There were early chances for both sides, Chris Iwelumo heading over for the home team and former Addicks striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink forcing a fine save from Charlton goalkeeper Nicky Weaver.
Despite having plenty of possession, Cardiff never really threatened the Charlton goal and the home side struck twice with perfect timing right on half-time, both goals coming in the 45th minute.
Andy Reid's free-kick hit the Cardiff defensive wall and fell into the path of Charlton on-loan defender Sam Sodje and he scored his first goal for the club, whilst his younger brother was also finding the net for Sheffield Wednesday.
The Cardiff defence was again caught napping when they failed to clear Danny Mills' long ball forward and Iwelumo pounced to rifle the ball home for his third goal in his last three games.
Apart from a Hasselbaink header, Cardiff showed very little up front and Charlton made absolutely sure of the points with 11 minutes remaining.
Another well-flighted free-kick from their inspirational captain Reid was headed into the net by Zhi Zheng from a completely unmarked position.
It was all gloom and doom a few weeks ago as Charlton lost three successive matches in seven days, now they have reversed that poor form with this trio of victories, which will delight manager Alan Pardew.
But Cardiff's inconsistent form will continue to worry boss Dave Jones and they will need to show a much better cutting-edge if they are to progress up the table.