diff --git a/cloud_storage/__init__.py b/cloud_storage/__init__.py
index 45fc226..3a2ec68 100644
--- a/cloud_storage/__init__.py
+++ b/cloud_storage/__init__.py
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 # Copyright (c) 2024, AgriTheory and contributors
 # For license information, please see license.txt
 
-__version__ = "15.7.2"
+__version__ = "15.7.3"
 
 
 import frappe.desk.form.load
diff --git a/cloud_storage/cloud_storage/overrides/file.py b/cloud_storage/cloud_storage/overrides/file.py
index b509f34..94c9c74 100644
--- a/cloud_storage/cloud_storage/overrides/file.py
+++ b/cloud_storage/cloud_storage/overrides/file.py
@@ -53,7 +53,9 @@ def validate(self) -> None:
 		PATH: frappe/core/doctype/file/file.py
 		METHOD: validate
 		"""
-		self.associate_files()
+		# guard against recursion: associate_files() can save another File, re-entering validate
+		if not self.flags.associating_files:
+			self.associate_files()
 		if self.flags.cloud_storage or self.flags.ignore_file_validate:
 			return
 		if not self.is_remote_file:
@@ -228,10 +230,16 @@ def associate_files(
 			existing_file = frappe.get_doc("File", associated_doc)
 			existing_file.attached_to_doctype = attached_to_doctype
 			existing_file.attached_to_name = attached_to_name
-			existing_file.append(
-				"file_association",
-				add_child_file_association(attached_to_doctype, attached_to_name),
+			already_linked = any(
+				assoc.link_doctype == attached_to_doctype and assoc.link_name == attached_to_name
+				for assoc in existing_file.file_association
 			)
+			if not already_linked:
+				existing_file.append(
+					"file_association",
+					add_child_file_association(attached_to_doctype, attached_to_name),
+				)
+			existing_file.flags.associating_files = True
 			existing_file.save()
 		else:
 			if self.file_association: