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Unlocking DUDE: A Guide to Dynamic User and Device Enumeration

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by

Driek Desmet
in , , ,

Introduction to DUDE

Managing users and devices in modern IT environments can be challenging due to the growing number of endpoints, hybrid work setups, and security demands. Traditional methods of user and device enumeration often involve manual checks, which are time-consuming and prone to errors. Dynamic User and Device Enumeration (DUDE) addresses this need by automating data retrieval using PowerShell and Microsoft Graph API, offering a streamlined approach to IT management that saves time and enhances accuracy.

Use Cases for DUDE

DUDE can be used to:

  • Automate Device Management: Easily gather data on all devices and users, enhancing your IT inventory management.
  • Security Monitoring: Quickly identify devices that do not comply with security policies.
  • Compliance Reporting: Generate reports that ensure all devices meet compliance requirements without manual checks.

Authors Behind DUDE

DUDE was developed by experts in the Microsoft community who specialize in IT management, PowerShell scripting, and automation. One of the key authors is Daniel Petri, known for his deep knowledge of Microsoft environments and practical tools that address everyday IT challenges. The team’s focus is on creating scripts and tools that enhance the efficiency of IT administrators, making complex tasks simpler and more automated. Their expertise ensures that DUDE is a reliable solution for dynamic user and device enumeration in Microsoft environments.

DUDE Architecture Overview

DUDE operates at the center of several key Microsoft services, creating a dynamic ecosystem for managing and monitoring users and devices:

  1. Azure AD Users: DUDE retrieves information about users from Azure Active Directory, ensuring that user details are up-to-date and accurate.
  2. Conditional Access Policies: It checks the application of Conditional Access policies, ensuring devices meet security requirements.
  3. Devices: DUDE enumerates all registered devices, providing detailed insights into their compliance and management status.
  4. Devices Tags: It manages device tagging, crucial for categorizing and applying policies to different device groups.
  5. Users with PRT: DUDE identifies users with Primary Refresh Tokens (PRT), enhancing session management.
  6. Defender for Endpoint: Integrates with Microsoft Defender to monitor device security status, helping identify and mitigate risks.

DUDE Function App Setup

A crucial component of DUDE’s architecture is the Azure Function App. This serverless platform allows you to run scripts in the cloud, automating the enumeration process without the need for dedicated infrastructure. The Function App is configured to execute PowerShell scripts and interact with Microsoft Graph API, enabling real-time data retrieval and updates.

Steps for Setting Up the Function App:

  1. Create the Function App in Azure: Set up a serverless environment where scripts can run automatically.
  2. Configure PowerShell Execution: Deploy the DUDE PowerShell script within the Function App to pull data from Azure AD.
  3. Secure API Permissions: Grant the necessary permissions for the Function App to interact with Microsoft Graph securely.

This setup not only automates the enumeration process but also ensures that your data is continually refreshed and available whenever needed.

Licensing Requirements

To use DUDE effectively, the following licenses are typically required:

  • Microsoft 365 E3 or E5: Provides access to basic device and user management features.
  • Azure AD Premium P1 or P2: Needed for advanced security features like conditional access.
  • Graph API Licensing: Some calls to Graph API may require specific permissions and appropriate licensing, which should be configured through Azure AD.

Getting Started with DUDE

Here’s a basic guide to help you get started with DUDE:

Step 1: Setting Up Your Environment

  • Ensure you have PowerShell installed with the latest version.
  • Set up access to Microsoft Graph API by registering an application in Azure Active Directory.

Step 2: Script Installation and Execution

  • Download the DUDE PowerShell script from a reliable source.
  • Customize the script according to your organization’s needs, specifying the type of data you want to enumerate.

Step 3: Running the Script

  • Run the script in PowerShell, ensuring you have the necessary permissions.
  • Review the output to analyze device and user data.

Example Command

# Basic DUDE enumeration command
.\DUDE.ps1 -EnumerateDevices -OutputFormat CSV

Most Useful DUDE Commands and Real-Life Scenarios

Here are some commonly used commands and examples of how they can be applied in real IT admin scenarios:

  • Enumerate All Users:
    Scenario: An IT admin needs to audit all Azure AD users to identify inactive accounts or those with unusual login patterns. This command provides a quick overview, saving hours compared to manual checks.
.\DUDE.ps1 -EnumerateUsers
  • Enumerate Devices by Compliance:
    Scenario: After a policy change, an admin needs to quickly identify devices that do not meet new compliance standards. DUDE can list non-compliant devices, allowing immediate remediation.
.\DUDE.ps1 -EnumerateDevices -ComplianceStatus "NonCompliant"
  • List Devices with Specific Tags:
    Scenario: To streamline management, devices are tagged by department. This command helps admins pull reports on department-specific devices, facilitating targeted support or policy application.
.\DUDE.ps1 -EnumerateDevices -Tag "HRDepartment"
  • Identify Users with PRT:
    Scenario: During a security audit, identifying users with Primary Refresh Tokens can help IT admins ensure that session management policies are being correctly applied, reducing security risks.
.\DUDE.ps1 -EnumerateUsers -WithPRT

Conclusion

DUDE offers a dynamic approach to managing and monitoring your organization’s devices and users, saving valuable time for IT teams. By automating the data retrieval process, DUDE enhances your ability to maintain security, compliance, and operational efficiency.

For more information and to access DUDE, visit the original article.