Both teams moved another point clear of the relegation zone, but neither took full advantage of Dundees United's defeat at Hibs as Livingston failed to hold on to their lead for more than a minute, and Dunfermline were denied by a late save.
But with just one defeat in five games Livingston have found some momentum at the right time, and new signing Hassan Kachloul claimed instant hero status when he fired Livingston ahead with his first touch of the ball.
Dunfermline have now gone six matches without a win and started like a team that knows it has been dragged into relegation trouble.
Dunfermline's Derek Young's cross found Andy Tod, who stooped low to head against the post from six yards. Dunfermline kept up the pressure with long-range efforts from Simon Donnelly and Young.
Defender Emmanuel Dorado had the Livingston supporters panicking with a headed pass-back whick almost found his own net.
Livingston's first worthwhile attack ought to have put them ahead after 18 miutes, but after youngsters Robert Snodgrass and James McPake had set up Burton O' Brien, the skipper pulled a left-foot half-volley wide.
The next chance fell to the visitors, and goalkeeper Roddy McKenzie needed to come quickly off his line to prevent Donnelly latching on to Scott M Thomson's head flick.
Derek Stillie made an even better save for Dunfermline early in the second half when he bravely dived in to beat McPake and Colin McMenamin to a 50/50 ball.
The game finally came to life and a driving run from O'Brien ended with Stillie producing another important stop.
At the other end terrific defending by Eric Deloumeaux and Jason Dair denied substute Noel Hunt
Livingston boss Richard Gough brought on his two new boys with less than 20 minutes left, and although Pascal Nouma was soon booked he then earned the free-kick which Kachloul curled overr the wall and into the top corner of the net .
Dunfermline were level within 60 seconds when Andrius Skerla joined the attack set up Noel Hunt for a fierce low shot past McKenzie.
McKenzie then pulled off an amazing save from Young to deny Dunfermline.