A dull first half saw Cardiff emerge the better side as they missed several useful chances, while at the other end the Eagles failed to get one shot on target.
The Bluebirds best chance fell to defender Roger Johnson on the half hour.
Tony Capaldi's long free-kick was launched into the Palace goalmouth and fell perfectly for Johnson, but his downward header was brilliantly turned round the post by Julian Speroni.
Palace's Argentinian keeper had to watch anxiously as Riccardo Scimeca shot just wide of the upright, while Paul Parry also had a good chance but fired it over the top.
Trevor Sinclair shot a yard wide before Clinton Morrison headed a half chance from Carl Fletcher's cross wide for Palace.
After the break Parry missed a glorious chance to fire Cardiff in front after Fletcher lost out in midfield.
The Wales winger did all the hard work as he accelerated into the penalty area but then shot wide of the mark.
Kevin McNaughton made a tremendous run from inside his own half and, without Palace putting in a challenge, he ended up blasting over the bar from 15yards out.
Palace had a huge let off on 75 minutes when substitute Aaron Ramsey struck the foot of the post with a firm 15-yard shot.
At the other end Morrison missed a golden chance to put Palace in front but his effort from Ben Watson's free-kick flew over the cross bar.
Palace were looking a much better side and Neil Warnock's substitutions were all making a difference, but despite Palace's pressure in those 15 minutes, Cardiff held out for their share of the spoils.