diff --git a/security/keys/keyctl.c b/security/keys/keyctl.c
index ab0b337c84b4..562f7fe287a0 100644
--- a/security/keys/keyctl.c
+++ b/security/keys/keyctl.c
@@ -1406,11 +1406,9 @@ long keyctl_assume_authority(key_serial_t id)
 	}
 
 	ret = keyctl_change_reqkey_auth(authkey);
-	if (ret < 0)
-		goto error;
+	if (ret == 0)
+		ret = authkey->serial;
 	key_put(authkey);
-
-	ret = authkey->serial;
 error:
 	return ret;
 }