How to build a public Microsoft Intune integration: Building the Auth Flow

Aug 8, 2024 • 6 minute read

Hey there, fellow JavaScript devs! Ready to dive into the world of Microsoft Intune integrations? Let's focus on the most crucial part: building a rock-solid auth flow for your user-facing integration. Buckle up, because we're about to make authentication a breeze!

Introduction

Microsoft Intune is a powerhouse for mobile device management, and its API opens up a world of possibilities. But before we can tap into that potential, we need to nail the authentication process. After all, we want our users to trust our integration, right?

Prerequisites

Before we jump in, make sure you've got these bases covered:

Azure AD app registration (you're a pro, so I'm sure you've got this)
The right permissions and scopes set up (you know, the usual suspects)

Authentication Flow Overview

We're going with the cool kids' choice: OAuth 2.0 and OpenID Connect. Specifically, we'll implement the Authorization Code Flow with PKCE. It's like the regular Authorization Code Flow, but with a cherry on top for added security.

Implementing the Auth Flow

Initiating the Auth Request

First things first, let's construct that authorization URL:

const authUrl = `https://login.microsoftonline.com/${tenantId}/oauth2/v2.0/authorize?
  client_id=${clientId}
  &response_type=code
  &redirect_uri=${redirectUri}
  &response_mode=query
  &scope=${scopes}
  &state=${state}
  &code_challenge=${codeChallenge}
  &code_challenge_method=S256`;

Don't forget to generate and store that PKCE code verifier and challenge. It's like a secret handshake between you and Azure AD.

Handling the Callback

When the user comes back from their adventure in Azure AD land, grab that authorization code from the URL. It's your golden ticket!

const urlParams = new URLSearchParams(window.location.search);
const code = urlParams.get('code');

Now, let's trade that code for some shiny tokens:

const tokenResponse = await fetch('https://login.microsoftonline.com/${tenantId}/oauth2/v2.0/token', {
  method: 'POST',
  body: new URLSearchParams({
    client_id: clientId,
    scope: scopes,
    code: code,
    redirect_uri: redirectUri,
    grant_type: 'authorization_code',
    code_verifier: codeVerifier
  })
});

Token Management

Congrats! You've got your access and refresh tokens. Store them somewhere safe (but not too safe, you'll need them soon).

When that access token starts feeling a bit stale, it's refresh time:

const refreshTokenResponse = await fetch('https://login.microsoftonline.com/${tenantId}/oauth2/v2.0/token', {
  method: 'POST',
  body: new URLSearchParams({
    client_id: clientId,
    scope: scopes,
    refresh_token: refreshToken,
    grant_type: 'refresh_token'
  })
});

Making Authenticated Requests to Intune API

Now for the fun part! Let's use that access token to make some API calls:

const response = await fetch('https://graph.microsoft.com/beta/deviceManagement/managedDevices', {
  headers: {
    'Authorization': `Bearer ${accessToken}`
  }
});

If you get a 401, don't panic! It's just time for a token refresh.

Security Considerations

Remember, with great power comes great responsibility. Keep those tokens safe, use HTTPS, and always be on the lookout for potential security issues.

Error Handling and Edge Cases

Things don't always go smoothly, so be prepared to handle common auth flow errors. Your users will thank you for the smooth experience.

Testing and Debugging

Testing auth flows can be tricky, but tools like Postman and the Azure AD token debugger can be your best friends. Don't be afraid to roll up your sleeves and dive into those network requests!

Conclusion

And there you have it! You've just built a robust auth flow for your Microsoft Intune integration. Pat yourself on the back, you've earned it. From here, the sky's the limit for what you can do with the Intune API.

Additional Resources

Still hungry for more? Check out these resources:

Now go forth and build amazing things! Your Intune integration is going to knock their socks off. Happy coding!