Leeds United have been the better team at the Riverside Stadium but Middlesbrough have managed to get to the break on level terms.
The hosts had the first effort on goal when Rhys Williams got on the end of Grant Leadbitter's free kick, but his effort was too high.
However, Neil Warnock's men then gained the upper hand, with David Norris twice going close to breaking the deadlock.
Luke Varney was next to try his luck after he had linked up with Steve Morison, while Ross McCormack saw his shot cleared off the line.