Secure MCP backend service for Microsoft Graph API access via Azure Functions
MCPAuthFuncapp
Overview
This Azure Function App implements a secure Model Context Protocol (MCP) backend service with Azure Active Directory authentication. It provides authenticated access to Microsoft Graph API through Azure API Management (APIM) and supports OAuth On-Behalf-Of (OBO) token exchange.
Architecture
[Client App] → [APIM Gateway] → [Azure Functions] → [Microsoft Graph API]
↓ ↓ ↓ ↓
Bearer Token → OBO Exchange → Graph Token → User Data
Features
Authentication Flow
- OAuth 2.0 On-Behalf-Of Flow: APIM policies automatically exchange user bearer tokens for Microsoft Graph API access tokens
- Azure AD Integration: Seamless authentication with Azure Active Directory
- Token Validation: Automatic token validation and refresh handled by APIM policies
Available Endpoints
/hello- Simple greeting endpoint- Returns personalized greeting message
- Supports both query parameters and JSON body input
/echo- Request echo service- Returns the exact request body sent
- Useful for testing and debugging
/tools- MCP tools discovery- Returns available tools and their schemas
- Supports Model Context Protocol standards
/me- User profile retrieval- Requires Authentication: Bearer token in Authorization header
- Retrieves authenticated user's profile from Microsoft Graph API
- Automatic token exchange via APIM OBO flow
/status- Health check endpoint- Service status and authentication state
- Returns user context information
Security Features
- Token-based Authentication: All sensitive endpoints require valid Bearer tokens
- APIM Policy Protection: OAuth policies protect against unauthorized access
- Pre-authorized Applications: Configured OAuth consent for trusted applications
- Secure Token Exchange: On-Behalf-Of flow maintains security boundaries
APIM Policies
The included APIM policies provide:
- OAuth Authentication: Validates incoming bearer tokens
- Token Exchange: Automatic OBO flow for Microsoft Graph access
- Error Handling: Comprehensive error responses for authentication failures
- Security Headers: Proper CORS and security headers
Configuration
Environment Variables (replace placeholders)
{{CLIENT_ID_PLACEHOLDER}}- Azure AD Application ID{{CLIENT_SECRET_PLACEHOLDER}}- Azure AD Client Secret{{TENANT_ID_PLACEHOLDER}}- Azure AD Tenant ID{{APIM_GATEWAY_URL}}- APIM Gateway URL
Pre-authorized Applications
Configured in preauth.json for OAuth consent bypass (excluded from repository for security).
Development
Prerequisites
- Python 3.9+
- Azure Functions Core Tools
- Azure CLI
- Valid Azure AD App Registration
Local Development
# Install dependencies
pip install -r requirements.txt
# Start local development server
func start
Deployment
- Deploy Azure Function App
- Configure APIM with included policy files
- Update policy placeholders with actual values
- Configure OAuth app registration and permissions
MCP Integration
This service is designed to work as a backend for Model Context Protocol implementations, providing:
- Authenticated Microsoft Graph API access
- Tool discovery and execution
- Secure user context management
Security Notes
⚠️ Important:
- Never commit actual secrets, IDs, or tokens to version control
- Use Azure Key Vault for production secret management
- Regularly rotate client secrets and review OAuth permissions
- Monitor APIM analytics for unusual access patterns
Tools (5)
helloReturns a personalized greeting message.echoReturns the exact request body sent for testing and debugging.toolsReturns available tools and their schemas.meRetrieves the authenticated user's profile from Microsoft Graph API.statusReturns service status, authentication state, and user context information.Environment Variables
CLIENT_IDrequiredAzure AD Application IDCLIENT_SECRETrequiredAzure AD Client SecretTENANT_IDrequiredAzure AD Tenant IDAPIM_GATEWAY_URLrequiredAPIM Gateway URLConfiguration
{"mcpServers": {"mcp-auth-funcapp": {"command": "python", "args": ["path/to/your/app.py"], "env": {"CLIENT_ID": "your-client-id", "CLIENT_SECRET": "your-client-secret", "TENANT_ID": "your-tenant-id", "APIM_GATEWAY_URL": "your-apim-url"}}}}