Encountering a 403 error when attempting to modify a user using Azure Graph API

Other Questions API
1

I am attempting to perform a patch request to update an existing user’s information. I have already configured and consented to the required API permissions. However, I’m receiving the following error:

{
    "error": {
        "code": "Authorization_RequestDenied",
        "message": "Insufficient privileges to complete the operation.",
        "innerError": {
            "date": "2024-12-30T06:59:17",
            "request-id": "55f9f873-b7b3-424a-95ab-5b5f21e3593b",
            "client-request-id": "// wont show this"
        }
    }
}

I hold the global administrator role, which you can verify in the provided role screenshot. Additionally, I want to share a piece of code relevant to my implementation for context.

2

Hey Harry47,

Seems you have the correct role, but make sure you've granted all necessary API permissions (like User.ReadWrite.All for updating users) in Azure portal. Also, confirm these permissions are granted for both admin and delegated scope, if applicable. Here’s a quick check:

// Check API permissions in Azure Portal // Azure Active Directory > App registrations > Your app > API permissions

If this doesn’t help, try re-consenting to the permissions just in case there was an oversight.

3

In addition to verifying the roles and API permissions, I'd recommend checking a few other key areas to resolve this 403 Forbidden error when using the Azure Graph API:

  • Token Scopes: Double-check that the token you're using includes all necessary scopes. If your application requires additional permissions, ensure these are included when acquiring the token.
  • Conditional Access Policies: Examine any Conditional Access Policies applied within your organization. Even with sufficient permissions and roles, policies could block specific operations under certain conditions.
  • API Throttling: Although less likely in this case, confirm your application isn't being throttled by Azure. Look into request patterns or use the Retry-After header provided by the API to manage requests better.

Here's a small example of obtaining a token with required scopes using MSAL in a Node.js application:

const msal = require('@azure/msal-node');

const config = {
auth: {
clientId: process.env.CLIENT_ID,
authority: process.env.AUTHORITY_URL,
clientSecret: process.env.CLIENT_SECRET,
},
};

const cca = new msal.ConfidentialClientApplication(config);

async function getAccessToken() {
const request = {
scopes: [‘https://graph.microsoft.com/.default’],
};

try {
const response = await cca.acquireTokenByClientCredential(request);
return response.accessToken;
} catch (error) {
console.error(error);
}
}

Checking these additional aspects should help in solving the permission issue. If problems persist, reviewing the Azure AD audit logs may give you additional insights into the failure reasons.

4

Hi Harry47,

In addition to the suggestions already provided, here's a structured approach to troubleshoot the issue further:

  • Permission Verification: Double-check in the Azure portal that the User.ReadWrite.All permission is consented under both Application and Delegated scopes for the AAD app. Admin consent might be required.
  • Access Token Scope: Ensure that the access token request explicitly includes the needed API scopes. Review the token's payload in a JWT decoder to see what's included.
  • Role Assignment: Verify that your global admin role is active and has not been overridden or expired. Consider refreshing the session.
  • Check Audit Logs: The Azure AD audit logs could provide insights into access denial. Look for any entries related to denials.

Additionally, you might find this example useful to request a token with specific scopes in Node.js:

const msal = require('@azure/msal-node');

const cca = new msal.ConfidentialClientApplication({
auth: {
clientId: process.env.CLIENT_ID,
authority: process.env.AUTHORITY_URL,
clientSecret: process.env.CLIENT_SECRET,
},
});

async function getAccessToken() {
const request = {
scopes: [‘https://graph.microsoft.com/User.ReadWrite.All’],
};
try {
const response = await cca.acquireTokenByClientCredential(request);
return response.accessToken;
} catch (error) {
console.error(error);
}
}

By following these steps, you can streamline troubleshooting and likely resolve the 403 error.

5

Hey Harry47,

Ensure that the User.ReadWrite.All permission is consented for both application and delegated scopes in the Azure portal. Verify roles aren’t overridden or expired. Also, check token scopes — your access token must include needed scopes. Re-consent permissions if necessary.

If all seems fine, dive into Conditional Access Policies or your access patterns to see if there are restrictions. Try examining the Azure AD audit logs for more details on the 403 denial.

If you're using Node.js, here's a snippet to get a token with required scopes:

const msal = require('@azure/msal-node');

const config = {
auth: {
clientId: process.env.CLIENT_ID,
authority: process.env.AUTHORITY_URL,
clientSecret: process.env.CLIENT_SECRET,
},
};

const cca = new msal.ConfidentialClientApplication(config);

async function getAccessToken() {
const request = {
scopes: [‘https://graph.microsoft.com/User.ReadWrite.All’],
};

try {
const response = await cca.acquireTokenByClientCredential(request);
return response.accessToken;
} catch (error) {
console.error(error);
}
}

These steps should aim to resolve your permission issue.

6

Hi Harry47,

In your situation of encountering a 403 Forbidden error with the Azure Graph API, I'd suggest examining a few additional areas beyond the already mentioned permissions and roles:

  • Service Principal Expiration: Verify if the service principal associated with your application hasn’t expired or been disabled. This can prevent needed permissions from being applied correctly.
  • APIs in Use: Confirm that you are using the correct API endpoint for user modifications and that it is actively supported by Azure Graph. Sometimes APIs are deprecated or have changed paths.
  • Graph SDK Version: Ensure you are using the latest version of the Microsoft Graph SDK in your application. Outdated SDK versions might not support the latest endpoints and features.
  • Network Configuration: Check for network constraints or firewall settings that might be preventing your request from reaching the Graph API. Sometimes, internal network policies might block outgoing calls.

Additionally, ensure your request complies with the necessary syntax and headers in the PATCH operation. It’s also beneficial to inspect the token acquired using tools like jwt.ms to verify all intended scopes and claims are present. If issues persist, Azure support or your internal IT team may assist in deeper troubleshooting using detailed access logs and network traces.

Addressing these points might uncover underlying issues related to your 403 error.