The openssh spec file is missing explicit BuildRequires: zlib-devel, but requires it in order to build. I discovered this while taking the Red Hat Linux 7.1 openssh package and trying to build it on a very minimal RHL 6.2 system. I've checked all supported releases of the OS, and openssh is missing this BuildRequires on all of them including current development. Here is the tail end of a build of openssh without zlib-devel installed: checking for yp_match... no checking for yp_match in -lnsl... yes checking for setsockopt... yes checking for getspnam... yes checking for deflate in -lz... no configure: error: *** zlib missing - please install first or check config.log *** error: Bad exit status from /var/tmp/rpm-tmp.24044 (%build)
Fixing in 3.6.1p2-23 and later.
An errata has been issued which should help the problem described in this bug report. This report is therefore being closed with a resolution of ERRATA. For more information on the solution and/or where to find the updated files, please follow the link below. You may reopen this bug report if the solution does not work for you. http://rhn.redhat.com/errata/RHBA-2004-114.html