Tutorial / Cram Notes
Privileged Endpoints (PEPs) play a vital role in the management and maintenance of an Azure Stack Hub environment. These special endpoints provide a highly secure interface for Azure Stack operators to perform system-level administrative functions that are not exposed through the user portal. When you’re done performing tasks on a PEP, it’s critical to correctly close the session to maintain the security and integrity of your Azure Stack Hub.
Understanding Privileged Endpoint Sessions
A privileged endpoint session is established using a remote PowerShell session. This method of connecting to the Azure Stack Hub allows you to execute commands that are necessary for maintenance and operation, but it could pose a potential security risk if left open.
Steps to Close a Session
Here’s how to close a session on a privileged endpoint:
- Completing Tasks: Before closing the session, ensure that all your necessary tasks have been completed and that you don’t need to perform any further actions using the endpoint.
- Terminating the PowerShell Session: If you’ve connected to the PEP using the Enter-PSSession command, you can terminate the session using the
Exit-PSSessioncommand. Alternatively, if you initiated a session using theNew-PSSessioncommand, you must end it using theRemove-PSSessioncommand.For Example:
Exit-PSSession
Remove-PSSession -Session $session
- Remote Desktop Sessions: If you have accessed the PEP using a Remote Desktop session, be sure to properly log off rather than just closing the remote desktop window. This ensures the session is closed securely and completely from the server’s perspective:
- You can log off from a session by going to the Start menu and selecting “Log off.”
- Verifying Session Closure:
- Post-session termination, it’s prudent to verify that the session is indeed closed to avoid any dangling sessions that might be exploited.
For Example:
Get-PSSession
Get-PSSession | Remove-PSSession
Security Best Practices
- Limiting Access: Only a limited number of individuals should have access to the PEP, and all access should be logged and audited regularly.
- Session Timeouts: Configure automatic session timeouts as a preventative measure to ensure sessions do not remain open due to user oversight.
- Compliance: Ensure all closure processes are in line with organizational policies and compliance requirements.
In summary, while the Privileged Endpoint is a powerful tool within Azure Stack Hub for system-level tasks, considerable emphasis must be placed on the secure management of PEP sessions. Closing sessions properly is a critical step to secure the Azure Stack Hub environment and should be a routine practice ingrained in the day-to-day operations.
Practice Test with Explanation
True or False: To close the session on the privileged endpoint in Azure Stack Hub, simply logging off the remote desktop session is sufficient.
- Answer: False
Explanation: Logging off the remote desktop session does not properly close the session on the privileged endpoint. You must run Exit-PSSession or `exit` to close the PowerShell session correctly.
Which command is used to close the session on the privileged endpoint in Azure Stack Hub?
- A) Stop-Session
- B) Disconnect-AzureStack
- C) Exit-PSSession
- D) Close-PrivilegedEndpoint
Answer: C) Exit-PSSession
Explanation: Exit-PSSession is the command used to close the session on the privileged endpoint after you have completed the tasks that required privileged access.
True or False: Closing the session on the privileged endpoint will automatically revoke all temporary permissions granted during the session.
- Answer: True
Explanation: Closing the session on the privileged endpoint helps to ensure that all temporary permissions granted for that particular session are revoked and that the system remains secure.
Which of these actions are recommended upon completion of tasks in the privileged endpoint? (Select two)
- A) Run `exit`
- B) Restart the Azure Stack Hub physical server
- C) Clear the PowerShell history
- D) Delete the user account used for accessing the privileged endpoint
Answer: A) Run `exit` and C) Clear the PowerShell history
Explanation: Running `exit` will close the session on the privileged endpoint, and clearing the PowerShell history is a good security practice to prevent any reuse of sensitive commands that were entered.
True or False: It is recommended to keep the privileged endpoint session open and idle for an extended period for quick access in the future.
- Answer: False
Explanation: It is not recommended to leave the privileged endpoint session open and idle because it increases the risk of unauthorized access. Sessions should be closed when not in use.
In Azure Stack Hub, what PowerShell cmdlet is used to initiate a session to the privileged endpoint?
- A) Open-PrivilegedEndpoint
- B) Start-AzureStackSession
- C) Enter-AzureStackPrivilegedEndpoint
- D) New-PSSession
Answer: D) New-PSSession
Explanation: New-PSSession is the cmdlet used generally in PowerShell to establish a new session, which includes creating sessions to the privileged endpoint in Azure Stack Hub.
True or False: You need to be connected to the internet to close the session on the privileged endpoint in Azure Stack Hub.
- Answer: False
Explanation: Closing the session on the privileged endpoint does not require an internet connection, as it is an internal operation within the Azure Stack Hub environment.
What level of access is required to successfully run Exit-PSSession on the privileged endpoint in Azure Stack Hub?
- A) Operator
- B) Owner
- C) Contributor
- D) Reader
Answer: A) Operator
Explanation: Operator-level access is required to perform actions on the privileged endpoint, including properly closing the session using Exit-PSSession.
True or False: When a privileged endpoint session is closed improperly, it can cause memory leaks and potential performance issues on the Azure Stack Hub.
- Answer: True
Explanation: Improperly closing sessions can lead to memory leaks and other resource utilization issues, which may ultimately impact the performance of Azure Stack Hub.
What should you do if you want to make sure you left no sessions open on the privileged endpoint?
- A) Restart the Azure Resource Manager (ARM) service.
- B) Use the Get-PSSession cmdlet and close any remaining sessions.
- C) Physically turn off the Azure Stack Hub hardware.
- D) Do nothing, as sessions will auto-close after a timeout period.
Answer: B) Use the Get-PSSession cmdlet and close any remaining sessions.
Explanation: Using the Get-PSSession cmdlet will show any open sessions, and then you can close them with the Remove-PSSession cmdlet, ensuring there are no unintended open sessions on the privileged endpoint.
Interview Questions
What is the privileged endpoint in Azure Stack?
The privileged endpoint in Azure Stack is a secure, command-line interface (CLI) that provides access to the underlying infrastructure.
Why is it important to close a session on the privileged endpoint?
Closing a session on the privileged endpoint is important to prevent unauthorized access or changes to your environment.
How can I close a session on the privileged endpoint in Azure Stack?
You can close a session on the privileged endpoint in Azure Stack by using the “Close-PrivilegedEndpoint” PowerShell command.
How do I connect to the privileged endpoint in Azure Stack?
You can connect to the privileged endpoint in Azure Stack by using the “Enter-PSSession -ComputerName
What happens if I don’t close the session on the privileged endpoint?
If a session is not closed properly, the connection will remain open and the administrator will still have access to your Azure Stack environment.
How can I monitor for open sessions on the privileged endpoint in Azure Stack?
You can use the “Get-PSSession” PowerShell command to check for open sessions on the privileged endpoint in Azure Stack.
What are some best practices for using the privileged endpoint in Azure Stack?
Best practices for using the privileged endpoint in Azure Stack include limiting its use, monitoring for open sessions, and using secure authentication methods.
How can I limit the use of the privileged endpoint in Azure Stack?
You can limit the use of the privileged endpoint in Azure Stack by controlling access to it and providing training and guidance to your administrators on how to use it properly.
What types of tasks can be performed on the privileged endpoint in Azure Stack?
The privileged endpoint in Azure Stack can be used to perform tasks and configurations that are not available through the Azure Stack portal.
How can I ensure the security of my Azure Stack environment when using the privileged endpoint?
To ensure the security of your Azure Stack environment when using the privileged endpoint, it is important to follow best practices, provide proper training and guidance to your administrators, and use secure authentication methods.
Great post! Thanks for the detailed steps on how to close the session on the privileged endpoint for the AZ-600 exam.
Can someone explain why it’s critical to close the session on the privileged endpoint after performing administrative tasks?
I followed the steps, but I’m getting an error when trying to close the session. Any suggestions?
This helped me clear a lot of doubts regarding the AZ-600 exam. Appreciate it!
Closing the session immediately after tasks is a key security practice. Always make it a habit.
The process to close the session seems straightforward, but any tips for automation to ensure it’s always done?
Why do I need to close a session if I’m the only admin in the environment?
Just wanted to say thanks, this blog post is really helpful!