diff --git a/test/runner/lib/util.py b/test/runner/lib/util.py
index f7544c4b19e..4868a87634a 100644
--- a/test/runner/lib/util.py
+++ b/test/runner/lib/util.py
@@ -189,6 +189,7 @@ def common_environment():
 
     optional = (
         'HTTPTESTER',
+        'SSH_AUTH_SOCK'
     )
 
     env.update(pass_vars(required=required, optional=optional))