David Martin watched his well-hit goal-bound volley deflect off of David Raven on 27 minutes in the first real chance of the game. The visitors enjoyed a healthy spell of possession in the first half with the Lions midfield backing off but the Cumbrians were unable to carve out a sight at goal.
Gary Alexander should have put the hosts in front on 32 minutes when he latched onto Lewis Grabban's reverse pass but Carlisle keeper Tim Krul did well to smother the striker's tame effort. Centre-half Paul Robinson then flashed a volley just over the bar as the first half drew to an unspectacular end.
Experienced Carlisle midfielder Graham Kavanagh tried his luck from distance as the second half ignited having caught David Forde off of his line only to watch his effort glide over the bar.
The Lions then had three brilliant chances in as many minutes with Alexander blazing a volley over the bar with only the goalkeeper to beat from six yards. Grabban's tricky run down the right saw the youngster rattle the post just 60 seconds before Neil Harris watched his lofted effort beat Krul only to land on the roof of the Carlisle net.
Carlisle were clinging on towards the end and looked content with the point for their long journey home before Leeds' on-loan striker Kandol ruined their evening. The Congolese international popped up after Harris had headed Chris Hackett's cross into the danger area with the United defence all at sea.