A long-range strike by Grant Leadbitter in the 89th minute gave the hosts a glimmer of hope that they could rescue a point, but Rovers held firm under pressure to secure the victory.
It was a case of too little too late for the Black Cats, who had more than matched their opponents in the opening half of the Premier League clash.
But defensive errors were to prove costly for the hosts as they were caught napping in the second half.
Blackburn made the most of the mistakes and cruised into a two-goal lead as David Bentley and Roque Santa Cuz found the target.
Early on the game was played at a high tempo, but neither side could either dominate possession or test the opposition keeper.
Sunderland's Craig Gordon dealt with long-range efforts from Bentley and David Dunn with ease.
The best chance of the half fell to Rovers striker Matt Derbyshire, who should have tested the Black Cats keeper when he was presented with a lucky break on 40 minutes.
A long shot from team-mate hit the Blackburn forward before ricocheting off defender Nyron Nosworthy and falling kindly for Derbyshire, who hooked his shot wide.
Brad Friedel in the visitors' goal was hardly overrun either, although the American was called on in the dying moments of the opening half.
A through ball by Liam Miller was chased down by Michael Chopra. Friedel came of his line quickly and the Sunderland striker went down under his challenge, but his appeals for a penalty were rightly turned down.
Replays showed that Friedel had in fact made contact with the ball before the player.
There was little else of note in a first half which lacked any real spark in the final third, although the football was end to end.
Blackburn came out with intent after the break and got their rewards on 53 minutes when Bentley fired home.
Santa Cruz's shot hit both Danny Higginbotham and Nosworthy before falling to Bentley, who fired home to give his side the lead.
Less than 60 seconds later the Black Cats trailed 2-0 as a woeful backpass by Danny Higginbotham let in Brett Emerton.
His effort was initially saved by Gordon, but the ball bounced up invitingly for the Australian and he headed into the centre of goal where Santa Cruz was waiting to apply the finishing touch.
The Black Cats had a slim chance of getting something from the game when Leadbitter struck late on, but an equaliser would have been tough on Rovers, who were worthy winners.