (m == NULL) {
 			_gss_secure_release_buffer_set(minor_status, &set);
-			minor_status = 0;
+			*minor_status = 0;
 			return GSS_S_BAD_MECH;
 		}