Charlton, who have been shipping goals at an alarming rate recently, took a far more cautious approach than of late and achieved the first clean sheet in 11 Premiership games.
Sunderland's plight is already looking hopeless and manager Mick McCarthy's return to South London turned into another nightmare.
The game had barely started when Black Cats defender Gary Breen had to clear off the line from Darren Bent, but the predatory Charlton striker, who scored twice for the Addicks in the 3-0 win on the opening day of the season at the Stadium Of Light, put his team ahead just before half-time.
The Sunderland defence failed to clear Danny Murphy's ball and Bent went clear of the defence to hammer the ball home.
Charlton keeper Dean Kiely made a good save from Liam Lawrence but the three points looked secure for Charlton with a crucial second goal just after the break.
Following some kamikaze defending by Sunderland, who saw the ball ricochet back off the post from their own defender Stephen Caldwell before Darren Ambrose finally put the ball into the net.
Kiely had to make two more fine saves from Julio Arca and Jon Stead shot just wide for the visitors, but Charlton were content to play out the game and get their own season back on track.
Man of the Match: Dean Kiely - The home goalkeeper had to make a number of fine saves to ensure his side ended their dreadful recent run with a hard-fought victory.